Monday's Trick Challenge: Wear a Muzzle

Wearing a muzzle isn't exactly a trick, but it can be a handy tool to have and even handier if your dog is comfortable wearing it! Some dogs may require to wear a muzzle at one point or another in their lives for a variety of reasons. Not all dogs are outright aggressive who wear muzzles. Some may not have been properly exposed to certain scenarios during the important socialization periods of their lives, and as a precaution a muzzle can keep everyone safe. Two main scenarios where a muzzle may need to be used is at the groomers or vet clinic. Both require strangers to handle your dog in situations that may be scary or even painful for your dog! It's important that I stress; a dog wearing a muzzle is not a BAD dog! When an owner chooses to muzzle their dog in a situation that they are not sure how their dog may react or they may suspect their dog may bite out of fear or pain, that owner is a responsible owner who looks out for the safety of others as well as their dog.

The type of muzzle your dog wears is also important. It should fit correctly so the dog cannot remove it by pawing or rubbing it against surfaces. It should not impeach breathing, drinking or panting. Unfortunately many muzzles strap the mouth shut. There are muzzles called 'basket muzzles' available which are just as they sound; a basket that covers the entire muzzle but leaves enough room for the dog to still be able to breath, pant, yawn and drink. Basket muzzles do have a pricier tag on them but are worth the investment. The better quality the muzzle the longer it will last and the safer it will be!

Unit recently attacked another dog and needs to be muzzled when out in public now. When I first got Unit she needed to be muzzled during grooming. She'd never been exposed to being groomed and was already a few years old so bath time was no easy! She was muzzled several times before I felt comfortable enough to remove it. Watch your dogs body language, they will tell you when they're ready! She hadn't worn a muzzle since then so when I went to put it on she did the usual, avoiding it, and then trying to remove it (which she was successful at). I had to pop another hole in the strap to fit it for her better, and started teaching her to accept the muzzle in the same way I'd taught Linkin, the original owner of the muzzle.

I apologize in advance for some of the poor quality photos.
I should have waited until I had someone help to take the photos!

If you are using a basket muzzle, hold a small
treat  through the end of the muzzle

Step 1: use a high reward treat. Sit on the floor with your dog in a distraction-free environment.
 If you're using a basket muzzle this method is much easier. Hold the treat through the end of the muzzle and encourage your dog to get the treat by putting their nose into the muzzle. The basket muzzle as enough space for movement within it that this is fairly easy. It does require a bit of coordination but with some practice is pretty easy to do!

If your dog is clicker trained, this is a good time to use it. "Click" each time your dog sticks his/her nose in the muzzle.

Do not attach the muzzle yet, we are just teaching the dog to put his/her nose in the muzzle. Praise and repeat.

Unit did not like to put her nose into the muzzle
and required a bit of direction the first few times.

Step 2: Try holding the muzzle on your dogs nose for a bit longer (this will probably be about 1-3 seconds). If your dog fights it he/she is not ready to wear it yet.

TROUBLESHOOT: if your dog continues to try to get the treat around the muzzle instead of through it you may need to gently hold their nose and place the muzzle on the nose. Once the dog smells the treat she will quickly gobble it up (if she's anything like Unit!). Praise praise praise!! Your dog likely does not understand what you want her to do, and putting her nose in the muzzle does not seem natural to her. By gently showing her where to put her nose, you are teaching her what behavior you are expecting.

Step 3: Attach the muzzle. This should only be done when your dog is more comfortable with the muzzle. It may take a couple hours, a few days or a few weeks. It all depends on your dog!

If your dog paws at the muzzle, allow it. You want to make sure the muzzle isn't too big and thus your dog is able to remove it, and it's also just a part of your dog getting use to it. She will most likely try to remove it, but if you've done a lot of solid foundation training of teaching your dog to associate the muzzle with a positive (the food reward) she should feel comfortable enough that her attempt to remove the muzzle does not last long.

If your muzzle is too big you may need to poke a new hole in the strap like I did.

When fit correctly, you should be able to pull the muzzle down a bit but not off the nose completely. You can see from the picture to the left that Unit's muzzle is very close to being too big for her. It does not, however, come right off her nose. Some muzzles come with a strap that goes from the top of the muzzle, between the eyes, over the forehead and attaches at the back of the head. This will keep the muzzle from pulling off the nose. Many muzzles for shorter nosed dogs are designed this way (or for dogs with oddly shaped heads such as the English Bull Terrier).

If your muzzle slips off you will need to adjust the straps, poke new holes for the straps or possibly even invest in a smaller muzzle.

Remember to praise a lot and be patient! You are taking away your dogs most important defense and many dogs will feel extremely uncomfortable about this. Taking your time to associate the muzzle with a positive is very important.

The basket muzzle pictured here was roughly $90.00 CAD. they are much pricier than the cheap nylon muzzles that clamp the dogs mouth shut, but in my opinion, are well worth the investment!