Boone wearing a Baskerville Ultra size 4(design added by me)
There seems to be a stigma in our world, that muzzles are a bad thing or that the dog wearing them is dangerous, when in reality, this simply isn’t always the case and often actually isn’t.
Benefits of Muzzle Training Include:
– Reducing stress at Vet visits where a dog is in a stressful environment or having procedures done
– In cases of emergency where a dog is badly injured and may be defensive
– Allows owner/handler peace of mind when out with their dogs, especially if the dog is fearful or reactive
– Keeps dogs safe in emergency situations such as natural disasters, etc, which may cause fear or may need to be in confined spaces with other people/animals
– Provides safe training/socialization with other people/animals
– Provides a clear, unspoken desire for space
– For dogs with medical or behavioral issues, keeps them from eating undesired objects
– Alternative to a cone for injuries/post-surgeries or healing
– Can be anxiety reducing for both the dog(if conditioned to enjoy the muzzle) and the owner
– Many groomers or vets need to muzzle dogs, your dog would be less stressed in this situation
Muzzle training can be incredibly beneficial, while also being responsible. Helping your dog to become comfortable with and even enjoy wearing their muzzle will reduce the stress of needing the muzzle in the first place, making whatever situation you are in much easier to deal with.
A lot of the stigma surrounding muzzled dogs is that they are dangerous, aggressive, or have some sort of intent to bite or do harm, which is not often the case.
Many dogs you see muzzled could be muzzled for any number of reasons. They may be okay with people, but maybe not with other dogs(ever had that off leash dog that comes barreling at you while the owner is shouting “He’s friendly!”? I have). Maybe the dog is a fearful rescue and needs space from strangers, so the owner has muzzle trained their pup in order to have people give them space on walks(ever had someone come up and pet your pup without asking? I have). I know of some dogs who will try to grab and eat anything on their walks, and have even heard of dogs diagnosed with Pica who will ingest anything, and a muzzle has provided them with a safer quality of life while preventing a dangerous outcome. The reasons for which a dog may be muzzled are innumerous and often the owner is just trying to go about their day with their dog, responsibly.
In some places, there is unfortunately BSL(breed specific legislation), or the law may state that dogs need to be muzzled while in public, and the dog may not have any behavioral concerns at all. Breed Specific Legislation needs to come to an end, and is another topic for another time.
All in all, there are a wide variety of reasons to muzzle train our dogs, there are many reasons people may be out and about with a muzzled dog. Instead of judging, or making assumptions, let us smile for the fact that someone is being responsible, or working with their dog instead of ostrasizing them. Let us give them space and understand that while they may or may not be people friendly, their owner is probably doing the best that they can to give their dog the best life possible. And let us condition our own dogs to a muzzle, if not because it needed, but because there may be a situation in the future where it could be and what is better than to have a dog that is happy and comfortable, than one that is scared or agitated by the muzzle on their snout.
Video Resources for Training and Conditioning with a Muzzle:
1. Pre-Muzzle Training Prep by Maureen Backman
2. Muzzle Desensitization and Counter Conditioning with BUMAS by Maureen Backman
3. Muzzle Training Positive Associations by Maureen Backman
4. Muzzle Training Tips and Troubleshooting by Maureen Backman
5. How and Why Every Dog Should Love Wearing a Muzzle by Zak George
6. Muzzle Training Focusing on Calmness by Emily Larlham(kikopup on Youtube)
7. Teaching a Dog to Wear a Muzzle by Domesticated Manners and Chirag Patel
