[Lara's mom]

I honestly never thought I'd see the day when I'd have to muzzle one of my dogs. Bailey is my almost 13 year old Border Collie X. She has always been the nicest, most friendly and mellow dog you would ever want to meet. Until recently, she has never been involved in an altercation with another dog. Suddenly, within the last two weeks she attacked two different dogs for absolutely no reason. Both attacks were 100% her fault.

Thankfully, neither dog was injured. I took her to the vet after the first attack for a check-up and blood work just in case there was something physical causing her unusual behaviour. Bailey is perfectly healthy - amazingly so for her age. Her Dr. believes that because of her age, she's just getting "cranky". However, as far as I could tell, neither of these dogs did anything to annoy her. Bailey went after both of them.

Ontario has very strict rules about what are termed "vicious dogs." Not only could Bailey be seized and euthanized by Animal Control if she injured or accidentally killed another dog but, I could very well be sued.

There is no way that I would risk losing Bailey. She means the world to me. After thinking long and hard about it, I took her to our local pet store to have her fitted with a cloth muzzle. She hates it but, I'm hoping she'll get used to it. She gets treats before I put it on her and we always go for a walk when she is wearing it.

The only other alternative would be to keep her on a leash constantly and never let her interact with the other dogs, just in case she decided to attack one - there is absolutely no warning before it happens. I decided that the muzzle was the "lesser of two evils." It breaks my heart to do it to her but, it is the only way I can keep her safe. I'm wondering if she hasn't become overly protective of my little JRT and somehow feels that she needs to engage these dogs because of Lara.

Has anyone else encountered a similar problem with a senior dog? If so, how did you resolve it? I feel as if I'm still in shock and I feel guilty every time I put that damn muzzle on Bailey but, I just can't think of another option. I would appreciate any advice from the members.

[Lara's mom]

Bailey has learned very quickly that "being snarky" with other dogs in the park results in her having to wear her muzzle until we leave. Now, all I have to do is take it out of my pocket and show it to her and she immediately "adjusts her attitude."

[DoggieVogue]

Originally Posted by Lara's mom

Bailey has learned very quickly that "being snarky" with other dogs in the park results in her having to wear her muzzle until we leave. Now, all I have to do is take it out of my pocket and show it to her and she immediately "adjusts her attitude."

Its good to hear that she caught on to the muzzle so quick, and that you only have to show it to her now. I can't imagine how it would feel to have to muzzle my sweet little dog. I hope things continue to improve now!

[Lara's mom]

I can't even begin to describe it to you. First of all, the second people even see a muzzle, they assume you have some kind of rabid pit bull type dog that is going to tear them to bits at any moment. They will go out of their way to avoid you. It is NOT a nice feeling.

Secondly, she absolutely hates wearing that stupid muzzle which I can understand because it also leaves her defenseless if any dog decides to get nasty with her. Also, Bailey considers it her job to protect Lara from the big dogs which she can't do if she's wearing a muzzle.

Thankfully, Border Collies are very smart dogs and they seem to understand "cause and effect" very well. She has been VERY well behaved lately although she will still not let any of the big dogs get anywhere near Lara. Bailey knows she's afraid of them and she loves her little sister; her baby brother - not so much but, we're working on it.