Dog muzzles may look scary but they’re a great tool for keeping both dogs and people safe! After an ARK friend and adopter was involved in a car accident, the muzzle she kept in her car for her reactive pitbull was a lifesaver. It allowed police to safely handle the dog while EMS took care of her “mom.” This is just one example of why a muzzle belongs in a dog owner’s toolkit!

Muzzle Benefits

• Helps dogs who are nervous around other dogs and strangers
• Prevents dogs from eating non-food items such as rocks, socks, and toxics
• Tells other dog owners to give you and your dog space
• Makes you feel more at ease when walking a reactive dog
• Some dogs seem less stressed, possibly since your are less stressed or knowing he doesn’t have to choose to bite

Muzzle Training Tips

When possible, conditioning to the muzzle is best practice. Go slow and take your time! The dog will tell you when they feel good about it. Look for their anticipation where they see a muzzle. Many dogs do not mind wearing it and sometimes, I think they actually like it 

1. Keep it fun by associating the muzzle with play or food, or walks or toys
2. Go Slow: Take your time and let the dog dictate how quickly the process should go
3. Do not leave the muzzle on for an extended time even if the dog seems to be tolerating it
4. Reinforce wearing the muzzle by randomly having the dog wear it for treats and then put it away 
5. Make sure the first time you use the muzzle is not in a “conflict or fearful situation”
6. Best fit: Make sure your dog can drink water and take treats while wearing a muzzle

Muzzle Training Article

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/muzzle-training-for-dogs

Muzzle Training Videos

How-to Fit Video

When wearing any muzzle, the dog should be able to pant, eat treats or food, drink water, and vocalize. A muzzle should not impede any of those activities. It should fit securely so the dog can’t push it off, but not be pushing into the dog’s eyes. This video shows how to properly fit a muzzle.

Muzzle Suggestions

• Baskerville Ultra muzzles work well for most breeds, are inexpensive, and can be (somewhat) reshaped when placed in boiling water for a few minutes
• https://trust-your-dog.com/
• https://www.biothane.us/applications/animal/shop-products/dogs-pets/bumas/

* Custom muzzles are another good option but they are more expensive.