While most people associate the use of a dog muzzle with the control of a vicious dog, a muzzle can be beneficial in many other situations. If you use one that fits your dog correctly, and follow some general muzzle training guidelines, you and your pooch can resolve behavioral problems and reduce the risk of injury to other animals and bystanders.
Things You'll Need
- Basket muzzle (preferred) or nylon strap muzzle
Instructions
Choose a muzzle that allows your dog to drink, if possible. Veterinarian Debra Horwitz, of PaumanOKVetHospital.com, explains the difference between the two most common models--the basket muzzle and the nylon strap muzzle. The nylon muzzle fits snugly around the dog's nose, keeping him from opening his mouth. The basket muzzle provides space inside the cage and lets the dog drink freely and eat small snacks. Nylon muzzles are okay on a short-term basis only.
Introduce your dog to his new muzzle with enthusiasm. How well he will tolerate the device may depend upon the first few times he sees it and wears it. Morroco.com suggests placing a favorite treat in the bottom of a basket muzzle to encourage your dog to retrieve it. After he gets the hang of eating a treat in this fashion, praise him and put the muzzle away. Keeping each training session short and positive will encourage him to accept the muzzle.
Repeat the muzzle training session the next day and try to hold the muzzle over your dog's nose a bit longer, encouraging her and praising her when she allows you to do so. As she becomes accustomed to the muzzle, secure the buckle around the back of her head and try feeding her treats through the muzzle holes. End the session after a few minutes but repeat it every day until your dog allows you to put the muzzle on her without hesitation.
Slip on your dog's muzzle if he exhibits aggression towards other dogs or humans and you want to walk him or take him somewhere in public.
Use a basket muzzle as a substitute for an Elizabethan collar. These large plastic cone collars restrict the dog from licking or biting herself to encourage wound healing but they are uncomfortable and clumsy. Your dog may prefer to wear a basket muzzle, making it easier for him to drink water and lie down easily.
Slip a muzzle on your dog if he becomes injured and you must transport him to the veterinarian. A hurt dog may snap out of sheer pain if someone tries to move him.