When you put a muzzle on your dog, it should only be used as a safety measure. Specific situations may require wearing a dog muzzle for short periods of time only.
A properly fitted muzzle is crucial. Measured your dog’s snout before getting a muzzle so it stays securely and comfortably on during muzzle training.
How to put a muzzle on a dog? Before putting a muzzle on your dog, it’s important to introduce the muzzle to him. Keep in mind that introducing the muzzle should be fun. Have tons of treats ready!
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How to put a muzzle on a dog
Below are four main steps to introduce your dog to the dog muzzle. Keep in mind that it takes time and patience to properly put on a dog muzzle.
Do not rush through it or force the muzzle on your dog. Go at a slow and steady pace.
If your pup gets nervous during any of these steps, stop the training for the day. When you start the training again, pick up from an earlier step.
Make it a great experience so there’s no negative association with a muzzle.
Total Time Needed :
30
Minutes
Total Cost:
10 USD – 100
USD
Required Tools:
Things Needed?
4 Steps to put a muzzle on a dog:
Step 1 – Show the dog muzzle
Have your dog sit in front of you. Kneel down and hide the muzzle behind your back. After a few seconds, show him the muzzle. When your dog sees it, praise him with “yes!” and give him a treat. Hide the muzzle behind you again. Repeat this exercise a few times for the next 3 -4 days.
Step 2 – Explore the dog muzzle
Carefully smear a bit of peanut butter inside the dog muzzle. Allow your dog to voluntarily walk up to the muzzle and sniff it. With his snout inside the muzzle, let him lick the treat for 10 seconds.
Then, gently remove the muzzle from your pup’s snout. Count 5 seconds and have him voluntarily put his snout back into the muzzle. This time, encourage your dog to keep his snout in there for about 30 seconds. Remove the muzzle again.
Repeat this step a few times. Each time, encourage him to keep the muzzle on longer than before.
Step 3 – Introduce Release Buckles and Safety Straps
Next, introduce the muzzle’s safety straps and release buckles. Show him the safety straps and release the buckles. Give him a treat. Then, close the buckle and give him a treat.
Step 4 – Fasten and Release the Buckles
Now it’s time to fasten the muzzle onto your pup’s snout. Again, let him voluntarily stick his snout inside the muzzle. Praise him with “good boy!” when you fasten the buckles. Immediately after, release the buckles and give him a treat.
Repeat this step a few times. Every time you fasten the buckle, leave it closed a little longer than the last.
Detail information on how to put muzzle on a dog
Introducing the dog muzzle to your pup is just as important as wearing it. Make the training fun so he builds a positive association with the muzzle.
Remember that sniffing is a way for dogs to explore the muzzle. By using peanut butter, it should attract your dog to put his snout inside the muzzle so he can lick it.
Do not push the muzzle onto your pup’s snout. Doing so may stress him out or get him very anxious. Allow him to voluntarily put his snout into the muzzle during these steps.
Keep in mind that dogs are sensitive to noise. It’s imperative that your dog becomes comfortable with the sound of the buckles when you fasten and release it.
After repeating step 3 several times, your dog should start to feel comfortable with the sound of the buckles and associate it with treats.
Check that the safety straps are adjustable. The muzzle should fit comfortably and securely on your dog’s snout. It should neither be too tight nor too loose.
Never leave a muzzled dog unattended
Remember that using a dog muzzle is meant to be a temporary safety measure. Monitor your dog and never leave a muzzled dog unattended or unsupervised.
Also, please do not use the dog muzzle as a form of punishment. It should only be used to protect your dog and those around him.
Be careful with how you use the muzzle. If your dog has a habit of biting children, have him wear the muzzle around them. Don’t allow children to pet him either. Doing so may stress him out and this negates the purpose of the muzzle.
I’m a pet lover who has years of pet sitting and grooming experience. I thought it would be a great idea to share my experience with all pet owners so they can also keep their canine companions healthy, happy, and clean!
