If your pup has used a muzzle at the vet hospital or groomer 's, avoid using the same one for muzzle training. They may appear softer than other options, but these muzzles prevent your pup from being able to breathe through their mouth or communicate - factors that do not contribute to positive conditioning. These are typically used only in emergency medical situations. What to Avoid When Beginning Your Muzzle Training Journeyĭo not choose a nylon or cloth muzzle that completely closes your dog's mouth. Some even have a point of optional attachment between the chin and neck for loosely affixing the muzzle to a dog collar. Most muzzles come with adjustable straps to comfortably secure them. The muzzle should rest on the face but not apply any pressure to the skin. Reshaping a muzzle may be necessary if any pressure points are pressing into your dog's snout. Some muzzles are adjustable, which is handy for brachycephalic dogs or pups with wider jawlines, such as pit bull -type dogs or American Bulldogs. If you're unsure, buy a couple of different sizes to find the perfect fit and return the options that aren't quite right. No matter the length or width of the snout, your dog's nose should not be touching the front of the muzzle rather, their nose should be just behind the cage where they can still accept treats. You'll want an adjustable dog muzzle to accommodate your dog's unique facial structure. Facial anatomy can drastically differ from one dog to the next. Measuring the length and width of your dog's muzzle (the one on their face) is the best way to compare sizes and determine the proper fit. Once you've chosen your style and material, you can select a muzzle with the right size for your pup. However, for most dogs, rubber or hard plastic will suffice. If your dog has a strong bite, a more durable material such as metal is advised. Basket muzzles come in biothane, metal, rubber, silicone, and plastic they offer the most freedom for dogs while providing protection. Next, choose a material based on your pup's level of bite inhibition. Generally, that can be accomplished by picking a standard basket muzzle that will allow for panting, accepting treats, the ability to drink water, and as much freedom to exhibit normal behaviors as possible for positive conditioning.
#MUZZLE TRAINING A DOG HOW TO#
Here's how to choose the best option.įirst, narrow your choices to muzzle styles that provide a comfortable fit.
Leather, nylon, cage or basket-style muzzles, mesh dog muzzles - the list goes on. It can be confusing to sort through the various sizes and shapes of muzzles available. Prep Work: Selecting the Best Muzzle for Your Dog The process can take days, weeks, or even months, depending on your individual pup and whether they have previous experience with a muzzle. The most important thing is to implement the muzzle so that your dog will not only feel comfortable wearing it but may also experience the benefit of feeling calmer with it on, based on how you've conditioned them.
Training your dog to wear a muzzle can be valuable for situations such as safe vet visits, trips to the groomer, introducing strange dogs, keeping harmful objects out of your dog's mouth, or in emergencies where you may need to protect your pup. Positive muzzle conditioning is one such training method. We must advocate training methods that can significantly benefit our dogs and sometimes save their lives. As pet parents, we want to do what is best for our furry friends. This is an unfair and unfortunate stereotype. Many pet parents are reluctant to muzzle condition their dogs for fear others will assume that their dog is aggressive or that people will think poorly of them for being unable to control their pup. Muzzles are an invaluable resource for comfort and safety, not just for humans or animals that could be on the receiving end of a dog's teeth, but also for the animal wearing the muzzle too. By: Sara Ondrako, Certified Canine Behavior Consultant
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