Muzzle Training, Stage 0: Philosophy and Supplies
Muzzles are for good dogs too!
Muzzle training is an important, but often overlooked, skill for ALL dogs! Yes, even the non-aggressive dogs.
You never know what the future holds. It’s best to prepare your dog now so a stressful event isn’t made worse by having a weird object shoved and stuck on his face.
Muzzle training is a kindness.
First, we’ll cover the philosophy behind muzzle use and training, and the supplies you need.
Muzzles: Seatbelts Not Parachutes
Muzzles are more like seatbelts, less like parachutes.
Seatbelts are there “just in case.” Although we have no intention of getting into an accident and we plan to drive as safely as possible, we wear a seatbelt.
Parachutes are different. I don’t know the statistics on whether it’s more dangerous to drive a car or jump out of an airplane, but I do know that if you jump out of an airplane without wearing a parachute it’s bad. The parachute isn’t there “just in case.” The parachute is there because you will die if you do not have one.
When it comes to using muzzles, think seatbelt, not parachute.
The muzzle is NOT something we use to avoid the consequences in a situation we know will end badly.
The muzzle IS an extra layer of protection “just in case” we’ve misjudged what the dog is ready for. The muzzle is part of prepping your dog for XYZ. It’s not THE prep for XYZ.
What Muzzle Training Is and Is Not
Muzzle training is NOT putting a muzzle on your dog and letting him get used to it.
Muzzle training IS building positive associations with the equipment, giving the dog a choice to put it on, and gradually increasing the time he wears it. Your dog should be excited to wear his muzzle!
Equipment
Appropriately sized basket muzzle. The Baskerville Ultra is the most popular entry level muzzle. If your dog is hard to fit or will be wearing his muzzle a lot, check out Bumas or custom biothane muzzles.
HIGH value treats such as chicken, cheese, scrambled eggs or freeze dried meat.
Lickable treat such as whipped cream, wet dog food, applesauce, etc.
A chair or sofa