When and How to do Muzzle Training with Your Dog

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You’ve probably seen a dog wearing a muzzle at some point—but you might be confused as to what exactly the purpose of muzzles is. Is it humane for dogs to wear them? Are they only for aggressive dogs? When and why should any dog wear a muzzle?

There is a fair amount of stigma around muzzles, as they have gained an (unearned) association with “aggressive” dogs. But muzzles should never be used to punish a dog or as a means of dealing with reactive behavior without further training.

Let’s dive into what muzzles really are and when they should be used. Turns out they're great tools for responsible dog parents!

What is a dog muzzle?

There are several types of muzzles, with basket muzzles generally being the most prevalent and humane. A basket muzzle looks essentially like a basket strapped to your dog’s mouth. They allow for better air circulation than solid muzzles, and most styles of basket muzzle allow the dog to open their mouth enough to pant, eat and drink. You can also slip treats through a basket muzzle to reward your dog for good behavior!

When should you use a muzzle?

Muzzles are great for emergencies.

Muzzles can help dogs with a history of biting.

As the AKC notes, it’s important to remember that the muzzle is not a solution in and of itself; it simply provides safety while you work on the behavior with your dog and a trainer. The muzzle in this case should be seen as a temporary aid to your ultimate goal of behavior modification.

Muzzles can keep everyone safe in “scary” situations.

• Going to the vet
• Visiting the groomer
• Meeting new people (especially if your dog is shy or wary of strangers)
• Being introduced to unfamiliar dogs
• Visiting a new environment for the first time

Just remember: The muzzle should be used as a temporary tool while you work on behavior modification. It's not a free pass to avoid training!

Sometimes breed-specific legislation requires muzzles.

Unfortunately, some places still have breed-specific legislation (sometimes called “breed bans”) in place, despite mounting evidence that it is ineffective and only serves to punish responsible dog owners. Some breed-specific legislation requires certain breeds, like pit bulls (and dogs who visually appear similar) to wear muzzles in public, regardless of their history or the situation.

Breed-specific legislation is a shame—but building positive associations with muzzles can help your dog feel comfortable in what might otherwise be an aversive tool. Muzzle conditioning can allow you to still go out and experience fun activities together!

Muzzles can be a visual cue your dog doesn't want to be approached.

(Note: As more people have positive experiences with muzzled dogs, hopefully the stigma around these amazing tools will continue to fade! In the meantime, though? There's nothing wrong with using it to your advantage.)

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When shouldn’t you use a muzzle?

You should never use a muzzle to prevent "problem" behaviors like barking or chewing on things.

A muzzle should always be used as a temporary tool. They are not solutions by themselves! Excessive barking or chewing are behaviors that need to be worked on with a trainer, and they will not be fixed by having your dog wear a muzzle.

You shouldn't use a muzzle to put your dog in situations they can't handle.

The AKC uses the example of a dog who can’t handle a dog park. If you feel that your dog can’t thrive in a certain situation or setting? Don’t use a muzzle to try and put them in that situation. Simply avoid it and keep training!

You should never use muzzles as punishment.

Benefits of muzzle training

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How to use a muzzle

Find the right muzzle

Here are the two main types of muzzles:

Basket muzzles

In most cases, you will want to opt for a basket muzzle.

Soft cloth muzzles

As you can imagine, this type of muzzle is a lot less comfortable for the dog—and they have the potential to be dangerous by preventing your dog from panting, which is a necessary behavior to keep their body from overheating. For this reason, you should only use a soft muzzle for a very short period of time and never in hot weather. Soft muzzles also prevent dogs from barking, drinking or eating. This also makes it difficult to use treats for muzzle training. In general, soft muzzles are not as desirable a choice as basket muzzles. They are much more restrictive, less comfortable, and more dangerous.

Opt for a basket muzzle if at all possible.

Muzzle training process

Introduce your dog to the muzzle slowly. Provide lots of treats and praise along the way! A good rule of thumb you'll hear us repeat: Never move onto the next step until your dog appears fully comfortable.

Here’s what to do over a period of 2-3 days (or longer depending on your individual dog's needs).

Simply show your dog their new equipment

1. Introduce your dog to the muzzle by letting them sniff it. Give them a treat just for sniffing the muzzle.
2. Touch your dog’s nose with the muzzle, and give them a treat for letting you do it. Repeat this a few times until your dog seems interested in the muzzle.

Start teaching your dog to willingly put their nose in the muzzle

1. Hold the muzzle in one hand, and hold a treat with your other hand, in a way that your dog needs to put their nose inside the muzzle to get the treat. Repeat as many times as needed, until your dog does this happily.
2. Allow your dog to put their nose into the muzzle again and this time have them leave it there for a slightly longer period of time, then give the treat. Remove the muzzle right away.
3. Again, repeat until your dog is comfortable with this step.
4. Do not place the muzzle on your dog—instead let them always choose to put their nose in it.

Work up to longer stretches wearing the muzzle

1. Gradually let your dog keep their nose in the muzzle for longer periods of time, and treat continuously when the muzzle is on.
2. Once your dog seems very comfortable with their nose in the muzzle, attempt to fasten the buckle, and give them a treat. Remove the muzzle right away. Repeat until your dog is comfortable.
3. With your dog’s nose in the muzzle, fasten the buckle again, and count to five, then treat. Then, remove the muzzle. (If you want to slow this step down, you can try just counting to two or three first, then moving up to counting to five.) Repeat until your dog is comfortable.
4. Every time you put the muzzle on, gradually increase the amount of time it’s left on, and give treats promptly. Repeat until the muzzle is no big deal.
5. You can teach a verbal cue for your dog to put their nose in their muzzle or just use the visual signal of you holding it out in front of them.

Make wearing the muzzle no big deal

1. Once your dog is comfortable in their muzzle, keep it that way!
2. Consider having your dog wear their muzzle a couple times throughout the week, just to maintain their comfort.
3. You might use your muzzle during cuddle time or other low-key moments around the house. These sessions can be short. They're just to keep your dog conditioned!

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Take muzzle training slow and steady

Working through dog reactivity?

• Dog reactivity: a definitive guide
• Dog reactivity chart
• Fear aggression guide
• When and how to think about medication
• Understanding and addressing leash reactivity
• How to socialize your reactive dog
• Fun enrichment ideas for reactive dogs
• How to safely introduce new dogs to each other
• How to train your dog to ignore other dogs
• Training a reactive dog: a beginner’s guide

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Trainer Review of this Article

This is the trainer that reviewed this article:

Danette Johnston
Owner - Dog's Day Out, Ballard, WA
Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
Licensed AKC CGC Evaluator
NW Coordinator, Doggone Safe