Once you’ve decided on the type and size of muzzle that’s best for your dog, you can buy it from an online retailer or you can try your local pet supply store.
The website has comparisons of muzzle types, recommendations for fit and training, success stories and support. The Muzzle Up Project ( ) is a great resource for people looking to outfit their dogs with muzzles. So, even if your dog is wearing a muzzle, you should be vigilant and keep him away from situations in which he may be likely to bite. Keep in mind that a muzzle reduces the risk of a dog biting, but does not completely eliminate it because a muzzle can sometimes come off in a scuffle. A proper fit, using all the straps provided, will also minimize the risk that the dog will be able to get the muzzle off. When a perfect fit isn’t possible, you can add padding (moleskin, foam bandage, etc.) to protect the dog’s fur and skin. Manufacturers of good muzzles provide a size chart and guide so that you can measure your dog to determine the fit. You want the dog to be comfortable wearing the muzzle, avoiding any chafing or irritation.
Emergency muzzle: In an emergency, it’s possible to create a muzzle out of gauze.Metal basket muzzle: I don’t recommend these because they can break at the welded spots, leaving sharp wire ends or edges that can injure the dog or you.Grooming (mesh or fabric) muzzle: The dog can’t pant, drink or eat treats with this muzzle on, so it should only be used for very short periods.(Two types are Tuffie and Softie by ProGuard.) Soft muzzle: This type is lighter than a basket muzzle and easy to put on, but doesn’t allow for as much ventilation for breathing, and there are some reports of dogs being able to bite through the soft sides.Leather muzzle: These vary in design, so be sure you choose the basket style so your dog can pant, drink and receive treats.And a dog wearing a basket muzzle can take treats for rewards during training. It allows the dog to breathe and pant easily and drink water, so it can be worn for extended periods. Plastic basket muzzle: This is the best all-around muzzle for protection, fit and training.You can then try to educate the people who have their dogs off-lead about the dangers of allowing their dogs to approach dogs they don’t know. Even dogs with poor greeting skills are sometimes allowed to run up and then snap at the dog on lead.Ī muzzle is a wonderful tool to show that you are being responsible - doing everything you can to keep everyone safe. They allow their dogs to run up to dogs on lead, not realizing that it’s not always a safe thing to do. Regarding the third reason: Many people are oblivious about aggression in dogs. To prevent injury to other animals who are allowed to approach a dog who is likely to bite.To safely do a medical exam or groom a dog who is likely to bite.To safely handle a terrified or injured dog (either a rescued animal or your own) in an emergency.(For more on this subject, see “ Dog Aggression.”) Other reasons for teaching a dog to become comfortable wearing a muzzle are: The number one reason that I recommend muzzle use is for dogs who are so fearful that they become aggressive easily. In all cases when reaching the bite threshold is possible, a dog wearing a muzzle is at much lower risk of hurting a human or another animal.
For some dogs, this threshold is reached very easily for others, it takes extraordinary circumstances. Every dog has a bite threshold, the point at which he or she is stressed enough to bite. With a muzzle on the dog, you can make even a scary situation a positive, successful learning experience.Īny dog can learn to wear a muzzle, and can potentially benefit from it. I have used muzzles to safely help many dogs improve their social skills around people and other animals. In particular, a muzzle protects the dog who’s wearing it, since the fallout from a bite can include quarantine, legal action and euthanasia. A muzzle can be a helpful tool to keep everyone safe while you’re working to improve a dog’s social skills or trying to manage aggressive tendencies.