My dog is on a lead at all times. But when you have a dog running up to you (which isn't on lead) it's not easy to keep them separated when the off lead owner won't call their dog back

Why would you want other dogs ( ones you don`t know) approach your DA dog.

How can a dog wearing a muzzle help you train him NOT to be so aggressive towards other dogs?

Unfortunately we live in the real world and not everyone does have that good a recall. And dogs are not robots, any dog can choose at any time to ignore a command. I didn't feel a friendly dog should pay the price for its owner not having control. But then my dog didn't give an inhibited bite, he bit hard and with very, very little warning. The muzzle made no difference to his confidence as I made sure to step in and defend him when it was needed.

I used to carry the muzzle with me at all times so I could put it on if we had to pass close to another dog or I saw someone with an off leash dog. I didn't like to have him muzzled at all times as it made him a target for the chavs with their well hard status dogs I saw a few other dog owners doing the same so I assume I wasn't the only to have the problem.

But what happens when that "friendly" dog is not friendly to another and bites, the old excuse, he never does that, will be used..

As you say, dogs are not robots, and ALL dogs at ANY time might decide to bite another depending on which way the wind is blowing.

We ALL cant be responsible for everyone else`s dogs, some have good recalls, some don`t , some are aggressive to other some are not, but ALL CAN do the unexpected at some time in their life.

We should look to our own, and be as best an owner as we can, keep DA dogs on a lead, when you need to, make sure you have a good enough recall to stop your friendly dog getting into mischief,

I have a DA dog, I do my bit, and I am not about to do others bit as well, I have enough doing mine.

Same old great logic from you there Gnasher. Your dog displays unwanted and potentially dangerous behaviour so instead of putting him on a lead to manage his behaviour, then training him out of it, you're going for the quick mix - slap a muzzle on and let hom continue to roam free. Yes, he may not be able to bite, but he could still seriously harm, or cause extreme stress/fear to a dog that he flattens. Take responsibility for your dog and put him on a longline. Yes, it's inconvenient, yes a big dog will give you an armache if he's pulling the end of the line, but other dogs have the right to walk past without your dog leaping on them. His behaviour, even with a muzzle, could seriously set back a fearful dog or cause bad injuries to a smaller/older/generally more fragile dog.

Also goes to show how well the shock collar has worked, huh?

Given the intensity of Ruperts bites I felt it sensible to muzzle him. And it wasn't a case of just muzzling him and then letting dogs approach, I did everything I could to prevent the other dog getting anywhere near him, just as I would have done if he hadn't been muzzled. No dog deserves to have its ear torn off or chunks taken out of it simply for approaching. Had Rupert not been so vicious with his attacks I may not have muzzled him, as you say it's not up to me to do everybody elses bit for them.

I agree. A muzzle does not prevent injury or fear. I used a muzzle as a precaution in case someones dog got past me as Rupert really would rip into them regardless of their intentions. He still managed to break one dogs ribs while I was occupied trying to keep two others away.

I'm undecided on this, so very interested in the differing opinions.
Reg is improving, I think I've accepted that what I first thought was over excitement (other dog owners thought this too) is in fact fear, with a 'I'll get you first" attitiude, he whines and pulls toward the dog then will nip with NO growling or bared teeth.
So he stays firmly on the lead (never have let him off)

Now, as I said he has improved with the 'watch me' command, he doesn't always give me his full attention, but it does seem to calm him down...came across quite a few dogs today and between him and Mags there was at least no barking or growling...just a lot of adrenalin fuelled pulling. I've took to only walking them on the streets, where I can pretty much guarantee that no dogs will approach offlead.
Of course this is not ideal and at some point it would be nice to take them on the many lovely rural walks that we have on our doorstep, but I would need to consider using Reggie's muzzle (OH is dead set against it and also takes the view that if an offlead dog comes over then whilst ours are onlead then it's tough) but, I find it stresses me out so much that I can't relax.
I'm also grieving the possible loss of our lovely family holidays in Padstow...no way could I take them as things stand at the moment!!

I don't know if I've posted on this one..but I choose to muzzle Benjie - he can overpower me, even with a halti on and if he does, and he gets to get at another dog I would rather not be the one paying vet bills. Plus he can have some offlead time and does listen to recall - but if a dog should run over to him or I not see another dog - then there is no danger (well it is decreased).

OH however and his family do not muzzle him, however only OH lets him off and he has owned him for 9 years and not had an incident yet..

I can never understand why people who have dog agressive dogs always want to walk in areas where loads of other owners walk their pets.

If I had an agressive dog, the last thing I would want to do is walk where others are running free - both for my own and the dog's peace of mind.

Lack of consideration for others is one of the reasons why dogs are now banned from so many places