So after some setbacks this weekend it's come to the point where getting a muzzle for Kenzi has become necessary for some occasions.

What Happened: We've been working on her with other dogs by taking her to my parents house where my old dogs are since she is okay with those dogs for the most part. She's only really okay with my old male and tolerates my dad's female at least until yesterday. Kenzi is an instigator and picks at Heidi. Most of the time it's easy enough to get onto to Kenzi before anything starts but yesterday the stars didn't align and the two went at it ending with a bunch of holes poked down Heidi's head and side from Kenzi's teeth. Heidi is a 12 year old bird dog. She don't have the teeth nor the protective coat that Kenzi does so I'm thinking from now on Kenzi is going to have to be muzzled when she goes to my parents house.

The Question: She is a liability when there are other dogs around and I don't want to have to condemn her to always staying home just because other people bring their yappers where dogs are allowed at. She loves people and people always want to pet her and I fear by getting one of the bulky cage muzzles Kenzi is going to be miserable and people are going to be too scared to let their kids pet her. To be clear the only time the muzzle would be used would be in cases where there were a lot of dogs in a tight enough confine that we couldn't avoid close encounters like the park on some narrow trails or petco when I show up and their happens to be an adopt-a-thon going on (which seems to be all the time lately). And of course when I'm at my parents house. I'm leaning toward the soft muzzle but read on another thread that they can restrict panting. Could that be due to a sizing issue though? I guess after all this long winded typing my question is what muzzle would be best to get for the situation so that Kenzi isn't miserable, people aren't scared, and other dogs are safe?

There is a doberman that frequents the dog park I go to, she is usually okay, but has bitten other dogs out of fear (she's a bit timid), so she muzzles her just in case. She has a soft muzzle and it doesn't seem to bother the dog at all. I don't think you can really influence whether or not people are scared of her though, especially with children. If she's wearing a muzzle, than any kids parents are going to be cautious. I was terrified that dobbie would hurt Dizzy until I talked to the lady, and now I am okay with her and her dog. I even let Dizzy meet the dog when she was muzzled and she is okay with him, but for the most part the rest of the neighborhood kind of ostracizes her.

Sorry, but isn't Kenzi pretty young? I don't remember offhand.

She's between 3 and 4 years old, so young adult. Kenzi is a very dominant dog and bullies large dogs. If she was a human she would be that kid that calls you names, embarrasses you in public, picks on you constantly and then when you seem thoroughly miserable she would take you out back and pound your teeth into the sidewalk when no one's looking.

I've looked into the comfort muzzle which is more the subtle style I would rather had but all reviews said they were crap. I may just start with the soft muzzle and test it and if that doesn't work or if it seems like she needs more space, step up to the cage. They just look so heavy and bulky and hot so I would rather steer clear of them.

I haven't used muzzle, but I recall that fit is most important.

The other question is do you need to use it all the time, maybe only when she is going to be in close contact with other dogs. Otherwise, I think you are right in thinking people will be nervous and if she is not people aggressive, then that is a non-issue.

Only when going to be close to other dogs at places we don't have the space to avoid them. Certain parks with narrow walking paths where we might meet dogs, Petco, and my parents house.

We got just the simple mesh muzzles for my two my sisters pittie mix when I took them to a small dog event in chicago. The pit mix is fine with our family dogs but we found out dog aggressive others a week before so we got the muzzle for her and another one just incase her reaction set off my Bella who goes after Jasper when she gets too aggravated or way over excited. It didnt seem to restrict Honee's panting to much her tongue could still hang out of her mouth a bit. What we did was muzzle her when she started to get excited and snap and growl and though we werent there long we took her aside and took the muzzle off to drink and get a bit of freedom. I would start with the nylon or mesh muzzles first and go from there, I think you can get them cheaper offline ours just came from petco our petsmart didnt carry them and pet supplies plus pissed me off when I called asking about them and they kept telling me no we have no mesh or nylon puzzles what is that a f ferret toy? I dont know how.mqny times I told the guy for dogs to keep the dogs mouth shut so it cant bite not a puzzle a MMMuzzle. But I do think they have one there also.