Dogs may be muzzled for a variety of reasons. They might eat non-edible items that are dangerous for them. They may eat disgusting things that give them upset tummies! Some dogs may get very anxious and snappy at the vets but need treatment. Or perhaps they have shown aggression towards other dogs, cyclists, joggers or something else in the past and you want to be responsible. Learn how to muzzle a dog below.

Muzzle training refers to the process of teaching a dog to comfortably accept wearing a muzzle. It is important not to just put a muzzle on a dog who hasn’t been trained first.Iif the first time they wear the muzzle is frightening or overwhelming, or associated with a negative experience such as a vet visit, future muzzle use will take longer to work towards.

Check out the video at the bottom of the article to see the steps worked through.

It’s important to take this at the pace of your individual dog. Dogs who have had bad experiences with muzzles previously may take a little longer. In this case starting with a new, different, muzzle can help to get you started afresh.

• Your first few sessions are likely to just be offering treats through the end of the muzzle. Or smearing cheese or peanut butter inside for your dog to lick out. We just want to create a positive and confident approach to putting their nose in the muzzle.
• If they back off, don’t move the muzzle towards them. It’s all their choice, not something that is done to them. This will help them to trust in the process.
• Start to wait for a second between the treats you feed so your dog waits in the muzzle. Then wait for 2 seconds, 3 seconds etc.
• Once your dog can hold their nose in the muzzle for a few seconds, start to move the straps a little between treats, gradually working up to doing up the muzzle.
• Once the muzzle is done up, go back to feeding every 1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds and so on.
• Once your dog is more comfortable you can start doing some fun tricks your dog likes. This gets them moving around and keeps them distracted. Keep it short and sweet to start out with. Then introduce the muzzle in different areas. For example your house, garden, quiet places on walks, friends houses and so on.

Check out the video below. Remember new starters will need this broken down into many sessions over many weeks.

Muzzle training isn’t always straight forward. Seeking help before things go wrong is always easier to work with.

I am a Clinical Animal Behaviourist based in the Worcestershire area – however, with successful online training procedures, training can be anywhere in the world as long as you have your dogs, and a device with an internet connection! Get in touch to see how I can help https://weteachpets.com/contact-me/