

When Should I Use a Muzzle on My Dog?ĭog muzzles can help keep groomers and vets safe, prevent biting in aggressive or fearful dogs, and can stop dogs from eating things that they shouldn’t eat. Your dog can’t pant, drink, or eat wearing these muzzles and therefore they’re unsuitable for everyday use. While a muzzle that clamps your dog’s mouth closed is fine in emergency situations (I’ve used them many times), they shouldn’t be your go-to. For visits to the vet or groomers), as these muzzles function differently.Īvoid using tight-fitting groomer’s muzzles for regular use. You should consider whether you’re in need of an everyday muzzle, or a specific-situation muzzle (ex. But it’s important to get a properly fitted muzzle and to take the time to teach your dog to wear it properly. There is nothing wrong with using a muzzle. If you don’t take the time to train your dog to wear the muzzle properly, she’s almost guaranteed to be unhappy wearing it. That said, an improperly fitted muzzle can be really uncomfortable or even dangerous for a dog. A properly-fitted “basket muzzle” is one of the main tools that I use as a trainer to keep my clients safe and keep their dogs happy. Generally, muzzles should not be considered inhumane. But with a muzzle, their dog can safely enjoy the outdoors! Are Muzzles Inhumane? Without a muzzle, their dog wouldn’t be safe to bring on hikes or even on popular walks. Many of my friends and clients muzzle their dogs not because the dog is vicious, but because their dog might bite another dog if the other dog is extra-rude. to stop him from running with sticks in his mouth while hiking.to give me peace of mind at the vet’s or during medical procedures.My own dog is muzzled for several reasons: The same can be said for muzzling your dog! Even a calm, well-trained dog might be a bit of a mystery around children or puppies – I’m sure you can agree that in an unknown situation, there’s nothing wrong with utilizing a muzzle to keep everyone safe.Īfter all, humans wear bike helmets without expecting to get into an accident. Some owners may choose to muzzle their dog because it’s better to be safe than sorry. The truth is that muzzles allow dogs to interact in the world when it might not normally be safe, and allow them to make training progress without putting others at risk. It’s a shame that media has largely portrayed muzzles as a negative, associating them with “scary dogs”. No normal dog would wear a muzzle, right? Many people see a dog wearing a muzzle and think the worst – that the dog is an uncontrollable monster or is even being trained to attack. Muzzles are a valuable dog training tool and safety precaution, but they tend to get a bad wrap. Muzzle Misconceptions: They’re Not Just For “Bad Dogs” Muzzles also allow veterinarians, groomers, trainers, and others to do important work that might not be possible without safety measures in place. Muzzles allow dogs to get outside and enjoy the world when otherwise it might not be safe for them to do so. When you train your dog properly, she can learn to be as comfortable in her muzzle as in her collar. Muzzles are an important part of many training plans for dogs. Emergency Muzzle: Duck Bill Muzzles | “adorable muzzle for emergencies or short vet & groomer visits”.Best Custom Muzzles: BUMAS | “made from scratch to fit your dog”.Best For Small Dogs: Alfie Plastic Muzzle | “bright orange plastic that’s less intimidating”.Best Wire Muzzle: BronzeDog | “for pitbulls and similar-shaped dogs”.For Large Dogs: Leather Muzzle | “for dogs with thick snouts”.Best All-Around Pick: Baskerville Muzzle | “my go-to muzzle”.All Baskerville muzzles are designed for use with reactive dogs, supporting their rehabilitation by allowing for positive reward treating during the re-training process. If you’re using a muzzle to manage aggressive behaviour, it’s important that the product you use is fit for purpose, and that it provides complete security for your dog, and safety for those around you. Many fabric sock or soft silicone muzzles may, at first glance, appear kinder for dogs, but they can seriously compromise a dog’s welfare and safety. This is especially important if the muzzle is being worn for longer periods of time. The Company of Animals range of Baskerville Muzzles are designed to guarantee your dog’s comfort by allowing them to drink and pant freely. Whatever the reason, you want your dog to be happy and secure at all times. And then there’s the growing trend for countries to legislate for certain breeds to wear a muzzle in public places. From visits to the vet or groomers, to re-training reactive or nervous dogs, and avoiding food scavenging on a walk.
