Introducing Your Dog to the Muzzle

Benefits to muzzle training:     Can be used to prevent a dog from eating something they shouldn’t.     Can limit damage when out in public if you have a reactive or aggressive dog.     Can help distract your dog during procedures they may find uncomfortable. Types of muzzles:     Soft muzzles:  Soft muzzles are great for short events such as the vet or groomer. They should not be used long term, or for highly stressed dogs as they do not allow the dog to pant. Pros:     Quick fit –> reduces stress when placing the muzzle     Comfortable fabric design     Machine washable Cons:     Keeps dog’s muzzle closed –>         Does not allow for panting or adequate temperature regulation         Risk of aspiration if dog vomits     Basket muzzles:  Basket muzzles are great for longer events, such as walks or extended vet visits. Pros:     The...

 It is vital that your dog perceives the muzzle as a positive experience. Quite often the dog’s first encounter with a muzzle is in a stressful and fearful situation, This could be at the Vets, when the dog may become aggressive or difficult to handle because of fear, panic or injury. It is therefore prudent to introduce a dog to a muzzle over a period of time, irrespective of whether you ever intend to muzzle. Remember a muzzle may be a necessity at sometime during the dog’s life. Click on the muzzle on the right, to go to my shop Therefore you should introduce this aid in a non-confrontational positive manner before you need one. All my dogs are muzzle trained despite never having to use one yet. Which One to Choose Depending on what muzzle you are using, there are numerous on the market, ranging from the Baskerville type which is normally either a plastic or rubber type, canvas or a mesh muzzle. The one I normally prefer is a ‘mesh muzzle’, which has tiny pinpricks that stop it...

 One of the most humane tools that you can use to train your dog is a muzzle , because it will help to manage their behavior while protecting them, you, and others. Of course, in order to actually use a muzzle on your dog, you have to get them to accept it, and that, in itself, takes training. How to Teach Your Dog to Wear a Muzzle Teaching your dog to wear a muzzle isn’t as tough as it seems, but you need to practice patience and consistency, and work to make your pup associate it with positive things, such as affection or treats. For the sake of this guide, we’re going to use positive reinforcement via the treat method. You’ll need:     A bag of treats that your dog enjoys     A muzzle     A clicker (optional) The following steps will help you train your dog.     Associate Rewards With a Sound     The first step is to make your dog associate the sound of the clicker (or some other sound; you can even choose a specific word) with g...

The idea of putting a muzzle on your dog can be unsettling. You might wonder if your pet can drink, pant, or even breathe while wearing a dog muzzle. Is a dog muzzle painful or cruel? Perhaps you feel a muzzle is the best option for your dog’s situation, but how do you decide? There are certain situations where a muzzle can be very useful, and at times dog muzzles are even necessary, but there are other scenarios when a dog muzzle is definitely the wrong choice. How do you know when a dog muzzle is helpful? What type of dog muzzle is the correct choice for your dog? There are so many questions around this emotionally charged topic. Learn about the when, why, and how of using a dog muzzle, and always consult a professional dog trainer for advice on your dog’s individual situation. Why Are Dog Muzzles So Polarizing? Dog muzzles can look controversial. After all, they have an unfair association with “aggressive” dogs or “attack” dogs. But most canine experts agree that at one point or ano...

Muzzle Training Your DogMuzzles are used to reduce the risk a dog poses to people and other animals by restricting the dog’s ability to bite. They are commonly used by veterinarians and animal care staff concerned with handling or treating frightened, injured or distressed dogs, as well as anyone managing – or introducing – dogs that may be aggressive to people or other animals. Some municipal bylaws or provincial legislation, such as Ontario’s Dog Owners’ Liability Act, may require your dog to be muzzled when off your property, or on your property in an unsecured area. Below are some tips to help guide you as you select a muzzle and present it to your pet. How you introduce a muzzle to your dog can have a significant impact on how quickly he is able to accept wearing it calmly. If your dog is already struggling with wearing a muzzle try incorporating some of the training pointers to help him learn to adjust. What type of muzzle should I buy for my dog? It is important to purchase ...

 When muzzle training your dog it’s important to make sure you allow enough time for your dog to get used to the muzzle on their own terms before you need them to wear it out and about. Muzzle training should take place over a series of short sessions, ideally over a period of at least a few days, taking care to make sure your dog associates the muzzle with fun and positive situations. Here's a step by step guide on muzzle training your dog. View the audio transcript for this video What muzzle should I buy? We recommend using a basket type muzzle as these allow you to feed your dog treats while they are wearing it. A basket muzzle will also allow your dog to pant and drink freely. The most important thing is to make sure that any muzzle you buy fits your dog correctly – with a basket muzzle there should be a small space between their nose and the end of the muzzle so it is not uncomfortable to wear. Step 1 – Introducing your dog to a muzzle Gently hold the muzzle in a cupped hand....