Muzzle Training Your Dog
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Muzzles are a fantastic tool that allow certain dogs to do activities that otherwise wouldn’t be possible. Maybe they are uncomfortable at the vet, eat things they aren’t supposed to on walks or need space from other dogs. Whatever the reason, muzzling your dog is a responsible choice to keep them and those around them safe. |
How to Choose a Muzzle
For most situations, we recommend a basket-style muzzle such as the Baskerville Ultra Muzzle that allows for panting, eating and drinking while wearing the muzzle.
If your dog only needs to wear a muzzle for a few minutes (such as at the vet), a cloth muzzle will work. Just make sure you don’t use a muzzle that includes velcro or soft plastic around the snout, as these will not prevent a bite. Additionally, a Gentle Leader or headcollar (shown below) is not a muzzle, and will not prevent a bite.
Muzzle Sizing
Choosing the right size muzzle is important for your dog’s comfort and so that they can’t remove the muzzle with their paws. For a complete visual guide to measuring your dog for a muzzle, visit Measuring/Fitting Guides from Trust Your Dog Muzzles.
If your dog is uncomfortable with being touched around the face, please don’t attempt to measure their snout on your own. Reach out to a certified professional trainer from our Trainer Directory for support.
Muzzle Training
It’s important to spend time getting your pup used to wearing a muzzle before you need to use it outside of your home. Here are a few tips:
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Always go at your dog’s pace and take your time.
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Give them treats for any kind of interaction with the muzzle (sniffing it, pawing it, looking at it) to help create a good association with it.
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Once they are comfortable putting their snout inside, you can feed them a liquid treat through the muzzle, such as Cheez Whiz or Kong Stuff’N.
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Refer to this full tutorial on muzzle training below:
Safety Reminders
Dogs need to pant to cool themselves down, so if you are using a cloth muzzle or any kind of muzzle that restricts your dog’s ability to pant, keep the wear time as short as possible — always under 20 minutes.
Also, please remember that a muzzle is a helpful tool, but a dog who is uncomfortable can still find a way to bite if they feel they have no other option. Take precautions in addition to muzzle training if you are using a muzzle as bite prevention. See our article Safety: Dog Bite Prevention for Adults for additional information.
Muzzle Myth Busting
Are muzzled dogs bad dogs?
No! Dogs who wear a muzzle aren’t bad dogs. A muzzled dog is a sign of a responsible, caring owner who is helping their dog navigate the world in a safer way. Muzzles can help dogs receive medical care while keeping veterinary staff safe, ride on elevators or go in other close spaces with people or other dogs and keep them from eating things that could be dangerous.
Will people think my dog is aggressive if they wear a muzzle?
Some people will avoid you and your dog if they are wearing a muzzle, but who cares! If wearing a muzzle is what’s best for your pup, it’s the right decision to make.
If you’re worried about it, you can add signage to your dog using a vest or bandana, such as “I’m friendly!” or “I love people but not dogs.” Speaking to neighbors and friends about your muzzled dog is a great way to educate people and change their perception of muzzled dogs in the future.
Is muzzling mean?
Definitely not! We applaud your courage and advocacy for your dog’s needs while ensuring everyone stays safe. One muzzled dog at a time, we can reduce stigma around muzzling and show that a muzzled dog is a dog with a responsible owner.