Mary Allen
In certain situations, wearing a muzzle is advisable or even mandatory, even for the best-behaved dogs. Read here how your dog gently gets to know the muzzle.
Even the most peaceful of dogs will occasionally find themselves in situations where wearing a muzzle is advisable or even mandatory. You can find out what these are in this article. We also explain how you can gently and lovingly get your dog used to the muzzle.
Therefore, every dog should be used to the muzzle
Your four-legged companion has passed the dog school with flying colors, and the walks together are relaxed. Your four-legged friend confidently encounters conspecifics, cyclists, and romping children and the ball accidentally shot over your garden fence will not faze your dog.
Everything is fine, you think, and forego buying a muzzle? That’s a mistake because even the calmest of dogs might need it. There are situations in which you should not do without putting a muzzle on your dog.
This may be after an accident where your dog was seriously injured. In a state of shock or pain, your four-legged friend reacts differently than you expect. He might bite in fear or pain. It may also be advisable to use a muzzle for certain examinations at the vet. In addition, in some cities, dogs are required to wear a muzzle on public transport or in large squares.
Let us advise you
The muzzle is an aid that your four-legged friend initially seems unfamiliar with. He feels restricted in his freedom of movement. And that’s only understandable. If you wear glasses for the first time and thus have an unfamiliar object on your face, it also seems strange to you.
When buying a muzzle, make sure that the model fits 100%. In addition, it must not disturb your dog when panting or drinking. Ideal models also allow the dog to eat with a muzzle. In any case, stay away from cloth muzzles that tie up the dog’s muzzle. These are absolutely not animal friendly! Be sure to seek advice.
Practice putting it on
Let your four-legged friend smell the material so that he can familiarize himself with it. Then, reach into the front of the muzzle with one hand and take a smaller treat to lure the four-legged friend near your hand. Allow him to take the treat from your hand. Your dog will probably be very careful when inserting the muzzle into the muzzle opening.
Repeat this process several times over a few days until your four-legged friend shows no shyness. In the next training session, repeat what you have learned and grab the muzzle straps with your other hand. Bring these slowly and gently together behind your dog’s head without locking them. If he puts up with this after a few days, loosely connect the straps together. Don’t forget to give your four-legged friend plenty of praise for every step of the training!
Initially, your dog will try to brush off the foreign object. Never scold him and refrain from physical violence! Your four-legged friend needs time to get used to wearing the muzzle.
Proceed carefully and start with the shortest wearing times! If you are generous with treats here, in some cases you can even make the dog learn to really love the muzzle, as it associates it with plenty of sweets.
Take the first walks
If your dog can get along with the muzzle in the apartment without any problems, you can go one step further. Distract your four-legged friend, put him on a leash, and take him a few steps outside the door. Then let him sit down and loosen his muzzle. Give plenty of praise.
Put away the newly acquired item as a matter of course and train regularly in the following days and weeks. It is crucial that you remain calm during training because your feelings are transferred to your four-legged friend. Then gradually increase the muzzled walks.
If you own a large breed of dog, don’t be surprised if strangers ask you if you walk a fighting dog. Explain the training measure factually, so that the acceptance of this topic in the population increases.