Training your pooch to wear a muzzle will be a game changer if your dog tends to bite or snarl in public. When a dog’s muzzled properly, they behave better in stressful situations and tend to be more docile. It does require patience and consistent training but once the dog becomes comfortable with wearing it, you can easily take them any place you want.
Most dog parents are already familiar with a muzzle. It is a simple covering for the dog’s mouth and snout to prevent it from showing certain behaviors. A muzzle can be a basket or a mesh but VCA Animal Hospitals recommends using a basket muzzle as they are comfortable and not as snug as mesh ones. They also allow the dog to breath, pant and even eat treats but will stop them from biting anyone.
Why Would My Dog Need to Wear a Muzzle?
A muzzle for dogs is recommended in many situations as it can make your life as a pet parent much easier. A lot of dogs exhibit scavenging behavior. They will eat any odd thing they find during their walks. Using a muzzle can help train the dog to refrain from such behavior.
Any dog prone to biting or chasing needs muzzle training. It will stop them from trying to attack people. An injured dog or one who has undergone surgery needs a muzzle to stop them from making the injury worse or pulling out the stitches.
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) thinks that muzzles on dogs give the added benefit as people tend to refrain from petting your dog. It can be very useful if you have a reactive and aggressive dog.
How to Train Your Dog to Wear the Muzzle
Introducing Your Dog to a Muzzle
Once you have purchased the muzzle, do not try to put it on the dog directly. They have to be introduced to the muzzle first. So the easiest way to do that is by turning its open end towards the dog and sliding a treat through the other end. Go on repeating this process till the dog is eager to put their mouth in the muzzle and get the treat. Also let the dog sniff the muzzle to get used to its smell and texture and be calm during the muzzle training process.
Getting Your Dog Comfortable With the Muzzle
This is the most significant part when you are trying to muzzle your dog. To achieve this you need to wait till the dog puts their face in the muzzle and then slip a treat in through the side. Let them chew it to know it's ok to eat the treat while the muzzle is still on them.
Add in Movement
You must demonstrate to the dog that it is okay to move about while wearing the muzzle before you strap it on. It is not enough to simply put on a muzzle and go on a stroll. They will feel anxious and agitated and might refuse to move from their spot. The easiest way to do this is by holding the muzzle in place and using a treat to lure them a few steps forward before letting them have it. Start increasing the number of steps each time till you feel that the dog is ready.
Introducing the Straps
Most dogs react negatively when you snap together the straps on a muzzle. There are two reasons for this. The sound of the clips snapping together is alien to them and can be scary. The other one is that the straps are too tight. Simply address this issue by clicking the straps together in front of the dog so that they get used to the sound. You can also make sure that the straps are extremely loose and do not feel suffocating for the pup.
Fastening the Muzzle
Canine muzzles are not that hard to fasten so make sure that you do them properly. Once they are fastened, you can observe the dog for some time to make sure they are comfortable. Avoid muzzling the dog for an extended period of time. Start with a couple of minutes.
Leaving the Muzzle on for Longer
You can start extending the time once your dog has worn a muzzle for a few minutes with ease. Encouraging your dog to wear a muzzle for at least an hour is the ultimate objective. Offering delicious snacks and verbally praising them every few minutes are two ways you can accomplish this.
Keep Refreshing Your Training
Remember to keep repeating these steps from time to time. In case you do not regularly muzzle your dog, make sure you do it once or twice a week so that they do not forget the feeling.
Tips on How Muzzle Train Your Dog
Get the best fitting muzzle. It shouldn't be uncomfortable or tight.
Eating, breathing, panting and snarling should be possible while wearing the muzzle.
Don’t get something that touches the dog's nose or corners of the eye.
All dogs attempt to take off the muzzle, so don't give up. Give them a tasty treat or a toy to distract them.
Conclusion
Muzzling puppies or dogs can be extremely stressful even if you're following all the proper procedures. Hiring a trainer in this situation is a good solution. Just get hold of a good quality muzzle for dogs and the trainer will do the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to put on a dog muzzle?
Place the muzzle over your dog's snout. If it fits snugly but not too tight, then secure the straps behind the ears.
