Muzzle Training 101
Why do some dogs wear muzzles? It’s not for a scary reason!
People often have a negative reaction to seeing dogs wearing muzzles. It’s commonly viewed as “scary” or that the dog is “untrained” and “mean.” This is far from the truth! Owners have a multitude of reasons as to why they may muzzle their dogs in public.
- The dog has anxiety around new people or new dogs, so they are muzzled as a precaution
- The dog has anxiety at the vet and the muzzle makes for safer appointments.
- The dog tends to eat things they aren’t supposed to on walks and the owner is preventing that (we have a staff member who muzzles her dog on walks so it won’t eat goose poop)
- It prevents people from coming up to the dog without asking permission first
The muzzle does not mean that the dog is vicious or the owner is irresponsible. Dog owners decide to muzzle train their dogs to better care for the dog’s individual needs.
How can you muzzle train your dog at home?
All dogs can benefit from muzzle conditioning. It can also be a fun activity to do together during regular training sessions. It’s important to make the muzzle a positive experience for the dog. Having the muzzle on should never feel like a punishment. Follow the steps below to start your training journey!
Step 1: Start with a positive association
Help the dog feel comfortable around the muzzle by rewarding their relaxed behavior at the sight of it. If their body language is loose and wiggly and they don’t act nervous, reward them with a treat and verbal praise. Start doing this without having them ever actually have the muzzle near their face. If they look nervous at any point, go slower and use rewards more frequently.
One strategy to increase comfort with the muzzle is to use it as a food bowl. Prop the muzzle up so the dog can comfortably place their mouth inside while eating a high-value treat from within. This helps further solidify the positive association.
Step 2: Noses in the muzzle
Encourage the dog to put their nose in the muzzle by prompting them with a treat at the end of it. Once they place their nose inside, give them a verbal marker (often “Yes”) and the treat. Repeat this over and over with the dog. Throughout a few training sessions, increase the duration of their nose being in the muzzle before you give them the verbal cue/reward.
Step 3: The straps
Once you have a solid foundation of duration (30-60 seconds), start messing with the straps while their nose is in the muzzle. Do not rush this step. Once they’re comfortable with that duration, practice putting the straps over their ears and off again, then immediately reward. Once they get that down without issue, you can start fastening and unfastening the straps to get them used to the sounds of the buckle clicking. You can not over-reward them at this stage!
Step 4: On the move
Once you have completed the above conditioning with your dog and they have a positive reaction to each step, you can start leaving the muzzle on for short periods. Start by putting it on them and having them follow you around the house while feeding them treats through it. Then take off the muzzle to end the short session on a positive note.
After a few sessions of wearing the muzzle around the house, try taking the dog outside (in an environment where they feel comfortable, like your own yard) and having them relax there with the muzzle on. As with each step prior, reward them consistently for good behavior.
The last step of muzzle training is having them in environments with potential triggers for the dog. Keep the triggers at a distance and consistently reward for good behavior.
By advocating for your dog’s needs, you are being a caring, protective, and loving pet owner. Help others understand by coming from a place of education and advocacy for why muzzling isn’t a bad thing. You may find people are willing to learn. However, like with most things, some people just won’t get it and that’s okay! Always know you are doing what is best for you and your dog.
