Dog Muzzle Training advice

Dog Muzzle Training advice

If your dog is aggressive to other dogs or people muzzle training is important. ideally every dog ought to be muzzled trained. An easy going dog may act out of character during veterinary consultations or if hurt or ill. In these cases muzzle training is ideal. A muzzle can also be used to stop a dog from eating stuff it shouldn't while outside walking.

Dog muzzle types

You can get a assortment of different muzzles for long and short nosed dogs from cloth and mesh muzzles to plastic, leather or metal basket style muzzles. If your dog will be wearing the muzzle while out on walks a basket style muzzle is a good option. This allows the dog to pant and drink easily. A muzzle needs to be fitted well. It should be tight enough not to come off easily but still be comfortable for the dog to wear.

How to put a muzzle on your dog

Put a dog treat in the muzzle. Allow the dog to put its nose inside the muzzle to have the treat and praise it. Keep putting a treat in the muzzle and allowing the dog to get it. Your dog should begin to look forward to putting its nose in the muzzle and thinking of the the muzzle as a goody machine.

Muzzle training the next steps

When the dog places its nose into the muzzle to take the treat the next time pull the muzzle straps up behind its head just for a couple of seconds then release. Practice this until your dog is ready to move on to the next phase

Do the muzzle clip up when the dog takes its next treat from the muzzle. Leave the muzzle on for a moment before removing it again. The muzzle can be gradually left on for longer periods as long as the dog keeps calm.

Muzzle training should be a gradual thing to build your dogs confidence

If you move too rapidly with your muzzle training your dog may panic. If this happens go back a stage or two until your dog is more confident. The muzzle should be seen as something good by your dog. If your dog is muzzled you know it can't bite anyone. This should help you relax and in turn should help your dog relax too.

Tara is a dog lover and writes about puppy and dog obedience including top tips for muzzle training your dog

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