Dog muzzle training is often overlooked. It’s not the most attractive thing in the world, we must admit, but it’s a useful skill to teach dogs… you never know when they might need to wear one. Muzzles aren’t only to stop aggressive dogs from biting, but they’re also used when local restrictions require dogs to wear muzzles in public places or transport. There are some more valid reasons we’ll get into.
In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why muzzles often have a bad reputation, when it’s appropriate for dogs to wear a muzzle, and the different types of muzzles there are. We’ll also help you find the perfect muzzle for your dog and of course, golden tips on how to muzzle train a dog.
By downloading the Zigzag puppy training app today, you’ll get access to all kinds of puppy training lessons you’ll want to tackle on your journey. You’ll even learn how to stop puppy biting without the need for a muzzle! Our training programme is designed specifically according to the dog’s breed type and stage of development. Oh, and if you run into particularly difficult times, our professional dog trainers are available to talk to you 24/7 via our in-app chat. All you have to do is shout (not literally). it.
Why do muzzles have such a bad reputation?
Usually, the public perception of muzzles is that only ‘bad’ dogs wear them – like those who are aggressive and risk biting. Some people feel that muzzles are inhumane and cruel, but this is often the case when muzzle training is not fully understood.
In reality, muzzles are actually useful for a number of reasons. If you see a dog wearing a muzzle, it doesn’t mean they are necessarily aggressive, so try not to judge them on looks alone!
Is your puppy biting a lot? You’ll find loads of useful advice in our guide to aggressive puppy biting.
When is it appropriate for dogs to wear a muzzle?
Muzzles can be worn for so many reasons: biting, visits to the vet, due to laws and requirements when travelling… Depending on the reason why you’re wanting your puppy to use a muzzle, you’re going to need a different kind of muzzle.
In case of an emergency
If your dog is injured or has been in an accident (knock on wood), and you need to move them, a muzzle can be used to prevent them from lashing out and biting. This doesn’t make them aggressive, by the way! It just means they might be stressed and in pain and may react according to that.
History of biting
Aggressive dogs are those who have a bite history. It’s also those who are anxious and may use biting defensively – they should wear a muzzle to prevent them from biting people or other dogs around them..nobody wants to be snapped at. See? A muzzle in this instance is good management, as it not only keeps others safe, but it also keeps your dog safe by preventing them from getting in trouble.
Vet visits
The Vet’s might not be your dog’s favourite place to be. Some dogs feel very anxious as they step into the office, especially if they have not had a good experience there. You can’t blame them; they often only go there to be poked, prodded or for vaccinations. In these cases where your dog must be examined, a muzzle can help the vet stay safe and prevent your dog biting them.
Whether they like it or not, the Vet’s will be part of their lives, so it’s worth checking out our guide to help your puppy enjoy Vet visits.
Grooming
While muzzle-free grooming is the ultimate goal, dogs who have not been bathed, brushed or groomed enough, may have big mats in their fur which make them sore when they go to the groomers. Sensitive areas like your dog’s ears might also be tricky to clean out without getting snapped at by a sensitive dog, so a muzzle will keep your groomer’s hands safe from bite marks.
Breed-specific legislation
Dogs registered on the Dangerous Dogs Act banned list must wear a muzzle in public places due to laws and legislation. Not gonna lie, this makes us sad because it reinforces prejudices about dogs of certain breeds, who might not be aggressive individuals at all. This legislation will vary depending on where you live, so check the rules if you’re travelling.
Eating everything
Dogs love to scavenge, which means that some will simply eat anything and everything. This includes anything from cat poop to random junk on the street that causes diarrhoea or other health concerns. Makes sense that this happens when they eat something they shouldn’t. Teaching them to ‘leave it’ works well for many owners, but for others, entirely avoiding unwanted eating by using a muzzle to manage them will be a better solution.
Different types of muzzles
There are quite a few different types and designs of muzzles available out there in the market. We don’t like to see you overwhelmed by all the options, so let’s take a look at all the ones there are and get the right type for your dog’s muzzle training!
Basket muzzle
Basket muzzles can be made of wire, rubber, biothane or plastic. They allow dogs to pant, drink and take treats, but most importantly, they keep your dog from biting!
Nylon or soft muzzle
Nylon or soft muzzles tend to go around the dog’s jaw, which prevents them from opening their jaws wide. However, they can still get their teeth out of the end, so are not completely safe to use. They also prevent a dog from drinking and panting, so this shouldn’t be used for long periods.
