Every Dog Should be Muzzle Trained

Unfortunately for us humans, seeing a muzzle on a dog can have negative connotations but there are so many positive reasons to ensure that your dog is correctly trained to be happy and comfortable wearing a muzzle.

As a vet practice, it is so upsetting for us to add to an animal’s stress [when they are already perhaps in pain or in discomfort] by putting a muzzle on them for the first time. We urge every dog owning client to read this information.

Training a dog to be comfortable and happy to wear a muzzle is no different to training a dog to be comfortable and happy to wear a collar, or harness. The only difference is how we perceive the muzzle and how we perceive the harness.

Sue Lefevre is a certified animal behaviourist based in Kent. This is how Sue describes the benefits of muzzle training.

For us humans harnesses are associated with fun and going out while muzzles have negative connotations, we need to change the way muzzles are viewed by the public.

A muzzle can be a life saver by preventing dogs from eating rocks, sticks, and other objects that can obstruct the gastrointestinal system.

A muzzle can be used as part of behaviour modification by providing it as a piece of safety equipment while working on creating good behaviours and building confidence. It can keep dogs out of trouble if they react to other dogs or people on walks. And with proper training, it can be low stress and fun to wear.

The goal with conditioning your dog to a muzzle is that if your dog should ever have to wear a muzzle, it will not cause additional stress to an already stressful situation. For example, imagine transporting a painful dog after a car accident, dog fight or other trauma; they can bite out of fear or pain.

https://www.thedogenius.com/course/muzzle-training

https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice/training/outdoors/muzzle-training

The video below is a useful guide on how to muzzle train.

Chirag is passionate about the application of ethical behaviour change science to improve the life of animals living under human care by teaching animals to be active participants in their own daily and veterinary care in a low-stress manner.

Chirag has a BSc(Hons) in Veterinary Sciences from the Royal Veterinary College in London and a Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Animal Behaviour from the University of Lincoln. He also holds an Advanced diploma in practical aspects of companion animal behaviour and training from the Centre of Applied Pet Ethology.