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Choosing to muzzle a dog may sound controversial for others, but this mom on TikTok is sharing why she chooses it over rehoming her Cocker Spaniel.
In a September 25 video, TikTok user @emmmorris lists down her reasons why she won’t rehome her dog who wears a muzzle around her one-year-old daughter.
Morris reveals that Fern, her four-year-old Cocker Spaniel, was her and her husband’s “first child technically”, establishing the fact that pets, like children, are commitments too.
Morris then proceeds to explain that Fern is a very reactive dog, and not in a predictable way. She partly attributes this reactivity to the pooch’s skin condition.
She reveals that Fern has previously snapped at her two other dogs, which she described was random and out of nowhere.
“And I literally could not pinpoint what it was that agitated her,” Morris explains.
But now, with a one-year-old daughter, Morris has chosen to muzzle Fern to not risk her daughter and her dog.
But you might ask, why not rehome her in a family that has no children and/or other dogs?
Well, you see, even though Fern is reactive, Morris describes her as “gentle at heart” saying, “She’s a softie and loves cuddle, she just can easily be reactive in certain moments.”
Furthermore, Morris reveals that Fern loves playing with kids and being involved with all kinds of activities.
“Why send her to a home with no kids when she loves being involved” Morris wrote.
@emmmorris How much is too much to handle? 🐶no matter what we always come to the conclusion that a happy dog in a muzzle is the best answer for all ❤️ #dogmuzzle #toddler #dogmum ♬ original sound – emmmorris
Morris also reveals that Fern is comfortable with her muzzle on and only has it for an hour or two, sometimes less, depending on the situation, when Morris’ toddler is walking around and with the toys out.
Morris was firm with this decision saying that they know Fern best and that she’s part of the family.
“We will continue to train her, understand her, and keep everyone happy and safe,” Morris wrote.
Thanks to Morris’ posts, many dog owners have started sharing their experiences with reactive dogs and how they handle it.
One user shared that she separates her dog from her toddler. but that the dog doesn’t wear a muzzle due to stress.
Morris then replies with a, “You have to do what works for you ❤️dogs and children are hard work!”
While the choice is seen as controversial, others are supportive of Morris’ decision.
One TikTok user wrote, “I’m sure as kiddo gets older and more predictable her reactivity will lessen in intensity- and in the meantime, no negative incidents will occur. beautiful problem solving.”
“Love this, my favourite part was because you know her!” another TikTok user wrote.
A lot of Cocker Spaniels are known to be reactive and hyperactive. And Morris understands this, even saying, “They are crazy anyway! So of course, family changes will take time to adjust.”
What do you think of this mother’s solution of muzzling her dog instead of rehoming her?
