How to get started with muzzle training your dog
Muzzle training is still quite controversial. But it’s one of the most important things you can do with your dog, no matter their breed. (Of course, this is even more important now for anyone who’s worried about the upcoming XL bully ban.)
Read on to find out why and how to do it in a way that’s fun and strengthens the bond between you and your dog. Plus, if you want some free muzzle training, keep scrolling.
What is a muzzle used for?
Muzzles are great for so many reasons. Aside from the obvious bite prevention, here are just a few:
🐾 To make vet visits safer for the vets and nurses that may need to handle your dog in the future. A dog who is in pain or discomfort can be more prone to using aggression, even if they have never bitten before. And if a muzzle is needed, getting your dog used to one will reduce their stress on the day.
🐾 To let people know that your dog needs space so there’s less chance of them walking straight towards you and your dog.
🐾 To help you feel more confident on walks if you have a reactive dog. This doesn’t mean putting your dog in a situation where they feel the need to react, but it offers a protective layer and helps you feel calmer which will translate through to your dog.
🐾 To prevent your dog from eating dangerous things on walks. Here, muzzles can literally be life-saving.
Remember that muzzles are only a management and safety tool. To work towards changing a dog’s behaviour, you’ll need a plan from a qualified behaviourist.
Is it cruel to muzzle a dog?
Sometimes, your dog may need to wear a muzzle. This may happen because your dog is deemed to be a banned breed but is given an exemption certificate which requires them to wear a muzzle in public.
They may also need a muzzle when they visit the vet and are in pain or discomfort and therefore more of a bite risk. If the vet is unable to safely examine them without potentially being bitten, they will muzzle your dog if needed.
If you’ve ever watched a muzzle being forcibly placed upon your dog, it’s not a nice experience for them or for you. So the best thing is to teach your dog to feel comfortable wearing one before they ever need to wear one.
A well-fitting muzzle is not cruel if it gives your dog the chance to be safely examined for medical treatment or a chance to safely explore the outside world if they are at risk of biting or dangerous scavenging. They will still be able to breathe, eat, drink and pant normally.
With the correct training, your dog can learn to feel comfortable wearing one. And they won’t need to spend their entire life in one. It should only be used where needed for the safety and welfare of your dog and others around them.
Here’s how to get started with muzzle training your dog
The idea behind successful muzzle training is to teach your dog that good things happen when the muzzle is on.
The order of events is really important. If food comes out before the muzzle, food then predicts the muzzle, which can make food a scary thing down the line.
We always want the muzzle to predict food as our dogs love their food and treats.
We don’t want to force our dogs into a muzzle either – allowing them to make the choice to approach and stick their nose in means they’ll be much more comfortable wearing it in the long run.
Often, you’ll need to start by literally showing your dog the muzzle and then giving them high-value treats.
You then build up to teaching them to put their nose in and rewarding them for that, then doing the strap up and then gradually increasing how long they wear it for.
Free muzzle training guide
There are plenty of other amazing muzzle training videos out there to follow. Here are a couple of other good ones to check out:
Remember that training sessions should always be short and sweet to keep your dog motivated. A few minutes at a time is more than enough.
Generally, it can take a few weeks to get your dog used to wearing one. But some dogs take longer, particularly if they’ve had not so nice experiences in the past.
If your dog needs to be muzzled for a longer period than they’re comfortable with while you’re training, use a different muzzle to avoid ruining the association you’re building with the training. And put it on as kindly as possible, giving plenty of high-value rewards.
If you’re struggling to get your dog comfortable wearing a muzzle, check out my free muzzle training videos below. They’re specifically designed for bull breeds to help people who are worried about the upcoming XL bully ban but any dog will benefit!
For further support, get in touch with me or another qualified trainer for help. There are lots of ways to tweak the training process to suit you and your dog.
