28/07/2026
This weekend we've been away with Leo, and I was genuinely surprised by how many people pointed at him and said things like, "He's wearing a muzzle because he's a bad dog" or "He must be aggressive."
The truth is, he's neither.
Leo is a wonderful dog. He's gentle, affectionate, funny, and loves nothing more than being with his people. But like many ex-racing greyhounds, he has a history that shaped him. He was taught that chasing small furry animals was part of his job, and he wasn't socialised with lots of different breeds when he was younger. That doesn't make him a bad dog—it just means he needs a little extra management to help him navigate the world safely.
His muzzle isn't a punishment. It's a safety tool. It protects wildlife, gives us peace of mind, and also helps keep Leo safe if an off-lead dog with no recall comes charging into his space. Responsible dog ownership isn't pretending your dog has no weaknesses—it's recognising them and taking sensible steps to prevent anything from going wrong.
I wish more people would see a muzzle and think, "What a responsible owner," instead of assuming the worst.
A dog wearing a muzzle isn't automatically dangerous. Sometimes they're anxious. Sometimes they're in training. Sometimes they scavenge. Sometimes, like Leo, they're simply being managed responsibly because their owners love them enough to put safety first.
Please don't judge a dog by the equipment they're wearing.
Leo isn't a bad dog.
He's a very, very good boy. ❤️
