Maybe you have heard it before, "It's cruel to muzzle a dog." If used improperly, yes, muzzling can create more problems than solutions. But consider the consequences of not using a muzzle to potentially correct nipping or biting. Friends, family and strangers risk serious injury and the dog you love as a family member, might be put down for the safety of others. Keep in mind though, a muzzle is a highly effective training tool, but is less a corrective fail-safe than a preventive measure to be used in conjunction with more lasting behavioral modifications.
Things You'll Need
- Muzzle
- Leash
- Dog treats
Instructions
Determine the style and size of muzzle that you will use for your dog. This will greatly depend on the size of the dog, level of aggressive behavior exhibited and the amount of time the dog will remain muzzled throughout the day.
Introduce the muzzle to the dog by allowing it to sniff the object. Always have the dog leashed first during all muzzle training techniques.
Begin desensitizing the dog to the muzzle before putting it on. Place a small treat in the muzzle (while keeping the muzzle in your hand). Continue this tactic for a few days and offer positive reinforcement through calm verbal and physical praise. The idea is to get the dog used to putting his nose in the muzzle, and perhaps one day even enjoy the process. During this introductory phase, the muzzle should not be placed or strapped onto the dog's snout. This is purely an exploratory and comfort building technique for the dog.
Expect more from your dog at this point. Continue the food and praise reinforcement tactic, but now place the muzzle over the dog's nose without securing the straps or snaps. If the dog bites or shies away from the muzzle, correct with a stern verbal cue. Only keep the muzzle on for a brief period during this initial time. Quickly remove the muzzle after a split second and reward calmly with a treat and praise. Gradually build the amount of time the muzzle remains on and only reward the dog if he stays well behaved and does not fidget or attempt to remove the muzzle.
Start securing the muzzle after the dog accepts wearing it. This step should also be performed incrementally, gradually increasing the amount of time the muzzle is left on. Continue the reward system that you utilized during the introductory and unsecured muzzle training phases. After you reach the 30-minute mark, amplify the praise reward by walking or playing with your dog.
Take the dog for a short walk with the muzzle on, ultimately trying to avoid tense scenarios, such as encountering other dogs or people. During the walk, remove and shortly thereafter return the muzzle to the dog's snout. Be sure to emphatically praise the dog any time that the muzzle is removed. It is also acceptable to reinforce behavior by giving a small treat to the dog while the muzzle is on. It is wise to avoid interaction with others during this initial walk. Do not introduce the muzzled dog to other dogs or humans until it comfortably accepts wearing the muzzle.
Begin socializing the dog with muzzle. Physical and verbal corrective cues should be used if you notice aggression from the dog. A calm, stern voice command (not yelling) and leash tug will normally refocus the dog. Walk the dog without the muzzle on at times, placing the muzzle over the snout when you notice increased tension or potential aggression. Always praise when you remove the muzzle. Remember to use the muzzle at random times so as to continue and reinforce the conditioning process. Also, as mentioned, the muzzle alone will not correct nipping or biting in dogs. Patience, commitment and oftentimes professional trainer expertise is necessary to fully correct the dog's negative behavior.