20070406About Toa Payoh Vets Singapore Toa Payoh Veterinary Surgery, animal doctor, horse, dog, cat, rabbit, hamster, clinic info

TOA PAYOH VETS
- GUIDING PRINCIPLE No. 6
toapayohvets.com
Focus: Small animals - dogs, cats, hamsters, rabbits
Date: 09 April, 2007

About Us	Customer services	Corporate Social Responsibility
Mission & Guiding Principles	Other Matters	Home

MUZZLE DESIGN RESEARCH

Reference to Toa Payoh Vets --- Mission & Guiding Principles, the
Guiding Principle No 6 encourages Toa Payoh Vets' Veterinarians, Veterinary Technicians and Dog Groomer must find time to write their clinical research, observations for the betterment of pet care and share our results with the pet community through the internet or by publishing books with sinpets.com.

MUZZLE DESIGN
CASE ON SUNDAY APRIL 9, 2007

Ear scabies and another puppy biting this Papillon. Toa Payoh Vets.

"Use your fingers to grip his muzzle," I asked Mark, a certified dog trainer who trains big guard dogs. He is a strong muscular man in his fifties. The type you will see in California Fitness and other Fitness Clubs in Singapore. He is able to lift up large Golden Retrievers or German Shepherds and has a commuicating way with ferocious dogs.

The Papillon puppy opened his jaws and snapped at Mark and the owners. Mark tried the gentle approach of talking softly.

The other clients in the waiting room and their dogs were restless. I expected the muscular dog trainer who also teaches fitness to selected clientele to be able to hold this lion-hearted Papillon for me instantly. Singaporeans are impatient. But it was not that easy.

"Mark, just grasp the muzzle with a glove," I said. The Papillon bared his puppy teeth. Sharp, thin and white teeth

which could give a painful bite. The Papillon would not permit any ear touching. He shifted his head. Ducked his head under any hand and snapped back.

He had suffered very painful and itchy ears for many days. His owner had put on booties in his back paws to prevent more ear injuries from scratching. It seemed impossible to examine his ears. The waiting room people were peeping into the consultation room.

Mark suddenly went out of the room. There was one way. A canine muzzle. I took out a white one. It worked. The Papillon became quiet and permitted ear examination and treatment.

'I don't see this muzzle anywhere in Singapore," the lady owner was impressed. "Where do you buy it?"

"It is custom-made," I said.

It was a useful white muzzle but something is not right with it. I had this muzzle made some 15 years ago and so far had never been able to find a designer to make a good muzzle. More likely, I can't afford good designers. I have to do it myself. More research in reading up design and graphic books are necessary.

WHAT MAKES A DOG MUZZLE GOOD?

1. Design - The buyer must like it when he or she sees it. It must capture his attention from its style to its colour.

2. Comfort - The puppy or dog must feel comfortable wearing it. The owner must feel that the puppy or dog does not suffocate. Yet, it must not be able to bite anyone when muzzled.

3. Quality - The quality of the materials must be good. Colour fast and durable fabric or leather. This gives an idea of how long the muzzle will last and whether it makes a good investment.

4. Workmanship - The stitching of the fabric must be good to make it a good investment.

5. Price - If the muzzle passes all the above 4 tips, it is worth buying and last a long time.

The muzzle I use has visual appeal to dog owners. If it has better quality fabric and stitching, it will be good. The stitching is not good in this muzzle.
A fast clip or Velcro strip.

The main complaint is that it may suffocate the dog as it covers the nostrils.
So, a better design is urgently needed.