MUZZLING 



been spoken and written, that it is unnecessary to devote 

 much space to it here. That the practice is practically 

 indefensible is undeniable ; but it is difficult to reconcile 

 the professions expressed by those who have it in their power 

 to put an end to the mutilation of dogs with their actions as 

 societies and individuals who have adopted measures to 

 put an end to the cropping of ears, continue to permit the 

 docking of tails. Of course the former operation is the 

 more serious one, but the principle involved is the same ; 

 and hence the very natural surprise that many people 

 experience when they see many breeds of terriers, spaniels, 

 schipperkes, and other varieties which have their tails 

 docked competing for prizes at shows under the rules of 

 which cropped dogs are disqualified. (See Cropping EarSy 

 Docking Tails.) 



Muzzling. — In spite of the strong objections which are 

 entertained against the practice of muzzling dogs by many 

 people, it is occasionally necessary to use such restrictions 

 upon the absolute freedom of some dogs in order to pro- 

 tect them from themselves. For instance, it occasionally 

 occurs that a poisonous dressing has to be applied to the skin, 

 or that a dog will persist in licking a sore which irritates 

 him, with the result that it becomes worse. Sometimes, too, 

 if there is a fear that poison has been laid in a district, it is 

 only an act of common sense on the part of an owner to 

 adopt measures to prevent his dogs picking it up when 

 enjoying their daily exercise. It is, moreover, quite certain 

 that the wearing of a well-fitting muzzle does not inflict as 

 much discomfort upon a dog, after he has worn it a few 

 times, as many people imagine — this fact being rendered 

 obvious by the anxiety displayed by the dogs to have their 

 muzzles put on them when they associate the action with 

 a run out of doors. A good deal, of course, must depend 

 upon the design and fit of the muzzle, the best being those 

 made of wire, which effectively prevent the dog opening 

 his mouth to feed or bite, whilst they allow him to drink. 



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