All You Need To Know About Muzzle Training

Muzzles are essential tools for socializing or re-socializing dogs who have a bite history or are aggressive towards other dogs and/or people. Using a muzzle in this situation should be done under the supervision and instruction of a dog training professional in a controlled environment. However, training your dog to wear a muzzle does not require any professional supervision; it can be done in a few easy steps.

A muzzle, while we tend to associate it with aggressive dogs, is one of the most versatile training tools available for you and your companion. I believe muzzle training is beneficial for every dog, as many circumstances can arise where one may be needed. Think of muzzle training as an insurance policy; you might never need it, but you will be happy to have it if you do!

Why use a muzzle?

There are a few situations where using a muzzle is beneficial:

When a dog is injured, in a lot of pain and at risk of becoming uncharacteristically aggressive towards you or veterinary staff.
If you have a dog that needs to be groomed and is sensitive to being handled, a muzzle may be required.
Some puppies and adolescent dogs become mouthy when they are excited or overstimulated and need to wear a muzzle while undergoing training.
If you enjoy exploring the outdoors with your dog, an anti-foraging muzzle will protect your companion from ingesting poisonous or hazardous materials.
Some dogs like to put everything in their mouths and will eat household items that are dangerous to ingest. A muzzle can be used to curb this behavior.

If you train your dog to wear a muzzle ahead of needing to use it, you’ll have the time to build a positive association with this tool. Training your dog to enjoy wearing their muzzle gives you an advantage in handling any unforeseeable circumstances.

Selecting the correct muzzle

You’ll want to pick a muzzle that fits your dog well. The muzzle should be comfortable for your dog, allowing them to take treats, drink water, and pant without the ability to bite. If your dog is eating hazardous material, you’ll want to get an anti-foraging muzzle that will not allow your dog to eat anything. The Baskerville basket muzzle is a great option for most dogs. They have multiple types including anti-foraging and wide fit. If you have a brachycephalic dog (flat-face breeds, such as a Pug), you’ll need to look into mesh mask muzzles.

Once you have selected the best fit, it’s time to make the muzzle a positive experience.

How to muzzle train your dog

Training your dog should always be fun, and muzzle training is no different. Keep training sessions short and exciting – if you and your dog aren’t having fun stop the session and try again later.

You’ll start the training by desensitizing your dog to the muzzle. You can do this by leaving the muzzle out for the dog to sniff, or placing treats near the muzzle to create a positive association. This may take a few sessions. Once your dog is unbothered by the presence of the muzzle, it is time to move on.

Next, we will encourage the dog to put their face into the muzzle. While holding the muzzle in your hand, use a high value treat like cheese placed inside of the muzzle, and encourage your dog to take the treat. Give them lots of praise when they put their face inside the muzzle for a treat. Continue this exercise until the dog is willingly placing their face in the muzzle to retrieve the reward. This will likely take a few training sessions.

Following this, we will ask the dog to put their face in the muzzle without any food in the muzzle. Once the dog places their face in the muzzle you will deliver a treat through the muzzle. Continue that exercise until the dog is comfortable with their face in the muzzle. Again, this will probably take more than a few training sessions.

The next step is to work on securing the muzzle straps. Have the dog place their face in the muzzle and place the straps over the dog’s head as directed and secure the muzzle. Once secured, take the muzzle off immediately and reward. Do this exercise until your dog is comfortable with the muzzle going on and off. Next, you’ll slowly extend how long your dog wears the muzzle. Start with short periods of time associated with lots of treats. As you increase the time your dog wears the muzzle, phase out treats and associate the muzzle with fun activities like walking, hiking, or a car ride.

Over time, your dog will get comfortable wearing a muzzle in many different situations. If trained correctly, your dog should come running with excitement when you fetch the muzzle.