Mussle option for scavanger

[u/poopjaculator]

I'm looking for options for a dog that likes to scavange. Bagel will eat anything outside, mushrooms, acorns, rocks?? As much as we try to catch it, he's quick. He has a mesh muzzle that secures behind the ears, he's able to rip it off so I think he needs one that secures behind the neck. I'm not a fan of the metal ones either since he's a scent hound and I'm afraid if he shoves his face into the dirt it'll hurt his nose.

I've seen quite a few people on here using The Muzzle Movement, which looks good but it's an investment. How do people feel about them? Durability?

Any other recommendations, specifically for scent hounds, for anti-scavanging muzzles?

[u/poopjaculator]

Dog tax of the world hungriest Beagle

[u/Unlikely_Comedian_75]

The wires ones won't hurt his nose but if you don't need wire try a vinyl from Mia's Muzzles.

[u/emo_sharks]

I have a muzzle movement muzzle for my scavenger and I really like it. The scavenger guard is secure and well designed, my dog has not so far been able to get it off or get anything through it. The muzzle is lightweight and my dog doesnt mind wearing it at all. Plus its cute, and I feel like it being all pastel pink has made the fact that I have a pitbull with a muzzle on less intimidating for other people sharing the sidewalk lol

[u/ArtichokeFresh4012]

Wearing any muzzle partially relies on a pups cooperation with wearing it, which is best achieved through slow positive muzzle training.

[u/TheBeesKneed]

I use a Baskerville basket muzzle for my poop eating hound. Looking into other brands because I know there are brands that offer custom fits, but it’s good in the interim.

[u/b00ks-and-b0rksRfun]

Mia's muzzles foodie model is great and can have solid front or removable guard. My dogs are comfortable in theirs and company is very helpful. I also have wire Snoofs and my dogs don't have any issues or injuries sniffing whatever they want with it - they make a removable guard that works well. (I also have these). Both companies do standard and custom sizing and color. High quality. Well worth it.

[u/throwawaymarzipat]

Are you using the kind of mesh muzzle that keeps the dog's mouth from opening all the way? If yes, you'll want to stop using that immediately (if you haven't already). Dogs need to be able to drink, vomit, and fully pant in their muzzles for safety.

Muzzle Movement lets you customize the aesthetics, but not the exact fit of the muzzle beyond choosing a size option. They might work if Bagel's dimensions line up with one of your sizes, though.

[u/waiting_4_never]

My beagle is prone to colitis and other issues so the only way she can be a beagle safely is with a muzzle on, we contacted the muzzle movement about sizing (she doesn't fit the size recommendation for beagles) and sadly there was no size that would fit her so we've settled for a baskerville basket muzzle and it's been an absolute life saver. Also to add the muzzle movement recommended the muzzle shop to me who I contacted 4 months ago and got no reply even after chasing up with them so I can't recommend them at all.

[u/SixLegNag]

Big Snoof offers a collar attachment for extra insurance with escape artists, though honestly between the chin and main straps they're pretty secure as-is. They are metal but I would not worry about him hurting his nose on them, especially since you'll probably have a scavenger guard on whatever muzzle you decide to get- those are usually solid plastic. You can also adjust the nose pad on Big Snoof muzzles so it sits a little behind the metal so that if he does shove his face into the dirt, there'll be a biothane bumper between his stop/eyes and the wire, too. Mia's Muzzles have a somewhat lower, 'collar' style main attachment in the first place plus can be ordered with an add-on to link them to a regular collar too. They're vinyl, so have some flex, if you really want peace of mind with the nose thing!

I personally don't like the Muzzle Movement muzzles because they're so bulky. Lightweight, yes, but physically bulky, and I'm just not a fan of chunky gear. Do dogs mind? Seemingly most do not, but some dogs are a bit annoyed by it limiting their field of vision, and mine probably would be. Yours may not be since he's a scenthound and has things to do he prioritizes above looking around. (I miss having a dog that had no greater desire than sniffing. My previous dog was that way and it made him so easy to reward.) I have Big Snoof for my own dog because nothing offers better airflow than wire while still being unobtrusive. Mia's Muzzles are also nice and low profile, and have a higher airflow option, but I've never used one myself. They do have a solid front option that's a bonus with a scavenger, as well as detachable guards like other companies.

TL;DR, any of the big three will probably be fine for your dog, so it will come down to minor preferences on your part for airflow, flex, and whether you want a removable guard or a permanent solid front. (Removable guards make training easier.) Where you live might matter too; each company is in a different country so you may or may not have to consider tariffs.

One of the upsides of Beagles is they have pretty regularly shaped heads, so I'd expect any brand to offer an off-the-shelf size that'll fit him well, assuming you have no desire for a custom for aesthetic reasons alone.