Muzzles Are for Every Dog
Photo: Sandie Powner
Does your dog:
Have big feelings about the world?
Need a little space from new people or dogs?
Feel nervous at the vet?
Devour street trash before you can stop them?
Like to chase small animals?
Eat poop?
Let’s get a muzzle on that good dog!
Muzzles are for ALL dogs
Muzzles are a great way to give your dog freedom and keep them safe. Most dogs who wear muzzles do not actually have a bite history!
They may need to signal to the world that they don’t want to say hi and need a little extra space. Maybe your dog loves to eat rocks or that rogue chicken bone on your walk. Perhaps your dog goes to the groomer or the vet and has feelings about that. And while hopefully not, your dog may someday have an emergency where a muzzle is required for treatment.
Muzzle training is important for all of these reasons, and it’s important to train positively and with your dog as a voluntary participant. Join me in removing the stigma around muzzle-wearing dogs! And give your dog the freedom to enjoy life safely.
Photo: Sandie Powner
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Dogs wear muzzles for many reasons including:
They eat trash, poop, or other items. Eating these things can range from simply gross to life-threatening.
They are nervous around people or other dogs. The muzzle can help keep everyone feeling safe.
The muzzle tells other dog guardians your dog needs some space. It keeps unwanted greetings at bay and allows you to go on without having to interact.
They get nervous at the vet or groomer. The muzzle gives both your dog and pet professionals a sense of safety and security.
They have a strong prey drive. Muzzles can keep small animals safe from a dog that would like to chase and catch them.
General training. Getting your dog comfortable with a muzzle is a great way to practice getting gear on, having hands near their heads, and other types of handling.
They have a bite history. Dogs that have a past history of biting other dogs or people can still be out in the world while preventing further injuries.
Just in case! Emergencies happen, and sometimes dogs need to be muzzled. If your dog is already prepared for this, it can remove a big stressor for them during scary times.
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A basket muzzle is the best style for everyday wear. The most important thing is that the muzzle fits comfortably and properly, and allows your dog a full range of natural behaviors (other than biting).
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A properly fitted muzzle should not be too loose or tight, and should allow your dog to easily drink, take treats, and fully pant. It’s very important to have your dog properly fitted for a muzzle. At a minimum, it may be uncomfortable for your dog and be a negative experience. At worst, muzzles that do not allow the above behaviors put dogs at risk of serious injury or even death.
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It’s very possible that your dog may not fit a pre-sized muzzle. The good news is, custom muzzles are made right here in California and can come in an astonishing array of colors and with super fun accessories. Get ready to glow up your dog!
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Absolutely! I’d love to help your dog love their muzzle. Appropriately training your dog to wear their muzzle after being fitted is essential. Utilizing a professional force-free trainer ensures your dog is not only properly trained to wear their muzzle, but loves doing so.
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You should not put a muzzle on your dog in these cases:
They have not been properly trained for it
To replace professional training for aggression, reactivity, or other behaviors
To stop your dog from barking
For long periods of time
When they are unsupervised
As with any gear your dog wears, it needs to be properly and positively introduced, and only worn when supervised for safety.
Photo: Sandie Powner