Muzzle Training: An Introduction
Video description & transcript coming soon! Please email if needed.
As The Muzzle Movement says,
“One of the biggest barriers to muzzle use is stigma. Too often, muzzled dogs are labeled as ‘bad’ or ‘dangerous.’ The truth?
A muzzle is a sign of a responsible, caring guardian who is putting their dog’s welfare and public safety first.
By normalizing muzzles, we protect dogs from unnecessary judgment and help guardians feel proud of their proactive choice.”
Teaching a dog to feel comfortable while wearing a muzzle is a proactive skill I recommend everyone work on before it's urgently needed. Our lives are unpredictable, and under the wrong circumstances, any dog can bite. Many people start their muzzle training journey to help all beings involved feel safer during vet visits, in case of medical emergencies, or when introducing their dog to new people or dogs. Muzzles can also keep persistent scavengers safe from ingesting anything dangerous outside.
When well-fit, a good basket muzzle will allow a dog plenty of room to pant, eat, and drink water comfortably.
The correct size and fit are crucial to help prevent discomfort and promote positive associations. I highly recommend The Muzzle Movement's muzzles; they’re super lightweight and strong, cute, and thoughtfully designed with features like a padded nose band and curved edges. They are a bit spendy and ship from the UK, but in my opinion, they're worth it!
You might also choose to wait to buy your dog’s 'forever muzzle' and begin training using a cup with the bottom cut off, a small cone, or an inexpensive Baskerville muzzle (commonly stocked at pet stores). I've even modified cheaper muzzles like the Baskerville by cutting off the bars in front for easier treat delivery and removing any extra head straps to make them less intrusive at first. This gradual approach is imperative to help your dog get used to wearing a muzzle comfortably!
The following are additional muzzle training resources:
The Muzzle Movement offers:
an Introduction to Muzzle Training series on YouTube
an online Dog Muzzle Training Course for $94-283, depending on your choices.
The Muzzle Up! Project offers:
a free Muzzle Training Plan - Remember, this is a plan.
a YouTube channel with many muzzle training videos that, although several years old now, are still helpful!
Finally, if muzzle training isn't going as planned, please reach out so I can help you!
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Description coming soon! Please email me if needed.
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Transcript coming soon! Please email me if needed.