Flat face or short nose muzzle
There are a few different types of muzzles made specifically for brachycephalic breeds like French Bulldogs and Pugs. Because they are flat-faced, these muzzles are often meshy and have holes cut out for their nose. They look a bit like fencing masks.
Homemade muzzle
A homemade muzzle can be made out of a bandage or even a tie, and is typically used if you’re needing to fashion a muzzle quickly because your dog has been injured. We definitely don’t recommend these if you’re trying to prevent biting in an aggressive dog.
Leather muzzle
Leather muzzles can be all different shapes to fit wider and shorter nosed dogs like Boxers and Pugs, to longer nosed designs needed for Whippets or German Shepherds. You can also buy them in very small sizes for breeds like Chihuahuas.
Long leads, just like muzzles, can be great management tools to help with recall (teaching a puppy to come when called). You can read all about them in our guide to long leads for puppies…you’ll be enjoying lovely walks in the park in no time.
How do you find the perfect muzzle fit for your dog?
The muzzle you choose for your dog will vary depending on their face shape; what matters is that it fits well. Certain types of muzzle suit longer nosed breeds better, whereas others will be for dogs with wider jaws or flatter faces.
Greyhounds and Lurchers have longer, pointier muzzles, so the narrower wire basket muzzles will often fit them well. In fact, we often call them Greyhound muzzles, whereas Frenchies, Shih Tzus or Pugs who have little to no snout, will need a wider fitting and shorter nosed type of muzzle.
Staffies, Pitbulls, XL Bullies and Mastiffs often have a good length muzzle but a very wide jaw, so muzzles like the Baskerville Ultra fit their face shape well.
Various companies now offer bespoke made to measure muzzles which will give you a perfect fit as you send in lots of measurements. Sounds like haute-couture, but it can definitely make a difference.
How do I muzzle-train my dog?
If you must remember anything, it’s this: Muzzle training should be done using positive reinforcement. Take care to observe your dog’s body language, and go at a speed they are comfortable with. Rushing muzzle training, or just sticking it on, won’t work; we want your dogs to be happy wearing them and not scared.
Create positive associations with the muzzle
If your dog builds positive associations with the muzzle, it will make wearing it so much easier in the future. The simplest way for you to help them do this is with treats.
Start by sitting on the floor with the muzzle behind your back, and then bring the muzzle out into view so that your dog can see it. After you do this, feed them a treat, so they start associating the muzzle with getting treats.
Let the dog sniff the muzzle and investigate it
Dogs are naturally curious and like to check things out with their nose. Let them sniff or feel the muzzle with their snout when they see it for the first time, and hand them treats for being interested in it.
Pop some treats in the muzzle
Get your dog to put their nose in the muzzle to retrieve the treats from it. You can block up the end with a piece of cardboard or a cut down Pringle lid, to stop the treats falling through if you need to. Our goal here is to get your dog to feel confident about putting their nose in the muzzle and associating it with yummy treats.
Teach your dog to put their nose in
Once your dog has got used to putting their nose in to collect treats, hold it up and see if they’ll start to put their nose in to be rewarded with a treat. You can do this easily with a clicker or a word marker; say ‘yes’ or click when your dog puts their nose in, and then give them a treat.
As you practise, see if they’ll hold their nose in there for a little longer. Delay your clicker or word marker to add the time that they keep their nose in the muzzle.
Do the straps up
Do the muzzle straps up, and say yes or click. If you have a type of muzzle that allows for treats to be fed to your dog while they’re wearing it, feed them through the muzzle. Otherwise, take the muzzle off to give them. You always have to keep the treats coming!
Squeezy cheese or homemade DIY treats that can be made into a paste are great for feeding into your dog’s mouth through the muzzle. They’ll love you for them as well!
Do short muzzle training sessions
Make your muzzle training short, but do them often, so they stay fun for your dog, and they don’t start thinking of them too much as a bore.
Muzzle training can be a useful tool for dog owners, especially those with aggressive or anxious dogs. Muzzles are a great management tool that can help avoid bites and make situations safer for everyone concerned. That’s why it’s important to gently introduce and train your dog to wear a muzzle, using positive reinforcement and being patient. As you can see, muzzles aren’t just for aggressive dogs; they can also be used for Vet visits, grooming or for a dog who likes to eat everything to prevent scavenging.
Now that you know all about muzzles, why don’t you catch up on some reading about picking the right harness or training lead for your puppy?
For many more tips, training help, and a full training programme for your pup, download the Zigzag puppy training app. Our professional dog trainers can talk to you 24/7 via our in-app chat, so you’ll always have someone to reassure you when you get those new puppy panics!
