How to Stop Dog Fights With Muzzles

A dog fight is often scary to witness, especially when your own pet is involved. Dogs that are aggressive or do not get along well with other dogs may attack with little or no notice. The result is often violent and devastating. If your dog has an issue with aggression, get help from your veterinarian or a professional animal behaviorist. In the meantime, stop the dog fights on your own by incorporating a muzzle into your pet's normal routine.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a basket muzzle for your dog. Find one that fits your dog before taking your dog out with it. A basket muzzle works best because it allows your dog to drink water and pant to regulate body temperature.

    • 2

      Introduce the muzzle to your dog. Your dog will likely sniff and inspect it. Rub the muzzle with a dog treat and try again, if it shows no interest. Offer the muzzle a few times to let your dog get used to it.

    • 3

      Place your dog's nose into the muzzle. Offer it a treat or praise once its nose is fully touching the muzzle. Eventually, only give a treat and praise when your dog allows the muzzle to stay on for several seconds.

    • 4

      Push the muzzle gently onto your dog's nose a little. Wait a few seconds and remove it. Offer praise and treats. Repeat this process several times. After a while, your dog should push into the muzzle to get the praise and treats from you.

    • 5

      Put the muzzle all the way onto your dog in stages. Lift the straps to start the first stage. Put the straps behind your dog's ears for the next stage. Buckle the straps for the last stage. Go through these stages gradually, offering praise and treats with each step.

    • 6

      Practice putting your dog in the muzzle and wearing it at home before taking your dog out around other dogs. Make the dog comfortable so the muzzle can effectively stop potential dog fights. Increase the time the muzzle stays on gradually, starting with just five minutes and working your way up a few minutes at a time. Delay treats longer and longer each time, as well.

    • 7

      Take your dog for a short walk in the muzzle. Avoid other dogs at first. Allow your dog to approach other dogs, if it is keeping the muzzle on and seems comfortable. The muzzle should stop any dog fights from happening. In the meantime, seek help for your dog's aggression issues.