Muzzles: The Why, The How, & The Why Not!Here’s how to teach your dog to enjoy wearing a muzzle – and why you should teach him that! Also: When should your dog absolutely, positively not be muzzled?
PART 1: MUZZLE OR TREAT BASKET? By Dr. Colleen Koch This video shows one way to make a muzzle into a treat basket. But Dr. Koch explains that in In this video, the muzzle used is too large for this particular dog. Also, the training is proceeding a little too fast for her. The goal is to have a positive experience with muzzle. At one point, this dog tries to back of out the muzzle. Take your time and go slow. This is a technique to be used with dogs that are not food aggressive, and are not aggressive to humans.
This video shows how to shape putting on a muzzle using clicker training. The dog in the video is already clicker trained, which makes the process go a whole lot faster. If the dog is not clicker trained, the technique can still be used, but it will take a longer period of time. Even if you are not this successful in getting the dog to put the muzzle on by their self, it is still a fun game associated with the muzzle.
Below are some more links and instructional videos to help you train your dog to accept and wear a muzzle. The more work you do on this at home, the easier the vet visit will be. Short frequent training sessions in a calm home environment will be more effective than forcing this on a dog when fearful in the veterinary hospital. Home work on muzzle training is very important so that the muzzle does not cause stress and anxiety.
If you need help purchasing or fitting for a muzzle, ask us, we can make recommendations or order one for your dog.
Regular "Sleeve" style muzzles should NEVER be left on long term because the inhibit a dog's ability to pant and swallow. If unable to pant dogs will dangerously overheat rapidly.
A nice alternative to the "sleeve muzzle, especially if your dog needs to wear a muzzle for more than a few minutes, is the "BASKET MUZZLE" that will allow the mouth to open and pant, but will still prevent dangerous bites
Examples of Basket Muzzles, click picture to go to Morrco.com
Teaching Your Dog to Wear a Muzzle Click to view a YouTube Video on how to use positive reinforcement to teach your dog to ENJOY wearing a muzzle! This kind of positive training can help reinforce other things too such as nail trims or ear cleaning. Make it fun! Condition for a positive emotional response!
Kikopup Muzzle Training Video Emily Larlham, an amazing trainer with an international reputation explains how to train your dog to wear a basket muzzle.
Meet the Kuzzle! Help your dog fall in "Lust" with his muzzle, make it a bearer of frozen delights. Try filling a basket muzzle with food, freezing it, and using it like a Kong food toy! Teach your dog to enjoy sticking his snout into the basket to enjoy some crazy-good snacks!
Muzzles: A Tool to Keep Everyone Safe a handout from the Best Friends Society. Describes different styles of muzzles and how to train a dog to wear them without stress.
The Baskerville Ultra Muzzle A muzzle is not a badge of shame, it can save a dog's life! This is the ultimate basket muzzle designed for maximum safety and comfort. A dog can be trained to tolerate and enjoy wearing this muzzle. Dogs can eat, drink, pant, and play with this muzzle if used properly. For more info and to order this type of muzzle visit the Company of Animals Baskerville Muzzle website or Baskerville Ultra Muzzle at Clickertraining.com. It may also be available in some pet stores.
Four Flags Over Aspen, Inc. This company makes a nice basic nylon "Quick Muzzle". The website has easy sizing instructions. This muzzle is only for short term use of a few minutes. It will not allow a dog to pant or easily take treats. It is commonly used for very brief procedures such as during a veterinary exam.
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