How to Use a Muzzle to Correct an Adult Dog's Nipping

Puppyhood is a good time for learning not to do bad things, like nipping and mouthing. Adult dogs that nip or mouth inappropriately likely did not learn during their puppy months that this is unacceptable behavior, according to the animal rescue and adoption group Partnership for Animal Welfare. While many adult dogs are capable of learning this important lesson without a training tool such as a muzzle, others might need a little more help. A muzzle can help to calm an excited dog and prevent any unwanted nipping.

Things You'll Need

  • Muzzle
  • Treats
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Select the type of muzzle you want to use on your dog. There are several types of muzzle that might help correct nipping in adult dogs, dog trainer Ed Frawley says on his website, Leerburg. Basket muzzles come in wire or plastic and prevent the dog from biting while still allowing it to drink. Fabric muzzles prevent biting but not pinching, and while they allow the dog to drink they can restrict the dog's ability to pant.

    • 2

      Fit the muzzle onto the dog's snout and fasten securely.

    • 3

      Give your dog treats as a reward for accepting the muzzle calmly. Show your dog that the muzzle is a good thing, rather than an unfamiliar, potentially scary thing.

    • 4

      Begin playing with your dog, or any other activity that sparks the nipping behavior. Place the muzzle gently on the dog's snout as soon as it nips you and ignore the dog until it calms down. Remove the muzzle, praise the dog and start playing again. Repeat this stage until the dog realizes that nipping equals no attention.

    • 5

      Keep the muzzle on your dog when it is around other people or dogs until you can get the nipping behavior under control.