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Muzzle training can be a good thing for all dogs, not just ones with certain aggression or handling safety issues.
For some dogs, we definitely need to muzzle train them. For others, while it might not be necessary, it's still not a bad idea.
Some of you have read a lot about Blitzen in The Blitzen Bulletin articles we posted during his first two years with us. Blitzen is one of those guys who definitely needed some muzzle training. He came to us with some issues revolving around resource guarding, handling and pain issues.
For vet visits and for grooming/husbandry things, Blitzen needed to be muzzle trained. While we were working on him being able to handle things like vet exams and nail trims without trying to bite anyone, the added safety measure of a basket muzzle helps to protect everyone just in case. It was not a solution to the issue, just an added management and safety tool as part of our bigger plan.
Zooka, on the other hand, did not need to be muzzle trained at that time. But guess what? I included him in the training anyway. Why? While he didn't need it at the time, I decided it was a good idea for him to have that experience so that IF he ever needed it in the future, we would already be prepared.
For some dogs, there is a risk of a bite to visitors to the home or to other dogs. In one case I worked on, the dog had bitten someone while they were out on a walk. Part of his court order was that he must wear a muzzle any time he was away from their home. So they could still walk the dog, but only if he was wearing a muzzle.
There are lots of reasons why a dog might need to wear a muzzle. It doesn't mean this is a solution to the problem, it's just a management tool to keep everyone safe while we are working on longer term solutions to certain issues.
Whether your dog is considered a bite risk or not, it's a good idea to have your dog acclimated to a basket muzzle already in case it's needed at some point for veterinary care or for emergency situations. If your dog is injured and in severe pain, there is a much better chance that your dog could bite you or a veterinary professional. Having your dog already acclimated to a muzzle if that occurs will make things a little less stressful.
First step is to get a basket muzzle of the right size for your dog. We generally recommend the Baskerville Ultra muzzle – or something very similar. Follow the guidelines for measurements around the muzzle to help determine the right size. I have found that using their guide regarding breeds does not seem to work all that well. Take the measurements or order a couple of sizes to find the right one and then return the one that does not work for your dog.
If you need a muzzle that will be used regularly with your dog, you might consider spending a bit more and getting a custom muzzle made to your dogs specific measurements.
Second step is to start acclimating SLOWLY. Can you get your dog to stick his nose in the muzzle to get a treat? Great, do that a LOT before you even think about trying to attach the strap behind his head.
Once your dog is VOLUNTARILY sticking his nose in the muzzle for treats, then start building some DURATION. Will he stick his nose in and hold it there for a few seconds? For a minute?
Once he can stick his nose in and hold it there, then you can start to adjust the straps and eventually hook the muzzle in place. But for a very short period of time. Then take it off.
Small doses! And feed plenty of treats through the muzzle.
Once he will keep it on for a bit, then you can start to get him doing other things. Can you do a bit of training? Can you do a bit of husbandry like handling or trimming nails? Gradually start working on being able to do the things you need or want to be able to do when your dog is wearing the muzzle.
It's a valuable thing to work on even if there's only a chance that your dog might need it some day!
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