Muzzles are tools which can be humane and helpful if introduced in a particular way. Whether your dog has a bite history, a penchant for consuming hazardous items on walks, or your vet has requested it, wearing a muzzle can help keep your dog safe. I’ve found that lots of folks have negative associations around muzzles and sometimes hesitate to use them bc of stigma. Fortunately, the benefits of muzzles and information about humane training methods are more widely available these days. Thinking about introducing your dog to a muzzle? Here are my top tips:

Choose a basket muzzle

Select a design that allows your dog to pant, drink water and eat comfortably. The muzzle should prevent biting of people or dogs and acquisition of unwanted items on walks, but not limit your dog’s basic functions for health. Avoid any muzzle design that holds a dog’s mouth shut - these can be both unsafe and stressful for your dog.

Pair the muzzle with something your dog LOVES 

Some common food items my clients use for muzzle work are peanut butter, cottage cheese and cream cheese. Things your dog can lick continually through the muzzle are great!  

Introduce the muzzle at your dog’s pace 

Each dog is different and the pace your dog becomes comfortable wearing a muzzle depends on a few things. Has your dog already had a negative experience or a positive experience with a muzzle or are you starting fresh? Do you have time to do lots of short and sweet sessions? Short and sweet is great for learning - a couple of minutes 1-2 times a day is excellent.

Take it step by step 

First start just showing your dog the muzzle and following the muzzle’s appearance with a treat. No contact, no wearing the muzzle yet. Build up your dog’s positive feelings about the muzzle as an object. You want to see happy body language and your dog choosing to approach the muzzle. 

Next, feed food from the muzzle near the edge. When your dog is delighted about eating from the muzzle, move to the next step: feed food through the end of the muzzle, so that your dog is sticking their nose into the muzzle to eat food through the end. Feed continually. 

When your dog is loving having their face in the muzzle, move on to the sensation of the muzzle straps briefly on neck. Fastening straps comes next, and the final step is having your dog actually wearing the muzzle and building the time they are comfy wearing it.

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