The Proper Use of Muzzles

Purpose

• The main reason to muzzle a dog is for the safety of other animals and people. If someone owns a dog that has an aggressive nature, it is the owner's responsibility to control the animal and take precautions, like using a muzzle and keeping the animal on a leash in public. In some European cities, certain breeds of dogs like Rottweilers and pit bulls may be required by law to be muzzled outside the home. Police and personal protection dogs sometimes wear muzzles during training or in public settings. These animals can inflict considerable bite damage if a command or signal is inadvertently given. Some owners use muzzles to prevent chewing in the house. Finally, muzzles are used during veterinary exams and grooming if the dog has shown fear in the past and has snapped at or bitten the vet or groomer.

Types

• The two most common kinds of muzzles are the occlusion muzzle and basket muzzle. The basket muzzle is for long-term wear. It allows the dog to open its mouth some so it can pant and drink water. The basket muzzle comes in a variety of materials, including plastic, wire and soft nylon. Wire basket muzzles are considered the most secure type since larger breeds may have enough jaw strength to break a nylon or plastic muzzle. The occlusion muzzle keeps the dog's mouth mostly shut although there is an small opening to feed the dog treats. The animal can still nip a handler through this type of muzzle. The occlusion muzzle is usually made of nylon and is used for short-term situations like veterinary and grooming visits.

Use

• A muzzle must be properly fitted for a dog's comfort and safety, so make sure the muzzle is not too small or too big. Measure a dog's face length from the eyes to the tip of the nose. Measure the circumference around the dog's snout from about 1 inch below its eyes. Do not use an occlusion muzzle when the dog is outdoors for a long period of time. This type prevents dogs from panting and drinking water, so they may become overheated and suffer a life-threatening heat stroke. Muzzle use will not cure a dog of its aggression problems, and it can still cause injuries from head butts and body tackles, especially to young children. Retraining with an experienced handler is recommended for dogs that exhibit aggression.

Training

• Teaching a dog to accept a muzzle can take some time, but it is worth the effort to have a comfortable, relaxed canine when it is wearing the device. At first, do not muzzle the dog only in situations where it is acting out or in conflict with other dogs. The animal will associate the muzzle with negative situations and may resist wearing it. The first time you show the dog the muzzle, let it sniff the device. Praise the dog and give it a treat. Repeat this several times over a few days before attempting to put the muzzle on. Slip it the animal's head without fastening it, then give the dog a treat. Move slowly and talk reassuringly to the dog. Leave the muzzle on for just a minute the first time, then with each subsequent session gradually increase the amount of time the dog wears the muzzle. Reward the animal if it is still and does not try to remove the device. Work up to keeping the dog muzzled for 30 minutes at a time. The dog can now be rewarded with a walk on the leash.