<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Usually, the public perception of muzzles is that only \u2018bad\u2019 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In reality, muzzles are actually useful for a number of reasons. If you see a dog wearing a muzzle, it doesn\u2019t mean they are necessarily aggressive, so try not to judge them on looks alone! Muzzles can be worn for so many reasons: biting, visits to the vet, due to laws and requirements when traveling\u2026 Depending on the reason why you\u2019re wanting your puppy to use a muzzle, you\u2019re going to need a different kind of muzzle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aggressive dogs<\/a> are those who have a bite history. It\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Vet\u2019s might not be your dog\u2019s favorite 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\u2019t 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 from biting them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While muzzle-free grooming<\/a> is the ultimate goal, dogs who have not been bathed<\/a>, 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<\/a> might also be tricky to clean out without getting snapped at by a sensitive dog, so a muzzle will keep your groomer\u2019s hands safe from bite marks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019re traveling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dogs love to scavenge, which means that some will simply eat anything and everything<\/a>. This includes anything from cat poop<\/a> to random junk on the street that causes diarrhea<\/a> or other health concerns. Makes sense that this happens when they eat something they shouldn\u2019t. Teaching them to \u2018leave it\u2019<\/a> works well for many owners, but for others, entirely avoiding unwanted eating by using a muzzle to manage<\/a> them will be a better solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s take a look at all the ones there are and get the right type for your dog\u2019s muzzle training!<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Basket muzzles can be made of wire, rubber, biomethane, or plastic. They allow dogs to pant<\/a>, drink and take treats<\/a>, but most importantly, they keep your dog from biting!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nylon or soft muzzles tend to go around the dog\u2019s 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<\/a> and panting, so this shouldn\u2019t be used for long periods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are a few different types of muzzles made specifically for brachycephalic breeds like French Bulldogs<\/a> and Pugs<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A homemade muzzle can be made out of a bandage or even a tie and is typically used if you\u2019re needing to fashion a muzzle quickly because your dog has been injured. We definitely don’t recommend these if you\u2019re trying to prevent biting in an aggressive dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/a> or German Shepherds<\/a>. You can also buy them in very small sizes for breeds like Chihuahuas<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/a>, Shih Tzus<\/a>, or Pugs<\/a> who have little to no snout, will need a wider fitting and shorter-nosed type of muzzle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Staffies<\/a>, 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you must remember anything, it\u2019s this: Muzzle training should be done using positive reinforcement<\/a>. Take care to observe your dog\u2019s body language<\/a>, and go at a speed they are comfortable with. Rushing muzzle training, or just sticking it on, won\u2019t work; we want your dogs to be happy wearing them and not scared<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once your dog has got used to putting their nose in to collect treats, hold it up and see if they\u2019ll start to put their nose in to be rewarded with a treat. You can do this easily with a clicker<\/a> or a word marker; say \u2018yes\u2019 or click when your dog puts their nose in, and then give them a treat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019re wearing it, feed them through the muzzle. Otherwise, take the muzzle off to give them. You always have to keep the treats coming!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By downloading the Zigzag puppy training app<\/a> today, you\u2019ll get access to all kinds of puppy training lessons you\u2019ll want to tackle on your journey. You\u2019ll even learn how to stop puppy biting without the need for a muzzle! Our training program 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<\/a> are available to talk to you 24\/7 via our in-app chat. All you have to do is shout (not literally). it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"greyhound](\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/muzzle-1.png\")
Why do muzzles have such a bad reputation?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Is your puppy biting a lot? You\u2019ll find loads of useful advice in our guide to aggressive puppy biting<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhen is it appropriate for dogs to wear a muzzle?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In case of an emergency <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
History of biting <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Vet visits <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Whether they like it or not, the Vet\u2019s will be part of their lives, so it\u2019s worth checking out our guide to help your puppy enjoy Vet visits<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nGrooming <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Breed-specific legislation <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Eating everything <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"greyhound](\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/muzzle-2.png\")
Different types of muzzles <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Basket muzzle <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Nylon or soft muzzle <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Flat face or short nose muzzle <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Homemade muzzle <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Leather muzzle <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Long leashes, just like muzzles, can be great management<\/a> tools to help with recall<\/a> (teaching a puppy to come when called<\/a>). You can read all about them in our guide to long leashes for puppies<\/a>\u2026you\u2019ll be enjoying lovely walks in the park in no time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"dog](\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/muzzle-3.png\")
How do you find the perfect muzzle fit for your dog? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How do I muzzle-train my dog? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Create positive associations with the muzzle <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a>, so they start associating the muzzle with getting treats.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLet the dog sniff the muzzle and investigate it <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pop some treats in the muzzle <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Teach your dog to put their nose in<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
As you practice, see if they\u2019ll hold their nose in there for a little longer. Delay your clicker<\/a> or word marker to add the time that they keep their nose in the muzzle.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDo the straps up<\/h3>\n\n\n\n