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When and How to do Muzzle Training with Your Dog

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David Adams

March 07, 2024

Dog Reactivity

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* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

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, and whether it’s humane for a dog to wear them. When and why should a 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. Let’s dive into what muzzles are, and when they should be used.

What is a muzzle?

A muzzle is a device that goes over the mouth of a dog (as well as other animals) that prevents them from biting or from opening their mouth. There are several types of muzzles, with basket muzzles generally being the most prevalent. 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 a great tool that dog parents can use to prevent harmful behavior, while keeping in mind that they are not a solution in and of themselves. There are several situations in which a muzzle is a good idea:

Emergencies: A frightened dog is more likely to bite. In an emergency, it’s a good idea to have a muzzle around (along with a muzzle-trained dog). This is especially true if the dog requires emergency treatment, as they may bite veterinary staff.

Dogs with a history of biting: If your dog has bitten a person, or another dog, in the past, or if you think they might (e.g. they tend to lunge at other dogs when on leash), a muzzle is a tool that can provide safety and peace of mind on walks. 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.

A “scary” situation: As we noted above, dogs are much more likely to bite if they feel threatened. This can happen in many situations, such as going to the vet or groomer. If your dog is scared of these situations, especially if they require interaction with humans, a muzzle is a good idea. However, just like with dogs that have a history of biting, the muzzle should be used as a temporary tool while you work on behavior modification.

When breed-specific legislation requires it: 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 to wear muzzles in public, regardless of their history or the situation. 

dog in leather muzzle

Muzzles are a great safety tool, and muzzle training your dog is a smart way to ensure that you’re prepared for emergency situations. If you train your dog to like the muzzle, and use your dog’s muzzle properly, it can enhance their quality of life and strengthen the bond between you.

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Trainer Review of this Article

There is so much misinformation out there, we want to make sure we only provide the highest quality information to our community. We have all of our articles reviewed by qualified, positive-only trainers.  

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

David Adams photo

David Adams

March 07, 2024

Dog Reactivity

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