petorama

News

How to Muzzle a Dog and have them enjoy it!

How to Muzzle a Dog
and have them enjoy it!
© 2005 Awesome Dogs

Ideally, dogs are friendly creatures. They love when children hug them, they ignore food that is waved before their noses, and they ideally do not bite. Unfortunately, the Disney ideal often does not exist. Sometimes, there are times when you might for safety reasons want to muzzle your dog.

For example, some people might obtain a dog and not know how he will react around a resident cat. The family may want to use a muzzle during the first few interactions until they know how the dog will behave. Other families may find that a muzzle is recommended during portions of rehabilitation programs. A muzzle can give the people the confidence to proceed, and avoid a mistake in critical phases. Finally maybe you know your dog has no tolerance for children, and the grandkids are coming for the weekend.

There are other times when a muzzle is not an appropriate solution. Muzzles are not for barking issues, and in many areas it is illegal to muzzle a dog that is unattended. Muzzles are not for nipping issues in puppies. Puppy classes are for nipping. Muzzles can backfire when they interfere in critical socialization. Young dogs, especially puppies need interaction, especially oral interaction to learn critical lessons like bite inhibition and canine communication. Muzzles are not a cure all for aggression, and when introduced or used incorrectly can create an entire series of problems of their own.

Finally, it is important to remember that even if you have a muzzle order on your dog, and even if you follow your muzzle law to the letter, a muzzle will not prevent many bites. Your dog can still bite someone who comes onto your property or is in your home. Muzzle laws usually only take effect off the owner's property. Regardless of the situation, it is up to you to supervise your dog, obey leash laws and take steps to prevent aggression in dogs.

Choosing a Muzzle

My personal preference in muzzles are the cage or grooming muzzles. These allow a dog to pant, but the bars do not permit your dog from inflicting a bite. If possible, take your dog with you to the store for fitting. If that is not possible, take measurements of your dog's head with you.

Introducing the Muzzle

Note - Sessions should be approximately 10 repetitions each time. Any more may be too much. Count out 10 treats, and end that session. Short, positive sessions are usually more effective than long, tiresome sessions. A treat is the size of a pea, but should be something special to your dog. Reserve the special treat for muzzle training only.

1. Take the muzzle out and let your dog check it out. Let your dog sniff it and then put the muzzle away for an hour or so.

2. Get ten high value treats and pinch one treat between your thumb and forefinger. Slip the treat with your fingers through one of the holes in the muzzle. Offer the treat to your dog in a way that your dog must reach into the muzzle to take the food. Hold the muzzle steady - it is up to your dog to move into the muzzle. Remove the muzzle (Important) Repeat until your dog is happy and willing to do this. If this takes a few days - that is okay. Then stop the exercise until the next day.

3. Repeat the previous exercise, but now, begin to place a little pressure on the muzzle so it feels similar to if it were strapped on. Let the dog eat the treat. Remove the muzzle (Important). Repeat until your dog is happy and enthusiastic about the muzzle. If this takes a few days - that is okay. End the exercise for the day.

4. Take one treat, slip it through the hole in the muzzle. This time, take the straps as if you were about to do them up while your dog is eating. Remove the muzzle. (Important). Repeat until your dog is comfortable and relaxed. If this takes a couple days - that is okay. Stop any further exercises for the rest of the day.

5. Offer your dog a treat through the muzzle in the usual manner, but this time do up the straps. Wait 1 - 2 seconds, than remove the muzzle. Repeat until your dog is comfortable. Gradually increase the time the same way gas companies increase gas prices. A little more, a little less, a little more, a little more again, a little less - but in the end you end up with a lot more. Always make sure your dog stays comfortable and relaxed. If your dog begins to panic, slow down and back up a step.

Final Step - Put the muzzle on your dog, and then offer the food. Have some fun sessions where you play with your dog calmly, offer a treat or even a massage. The muzzle needs to equal positive. When your dog loves the muzzle, you can start associating the muzzle to fun activities like walks.

Cautions:

• If your dog is sensitive around his head, please seek the assistance of a professional behaviour consultant. Experienced hands can often help you get past the initial stages and help your dog to overcome touch sensitivity.



• Do not use a muzzle when your dog is playing with another dog that is not muzzled. The muzzle can make your dog vulnerable to attack, and frankly may not be fair. Instead, go for walks, and make interactions controlled.



• Do not accidentally create a negative association. If you only put the muzzle on when children come to the house, you risk teaching your dog that children mean the muzzle comes out. Make sure you balance muzzle use with lots of positive experiences.



• If your dog has an aggression issue that is causing you to use a muzzle, take the time to seek out professional assistance. Often problems can be corrected. Left unattended, a problem usually escalates. Nothing replaces behaviour modification and rehabilitation programs. Additionally, if your dog is routinely showing signs of aggression, they are living a high anxiety and reactive life. Their body is continuously bombarded with adrenaline, causing them to be on a state of high alert. Your dog will be better off if you address the root of the problem.



• Do not leave your dog with a muzzle unattended. Dogs have died, or less serious, they figure out how to remove the muzzle. Muzzles are by no means 100% effective. You must actively supervise your dog.



• Do not use the muzzle for behaviours like nipping, destructive chewing, stress licking, or fear driven behaviours. These problems are not only treatable, but may indicate an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.



• Muzzles are not a preventative for aggression, and can interfere with critical socialization. Many people know that dogs need early puppy interaction, but adolescent interaction lasts until the dog is approximately 2 years old. Adolescent interaction keeps a dog resilient to their environment. Muzzles should be used for a specific purpose, with the intention of treating the problem. Muzzles for the most part do not decrease dog bites. Statistically, most dog bites happen in the home, or on the owner's property. Take some time and become an educated pet owner. Simple steps like finding alternatives to tying your dog out can have a profound impact on stopping dog bites.


Not to be reproduced without written consent from Awesome Dogs.
<< Previous | Next >>
Comment

Name (required)

Mail (will not be published) (required)

Website

Previous News

• Don't Love Your Pet to Death
• Blow a Virtual Kiss this Valentine's Day on DateMyPet.com
• Ring a Bell to Go Outside
• House Training How To
• Pet a Potty, an Indoor Lawn Toilet System For Your Dog.
• View All Articles
/all') ?>