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Jason, I may end up buying one soon, at least when we get to the point of working around more people. There really aren't that many people out and about- I made it sound like we'd be walking down a Mardi Gras street. There are too many people and dogs around *for his level of comfort,* but in reality we don't see that many most days. If that were the case, we'd have a muzzle. A nice wire basket one. But I think his ideal world consists of just us.
We do some clicker training but often times it's marker training with his toy (same idea, different tools). This is what is helping a lot now and I should have started it earlier. I'm sure this is going to be a big part of the program. I do make it a point to go out when there are distractions with a bag of hot dogs or whatever else he wants and just train whatever. I think I get more out of him with his toy, though. Yesterday I brought him out when there were a bunch of teens by the pool and we worked on fuß and the off leash chocolate lab came out across the street and though he wanted to focus on her, he was very willing to come back and work more for the toy.
As for getting him used to the muzzle, I was thinking of dipping the nose end in peanut butter every time I put it on so he can busy himself with licking it clean.
Oh yes, and a slow intro, clicker, etc.
Honestly, I'm going to have more problems measuring him than putting the darn muzzle on.
Any ideas? He's about 50-55 lbs and has a GSD head but a slighty wide and square muzzle. Looks like a GSD unless you're up close. Though I think a small GSD female-sized one ought to fit..