How to Muzzle a 7-Month-Old Cairn Terrier Puppy That Bites & Hates to Be Brushed

Cairn Terriers are small, tough dogs who are entirely unafraid to express their opinions. If you are considering muzzling your Cairn, you are afraid of being bitten and better safe than sorry. However, muzzles are not a substitute for good manners. Your puppy may simply hate being handled or the biting may be entirely playful. Either way, biting while grooming has to be stopped. Alternatively, although Cairns are generally very tough the brush you are using may actually hurt your pup.

Things You'll Need

  • Muzzle of appropriate size, open at the end
  • Dog brush
  • Cooked meat and cheese, cut into small bites
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Instructions

  1. Accustom Your Puppy to the Muzzle

    • 1

      Hold the muzzle open with one hand. Have a small piece of meat or cheese in your free hand.

    • 2

      Show the puppy that treat. When the puppy is interested, place the treat inside the muzzle.

    • 3

      Allow the puppy to stick its nose in the muzzle and eat the treat. Praise the puppy in a calm, quiet voice.

      Repeat this action two or three times a day for the next two or three days, until the puppy readily sticks its nose into the muzzle on its own.

    Muzzling the Puppy

    • 4

      Put the muzzle on the puppy's snout and buckle the straps behind its head. Adjust the straps just snug enough to keep the muzzle from falling off the puppy's snout.

    • 5

      Feed the puppy a treat through the open end of the muzzle. Praise it in a calm voice and stroke it firmly and gently.

    • 6

      Remove the muzzle before the puppy can protest. Continue to give the puppy treats and calm, gentle praise and affection.

    • 7

      Increase the time the puppy wears the muzzle, until the puppy can wear the muzzle for no more than two to three minutes.

    Grooming the Puppy

    • 8

      Brush the muzzled puppy in the direction of hair growth for no more than a few seconds. Feed the puppy a treat and pet and praise it.

    • 9

      Release the puppy before it gets wiggly or impatient. Always end on a pleasant, positive note for you and the puppy.

    • 10

      Extend the grooming sessions until the puppy will allow you to brush it from end to end. If the puppy has a matted coat, you may now tease or cut the mats out, being careful not to pull on or cut the skin. Be gentle, liberal with treats and generous with praise when removing mats.