Instructions
Display the muzzle to your dog and give the dog a treat while it is looking at the muzzle. After you give the treat, put the muzzle away so the dog can't see it. Perform this sequence -- showing the muzzle, giving a treat, taking the muzzle away -- until your dog requests a treat at the sight of the muzzle.
Put a treat just inside the rim of the muzzle and encourage your dog to take it. If your dog quickly takes the treat, place a treat farther inside the muzzle until your dog has to stick its entire head into the muzzle. Perform this sequence slowly. Don't rush your dog. Place treats progressively inside the muzzle until the dog is comfortable with placing its entire head inside.
Put the muzzle on your dog for a few seconds, but don't fasten it. While the muzzle is on, give your dog a treat. Remove the muzzle. Increase the amount of time the muzzle is on your dog while continuing to give the dog treats. Eventually, you should be able to leave the muzzle on the dog for several minutes.
Put the muzzle on your dog and fasten it. As you did in step 3, reward the dog with a treat. Slowly increase the amount of time the muzzle is fastened until your dog is comfortable with it for 15 or 20 minutes. While the muzzle is on, you can reward your dog with play, belly rubs, walks, or anything the dog enjoys. This will help your dog associate fun activities with wearing the muzzle.
How to Use a Muzzle to Train a Dog Not to Bark
Muzzles are primarily used for two reasons: to prevent a dog from biting and to prevent a dog from barking. Many different types of muzzles are available for purchase, but the best ones are basket-style muzzles, which look like a basket and have large openings. These muzzles will allow your dog to breathe, pant, and drink normally so that it can partake in its regular activities without the risk of overheating or getting heatstroke.