Getting Your Dog Used to a Muzzle
Many people think that dog muzzles are cruel or only to be used if your dog is prone to aggressive behaviour. However can you really guarantee that your dog would let you pick him or her up if they were severely injured or in pain and you needed to get them to a vets quickly? Most animals when in pain will respond aggressively as they cannot understand that your intentions are to help them rather than to create more discomfort. For this reason it is a good idea to get your dog used to a muzzle and to not view it as a threat.
The best muzzles are ‘basket’ muzzles. These allow the dog to pant through the mouth which is essential for cooling down. Other types close the dogs mouth which hinders their ability to do this.
When getting your dog used to the muzzle start out by putting a favourite treat at the bottom of the muzzle. You can try cream cheese or pate for example as this will stick and the dog can enjoy licking it off. The dog will naturally put its nose in the muzzle to lick the treat. At this stage don’t fasten the muzzle but allow the dog to enjoy the food. Then move on to fastening the muzzle. Initially take it off again immediately and then slowly build up to longer periods with the muzzle on. Vary when you put the muzzle on so again the dog doesn’t associate it with one event such as a trip to the vets.
Things to consider:Used Canter available here
