Learn why Muzzle training your dog is important and the benefits to using a muzzle as part of your dog’s training programme in this article. Your furry family member will love you for doing things right and avoiding the pitfalls that many owners make.
What’s the first thought you have when you see a muzzled pet dog?
It is interesting to know that muzzles have a multitude of uses in safeguarding and protecting our dogs in many other ways than we first think. Of course, they provide bite protection from dogs that struggle to cope in particular environments and challenges.
This enables professionals and owners to protect the publics and dog’s safety while modifying / managing reactive behaviours.
Let’s consider some other practical uses:
- For dogs who love to scavenge food, particularly those who have intolerances and allergies!
- To enable vets to safely examine dogs. This may also be applicable when at the groomers.
- To ensure safety for the public and dog on public transport.
- To prevent wound licking.
It is important to remember that a muzzle is a useful tool and as such should never be used as a punishment.
Things to consider when buying a muzzle:
- Be sure to measure appropriately and do not be afraid to ask for assistance if needed.
- Opt for a ‘cone’ shaped muzzle like the BASKERVILLE, this type of muzzle allows the dog to pant, drink water freely and accept tasty treats. Consider what the muzzle is made of for cleaning purposes, plastic material is easy to clean.
- short snouted dogs can be difficult to get muzzles for, muzzles can be made to order https://www.themuzzlemovement.com
Introducing the muzzle
You have bought the perfect muzzle, now it’s time to introduce it. Introducing new equipment to your dog slowly and using positive association is very important. The process should be free from stress and gradual. At GreenDog Dog Training we are on hand to assist you with any aspect of dog handling and training.
To get you started here is a basic 5 step guide:
5 Muzzle training steps to get you started:
- Hold the muzzle, allow the dog to make any choice to sniff, look or interact with it.
- Reward with tasty treats and verbal praise as they do so.
- Repeat this for a couple of days, 2-3 times a day.
- Place some high value food in the muzzle, the aim is for the dog to place their nose in the muzzle to get the food.
Repeat this for 5-7 days, 2-3 times a day. - As the dog gets the food, do up the strap.
- Release after 5-10 seconds. Dependant on how settled the dog is expand the duration accordingly.
- Reward on removal of muzzle.
- REMEMBER TO GO AT THE DOG’S PACE.
- Go for short walks in around the home, garden with the muzzle on.
- Rewarding with treats and praise. Start with short periods and build duration.
