Thanks so much for the input - I can see how those inner ridges could be uncomfortable over time. I will definitely keep your advice in mind!
I agree that our June sitter seemed less on the ball with walking then others we have had. It is a good lesson to make sure we are very clear in our communication and explanations going forward.
Thanks for the input! Itâs good to know that muzzles wonât put off the right sitters. And yes, our dog is such a sweet couch/lap slug 
Youâre totally right! Thanks for the input, itâs good advice for lots of things in life 
Great to know - thanks for sharing that!
You make a good point that itâs sometimes hard to see things coming. I do think that after one incident the sitter could have either let us know so we could talk about it, or been extra vigilant after that to avoid further incidents. Iâm not sure why that didnât happen but I am so appreciative of everyone who has written to let me know their experiences. Thanks for the feedback!
Yes, unfortunately, many dogs with problems have them because of how humans (mis)treated them.
Ours was found malnourished and sick. As is common, he was shipped from a U.S. state with too many strays to a state with few. He was adopted and returned and then sat for a long time at the shelter. No one wanted him once they discovered his many issues.
The saddest thing is animals canât tell you what theyâve been through. We were surprised for instance even after heâd been with us for four years â my husband was sweeping our patio and our dog ran under a table and showed signs of fear. We think someone(s) mightâve hit him with something similar before or driven him away.
Some triggers are odd, like he also fears fluorescent colors, whether in clothing, cars, jet skis or giant floaties. Also, he used to spend a lot of time overlooking a park we lived next to. It freaked him out if people walked in huddled groups (there was a nearby home for disabled people and they took walks that way) or if someone used an umbrella or wore a headscarf or a backpack. He also hates homeless people. We think his instinct is to fear whatever is unfamiliar, whether in looks or smells. Nowadays, we live against conservation land and he hates deer, foxes and such. He once chased a mole onto our swimming pool cover and another time cornered a snake.
Overall, he has a good life and we adore him. As much as animals can go through, they can still be(come) loving and trusting if they end up with the right people. So glad that your dog has you and vice versa. Your poor dog has been through so much.
Just found this video and itâs a nice succinct description of why a dog may wear a muzzle. I find discussing and watching other peopleâs takes helps me validate or potentially check my own reasoning.
But ultimately, if youâre doing something that makes your dog and others feel or actually be safer, we shouldnât be apologising just because someone doesnât like the aesthetic or is ignorant to the method or practice. X
Wow, what a cutie patootie 
I just recently completed a sit where the dog had been rescued from similar circumstances. I was very appreciative of the pet parents - how transparent they were, how much effort they have put in to making their pup comfortable and safe - and it really is about safety - no one wants to have an incident because, through no fault of their own, a dog loses its wonderful home (or worse) because of the possible perceptions of society.
It makes me think of when my daughter was little - she was a very active, fearless little thing and I found it necessary to use a childâs harness when I was out on my own with my children - it kept her close to me and always safe. I didnât care what or if others thought - they wouldnât have had to deal with the heartache of her being injured or worse. Same with your pup - keep her as safe and comfortable as her needs demand - and if anyone has a comment about it, donât even give it a second thought.