Message Forums

My daughter has a lovely border terrier 'Rufus', he is such a cute sweet little thing.

The only problem is he wants to rip the throat out of every other living creature he meets, he doesn't mean them any harm he just feels the need to kill them, before being their friend.

After the inital meeting with another dog and inevitable blood bath he is fine and will happily play.

I am thinking of getting a muzzle for him, (the plastic cage type) so he can get to know other dogs without the blood and snot introduction.

Anyone had a similar problem and are muzzles any good?

PS he is fine with people, and loves children (but couldn't eat a full one)

Yes its definatly a behavioural problem, I don't think he has been with enough other animals as a puppy (he is 2 now). The problem is when they try to introduce him to other dogs it ends up in a fight. So now they avoid the issue.

I am thinking about using the muzzle so he cannot do much damage, and once he has got over the initial confrontation he will be OK. Hopefully the muzzle would not be needed.

When he is stripped he shows no aggression, doesn't like it but never tries to bite.

It is a good idea using the muzzle, until he learns the correct way to behave in the initial meeting of another dog.    

Going to an animal behaviourist/trainer will be a great idea.  Your dog has not learnt,  meet and greet k9 style yet.  Rufus is still behaving how he did as a young pup and not learnt.  With being 2 yrs old can just do a tad more damage.

2 year old dogs lol this age can be difficult.  They tend to try to push the barriers.  I call it "the delinquent stage"

Good luck.

heath63

The basket type would be the best, as it allows dogs to drink and breath easily less likely to over heat.

Black ones, which are material make, which keeps the mouth closed, are not recommended.   As dogs cannot drink or allows panting.  Should only be used at vets.

heath63

Thanks for all the advice, but some are misunderstanding, he has no aggression towards adults or children, quite the opposite, he's the softest pooch there is, he loves his tickles and cuddles, you can even take his food away while he is eating without a problem.

We have left him with friends who he did not know for a few days, and they have said what a nice dog he is to have around.

It is just other dogs for the first meeting, Fight.

Luckily he is quite small so it is very easy to control him, or even just pick him up, more embarrasing than anything.