Muzzle Training Your Dog

There isn’t just a single reason why a dog might be wearing a muzzle or why you may need to consider one for your furry family member. It isn’t always for issues with aggression but even if it is, it’s a valuable tool that can help people and your pup feel more safe.

While many pups are absolutely fine with people or they simply take themselves away if they get nervous, the vet’s office is a very high pressure environment. In an ideal world, your pooch will always have a choice when it comes to what activities they do. Say you pick up their lead to go for a walk and they’re just too tired or it’s too wet out, giving them the option to not go can be helpful in them feeling like they have some control over their life. Choice helps to build bonds however when it comes to the vet, there is rarely a choice. That lack of choice and if they’re uncomfortable or in pain can cause your pooch to react very differently to how they normally do.

Vets will often choose to place a muzzle on a dog if they suspect them to have a broken bone and they have to examine it. Even if your pooch has always been fine in the vets, they may choose to use one as a precaution. Muzzle training your dog in advance will just mean that while what’s happening might be painful and scary, the addition of a muzzle won’t be another thing they’re not used to piling extra stress onto the situation.

Many owners carefully plan their walking routes or take their pup out unusually late or early to avoid either people or other dogs. Many pups who have had negative experiences or who just weren’t socialised at an early age may show signs of being aggressive towards strangers or dogs. It comes from a place of fear and even with lots of work and training in desensitisation to the scary things, they may not ever be entirely comfortable. Rescue dogs frequently have these issues that their new family are working on improving and it’s common for them to choose to walk their dogs with a muzzle.

A muzzle gives these dogs the chance to live a normal life. It means if someone walks too close or if an off-lead dog approaches them, their person can keep them safe and make sure nothing happens. Some muzzled dogs who are worried by other people or dogs may have no history of biting but muzzles are very good at telling everyone that their pooch needs a bit more space. It’s a natural reaction to move away from a dog wearing a muzzle so it can help your pooch to feel much safer out and about if they require space.

While your pooch might be great off lead, love people and other dogs and come back when called, there are those whose brain will short circuit when they see something small and fluffy to chase. You can have the most well trained dog in the world but if they see a squirrel, all of that training might just fade away. Dogs are bred for certain instincts and breeds like terriers and hounds often just want to chase. If you bring home an ex-racing greyhound, they often come with a muzzle because of their chase drive. While they might love dogs and enjoy running around and playing, their chase can sometimes get full on and the muzzle stops them from nipping the backs of their legs.

Many dogs that wear muzzles are not at all dangerous to other animals or people but they are a danger to themselves! For the really greedy pups who will eat anything they find whether it’s good for them or not, just going for a walk can be surprisingly stressful. It’s amazing what food is just left around outside and trying to spot it before your pup does can be difficult. A muzzle for these pooches just means you can get to them before they can eat something potentially harmful.

Some dogs also develop behaviours of eating stones or sticks which is obviously not good for them and a muzzle can prevent the behaviour while they work on changing it.

When you’re picking the right muzzle for your pooch, you need to make sure you measure around their muzzle first. You should be measuring around the widest point just beneath their eyes to make sure it first properly. The straps are adjustable so they can be moved to fit around their head. Muzzles should be placed over the nose of your pup and secured at the back of their head behind their ears. Some muzzles are extra secure and have a strap that goes up the middle of their head as well.

A muzzle should not stop your pup from breathing, panting or drinking when fitted properly. They should be able to demonstrate normal behaviour while wearing it.

Muzzle training takes time and needs to be done gradually. Putting something on over their face can be scary if they’re not used to it so you need to be armed with treats and ready to take it at their pace. The first step is to just reward any interaction with the muzzle to create a positive association. They look at it, they get a treat. They sniff it, they get a treat. Gradually you should encourage them to start putting their nose in and reward them for that behaviour. Once they can do it comfortably, extend the duration and you can feed them a treat through the muzzle after a few seconds.

Only when they’re comfortable holding their face in the muzzle for longer periods should you start to play with the straps and fasten them for short periods. Eventually, this extends too and you have a dog who is happy to wear a muzzle! If they have a negative experience in their muzzle, be sure to go back and do some extra training to make it a positive experience again.

The duration that your pup needs to wear their muzzle will differ. It could be a few minutes for a vet exam or a few hours for a nice long walk. Your pooch should never be left unsupervised while wearing a muzzle. If you’re introducing them to a new puppy pal at home and don’t fully trust their relationship is there yet, they can be muzzled for periods of time but they should have time with their muzzle off as well.

For a quick vet exam, sometimes using something that is fast and effective is the best way. The Ancol Mesh Dog Muzzle is great if you need to quickly slip it on for a vet check to prevent any unwanted snaps. These muzzles are restrictive so they are not suitable for longer use. Dogs will struggle to drink and pant while wearing them. If you have a pup that needs to wear their muzzle for longer periods like out on walks, the Rosewood Softbasket Muzzle Black is a better choice. They have more space, and allow for panting and normal behaviour while still offering bite prevention. Basket muzzles are great for pups who regularly wear their muzzle and become a part of their outfit as much as their harness or collar might be.

To find the right muzzle for your pup, you can pay us a visit in store or online.