To Muzzle or not to Muzzle

hi there,
I adopted a 2 yr old 40 kg male, 5 mths ago, at the start had a few occasions, where he would lunge, on his lead towards someone, barking and growling, and also other dogs (40 kg of dog is not so easy to hold)
With alpha techniques, and obedience training, as well as teaching him tricks is all helping, he hasn't lunged for anyone in months.
look at things from your dogs point of view as well, he's only been with you a few weeks, and going to a new home from a dog kennel is a big adjustment.
If I were you I would concentrate on socialising him, whilst on his lead. Take him to different places, where he will see and hear different things, and meeting people always well controlled, letting him off his lead in a dog park, does not allow you the controll you need over him. Only when he is with you can you also control others actions, ie making sure people dont touch him when agitated etc. But if you feel uncertain about how Lucas will react to people, then muzzle him, until you can trust him. I always have a muzzle attached to Max's lead, so that if there are lots of dogs around ,I put it on.
But for now I would keep him leashed, work on obedience and alpha techniques, and give Lucas time to adjust.
Good Luck

Hi,
Our household is the same with 2 of us a kitten and the dog, also with Max we know nothing about his first year of life, and he did 7 months at the shelter, I reckon for him these last months have been confusing, strange, scarey, but also interesting and fun!
We have also started doing agility with Max, which he loves.
But with hard work, love and patience you can do it! Dont give up!