[Help] Full time muzzling options https://ift.tt/eA8V8J We have an older large dog (10 yo, we have had him his whole life) who has recurrent, unpredictable biting of humans and other dogs. He has been doing this since he was a puppy. If I could describe them best I would say they are fear-based "charge and nips", then he turns and runs away (no "mauling", full-jaw bites or pursuit). Usual occurrence is when someone comes to our front door or is near our backyard, but again it's not consistent or predictable. If he was a smaller dog it would probably not be an issue due to low damage potential, but he is a large dog and he has broken skin multiple times (no serious injuries). Throughout his life we have tried hard to socialize him with other dogs and humans. I am a lifelong dog owner and have done rigorous clicker training with him. After one bite years ago we had him see a professional behavior therapist who had him at his place for 3 weeks with plenty of other dogs (no issues). We also escalated to E collar training. He has also been on medications which helped with his anxiety when needed. Honestly, all of this has really mellowed him out, he follows commands and overall is extremely sweet with our family and most every dog and human he meets once the initial "greeting period" is managed. Unfortunately, he keeps having these episodes - usually once per year or so despite everything we are doing to minimize risk. This time no one got seriously hurt, but if it would have been a child they could have been. So basically, we are running out of options. Based on my reading it seems most consistent with idiopathic aggression - again it's been lifelong, infrequent, unprovoked, and usually unpredictable despite our training. He is a part of our family, but has been the most difficult dog I have ever raised and I'm not sure my family is willing to keep rolling the dice on "getting lucky" with who he sporadically nips. He has enough of a human bite history that I doubt I could get a person to rehome him (or even if I did, would it be moral?). After long discussions with my wife, we are left with the heartbreaking option of euthanizing him, versus muzzling him throughout the day when the house is not locked up for the night. This would provide a near continuous physical barrier to him nipping - eliminating the risk prettymuch completely - while allowing him to drink water and accept treats. I am doing very careful muzzle acclimation and accommodation, and am currently using the Barkington Ultra muzzle which is light weight, breathable, and allows him to take treats and drink water. We are hoping it can be like "a pair of glasses" that he puts on in the morning after breakfast and takes off at night. I appreciate any advice, particularly on any muzzles that are comfortable and ok for long term use (I know that's not the intent of really any muzzles, but right now it's one of our last options). Any other thoughts on the situation would be appreciated. Thanks. dogs

We have an older large dog (10 yo, we have had him his whole life) who has recurrent, unpredictable biting of humans and other dogs. He has been doing this since he was a puppy. If I could describe them best I would say they are fear-based "charge and nips", then he turns and runs away (no "mauling", full-jaw bites or pursuit). Usual occurrence is when someone comes to our front door or is near our backyard, but again it's not consistent or predictable. If he was a smaller dog it would probably not be an issue due to low damage potential, but he is a large dog and he has broken skin multiple times (no serious injuries).Throughout his life we have tried hard to socialize him with other dogs and humans. I am a lifelong dog owner and have done rigorous clicker training with him. After one bite years ago we had him see a professional behavior therapist who had him at his place for 3 weeks with plenty of other dogs (no issues). We also escalated to E collar training. He has also been on medications which helped with his anxiety when needed. Honestly, all of this has really mellowed him out, he follows commands and overall is extremely sweet with our family and most every dog and human he meets once the initial "greeting period" is managed. Unfortunately, he keeps having these episodes - usually once per year or so despite everything we are doing to minimize risk. This time no one got seriously hurt, but if it would have been a child they could have been.So basically, we are running out of options. Based on my reading it seems most consistent with idiopathic aggression - again it's been lifelong, infrequent, unprovoked, and usually unpredictable despite our training. He is a part of our family, but has been the most difficult dog I have ever raised and I'm not sure my family is willing to keep rolling the dice on "getting lucky" with who he sporadically nips. He has enough of a human bite history that I doubt I could get a person to rehome him (or even if I did, would it be moral?).After long discussions with my wife, we are left with the heartbreaking option of euthanizing him, versus muzzling him throughout the day when the house is not locked up for the night. This would provide a near continuous physical barrier to him nipping - eliminating the risk prettymuch completely - while allowing him to drink water and accept treats. I am doing very careful muzzle acclimation and accommodation, and am currently using the Barkington Ultra muzzle which is light weight, breathable, and allows him to take treats and drink water. We are hoping it can be like "a pair of glasses" that he puts on in the morning after breakfast and takes off at night.I appreciate any advice, particularly on any muzzles that are comfortable and ok for long term use (I know that's not the intent of really any muzzles, but right now it's one of our last options). Any other thoughts on the situation would be appreciated.Thanks. via /r/dogs https://ift.tt/2NeTqWT