Getting a dog used to a muzzle should be organized as a game. The dog should feel confident and comfortable in it. The muzzle should not restrict physiology. Experts do not recommend putting a muzzle on a dog abruptly, as this can frighten the animal and cause a negative reaction to this item in the future.
Experts recommend stimulating your pet to wear a muzzle, for example, with a treat. They recommend first putting your pet’s favorite treat in the muzzle. “Then offer your dog to get it. Repeat this exercise, it will help eliminate the animal’s fear and panic in front of a new object. When the dog gets the connection between putting its muzzle in the muzzle and eating the treat, fasten the muzzle on it, reward your pet and remove the accessory. Then put the muzzle on the animal, calmly fasten it and reward the dog with a treat through it every time it does not try to remove it from its muzzle,” say dog handlers.
They advise gradually increasing the pauses between rewards: eventually, you should praise the dog specifically for being in the muzzle for a long time.
Cynologists warn that you can’t put a muzzle on a dog as a punishment. “It should perceive it as something pleasant or neutral. This accessory should be safe for the animal. You can always show your pet the muzzle before going for a walk,” the experts commented.
This way, the dog will begin to associate the muzzle with a pleasant time spent outdoors in the company of the owner.
At the same time, dog handlers warn that you cannot remove the muzzle at the dog’s request. “Distract your pet, give the command “Walk”, go to unfamiliar places, find distractions. Only after the dog has calmed down, remove it. If you remove the muzzle when your dog wants it, you will reinforce this behavior. If the dog behaves calmly on the street in a muzzle, be sure to praise it,” the experts explain.
How to choose the right muzzle for your dog?
The accessory should fit comfortably on the animal’s muzzle, not rub, not press, and not fly off the nose with a slight movement of the paw. The dog should be able to freely open its mouth in it to breathe or drink.
In addition, the muzzle should provide air circulation so that the pet’s muzzle does not sweat during walks. And of course, such a device should be made of durable material: if the muzzle cracks at the seams when touched, then it is better to refuse to buy such an accessory.
