This is a fairly sensitive subject for dog owners, who would prefer to avoid making their animal wear a muzzle under any circumstances. Fortunately, there are very few places where wearing a muzzle is mandatory, although avoiding them with our four-legged friend simply because we do not know how to put on a muzzle or are horrified at the thought of using one can be limiting. Let’s therefore clarify which type to use, how to put it on, and when it is compulsory.
Which type of muzzle to choose
When we talk about muzzles, many of us inevitably think immediately of the contraptions of the past, more like instruments of torture than animal accessories. In reality, over the years muzzles have been redesigned and made more easy to put on and acceptable to dogs.
Many types of muzzles are available, for every need and preference.
The main type is the plastic muzzle, designed to create a grid around the animal’s snout. The same type is also available in metal, certainly less attractive aesthetically but equally functional.
The basket muzzle is undoubtedly the most suitable because it can prevent attacks while allowing the animal to breathe properly by opening its mouth. Unfortunately, however, these muzzles are not particularly safe against bites because their comfort makes them easy for the dog to remove with a paw. It is therefore very important to choose the right size, ensuring that it fits the animal’s snout as closely as possible.
Another fairly common muzzle is the nylon muzzle. Its shape is quite different from the basket type, as it consists of a sort of sleeve with front and rear openings that tightens around the dog’s snout. It is certainly more attractive aesthetically and provides excellent protection against possible attacks. Unfortunately, however, it is not ideal for the animal’s well-being because it completely prevents the mouth from opening.
This inevitably makes breathing more difficult, considering that dogs breathe mainly through their mouths. In addition, in hot environments or after physical activity, the animal’s body temperature could rise considerably because excess heat is eliminated mainly by breathing with the mouth open.
There are also particularly strong leather muzzles, designed specifically for dogs with a greater tendency to bite. They consist of a system of buckles and leather straps, with or without a front opening, designed to wrap around the upper part of the animal’s head as well for a more secure fit.
Finally, there is one of the newest and most controversial muzzles, the duckbill muzzle. This is a fairly practical option for the dog, made of semirigid materials similar to silicone, with a larger front opening. They are not particularly attractive, but can be used especially for small- and medium-sized dogs that are not particularly aggressive.
If you really cannot accept the idea of a muzzle and your dog has never shown any particular signs of aggression, where one is required you could opt for a system of soft fabric straps that wraps around only a small part of the animal’s snout, allowing it to breathe freely.
How to get your dog used to wearing a muzzle
This should be done from the puppy’s first months, a period that offers greater capacity for adaptation and learning. In any case, if you have never done it before or have adopted an adult dog, you can always begin getting it used to the muzzle with a few tips.
A muzzle, regardless of its type or material, will inevitably bother a dog that is not used to wearing one. With some practice, however, it may well learn to accept it. We should therefore make it interesting to the dog’s eyes, but above all to its nose.
For the first attempts, the basket muzzle will certainly be easier and more comfortable for the animal because, as explained above, it does not prevent the mouth from opening or proper breathing.
A good tip is to obtain one, perhaps an older one, and cut off the front section. This will make it easier to carry out the next steps. Place a treat in front of the opening made in the muzzle and hold it in front of the dog. Make sure that, to get the treat, it puts its snout inside the muzzle, without closing it.
Continue this way several times until the dog is accustomed to it. Only then can you try fastening the muzzle behind the animal’s head, giving it more treats. Keep it on for only a few seconds, repeating these steps several times.
Alternatively, you can use the muzzle as if it were a food bowl. Fill it with biscuits, treats, or pieces of chicken or cheese and let the dog eat them directly from the muzzle.
Try to repeat this process for several days, until the dog is completely accustomed to associating the muzzle with food. Only then can you try putting it on its snout, continuing to leave food inside.
In both cases, at a certain point the dog will be able to associate the muzzle with something pleasant, namely food, and will therefore accept it more easily. To make things easier, it is always advisable to use a basket muzzle, perhaps carrying a nylon one with you during walks because it is less bulky.
Finally, another tip is to avoid putting the muzzle on your dog only on rare occasions. Instead, even for just a few seconds a day, try to have it wear it using the treat method, to prevent it from becoming unaccustomed to using it.