“Muzzle” is not a dirty word.
Often, when we mention muzzling dogs, owners are offended, as if it’s some kind of punishment. While your dog may be the softest, kindest, best adjusted dog at home, many dogs are fearful at a vet or other foreign surrounding. Fear can bring out an entirely different dog. A muzzled dog is not a bad dog and may not even be a dog that bites. However, it is a tool that can be used when owners are wanting to be proactive and safe.
A muzzle should be seen as a training aid that can help both dogs and people to stay safe in various situations.
The aim of a muzzle in this case is to protect the vet. A vet’s hands are his or her career and, without them, the vet can’t work. Also, by helping the owners and vet to feel more comfortable, the dog doesn’t feel the added anxiety of an owner stressing over a potential outburst. Knowing that your dog is unable to bite due to the muzzle can help you and everyone involved to maintain calm. Dogs definitely pick up on vibes: The calmer the situation, the better for everyone.
A muzzle, however, should be introduced in the correct way. A muzzle is a positive tool, not a negative one.
It should also be the right type: Dogs should still be able to drink water, open their mouths, take treats, and pant. It should be wide enough and not obscure the dog’s vision but also be secure enough that it doesn’t slip off. An example of a good muzzle is the Baskerville muzzle.
There are a few different situations in which a muzzle might help.
- Dogs in pain, or dogs who have had a previous bad experience at a vet or with a stranger, might bite out of character.
- When dogs are introduced to each other for the first time, owners might be unsure of how they will respond to one another. Some dogs also tend to play too rough.
- Some very friendly dogs may not have been around children too often, which can be very intimidating for some dogs, as younger kids are at eye level. A muzzle might help you to gauge your dog’s response without having to feel anxious. Your anxiety may make the dog feel anxious.
- Some dogs may like to eat foreign material when out and a muzzle may help prevent this.
- A muzzle might help dogs who are in training, getting over fearful events, or are learning to socialise. A muzzle is a handy tool to keep unwanted attention away from an anxious dog. People often don’t respect boundaries, or assume just because their dogs like to interact, everyone’s dogs do too. Seeing a muzzle makes people think twice about an unwelcome approach.
If you are wanting to use a muzzle, it is important that your dog is introduced correctly so that the dog enjoys wearing the muzzle. You should be aware of your dog’s body language for any negative body language. These signs include pinned-back ears, a tucked tail on a trembling dog, unwillingness to approach, tense body, lip flicks, and hesitation in receiving treats. If your dog is showing any of these signs, you will need to take some steps back in your training.
Start by presenting the muzzle to the dog and giving treats around the muzzle. Speak in a happy, high-pitched tone, encouraging the dog. Remove the muzzle from view and stop the treats. Randomly do this throughout the day until eventually the sight of the muzzle brings out a happy response from your dog.
Then put the strap of the muzzle around the neck without putting it over the nose. Do the same with treats and happy tone.
Once the dog is happy with this step, you can lure him into the muzzle by putting a treat at the end of the muzzle. Once he has held his nose in for a few seconds, give a treat and reinforce with a positive “yes” or “good dog.” Slowly increase the amount of time before a treat is given and give a positive voice command.
When putting on the muzzle properly for the first time, smear a treat on the inside. While the dog is licking, secure the muzzle in place and then give another treat. Practice wearing the muzzle with your dog while doing positive things such as giving treats, playing, or going for a walk. This will help the dog to associate positive things with a muzzle. It should never be seen as a punishment. Keep a close eye on body language. if your dog is unhappy you may need to go back a few steps.
You then have a handy tool should you need it.
Visit the Muzzle Up Project for training tips and further advice.
Image courtesy of the Muzzle Up Project