Dog Muzzle Buyer's Guide
For most dog owners, the notion of having a muzzle on your furry companion is always going to be thought-provoking. While it tends to result in an emotional predicament, it is important to rationalize and address the various circumstances that calls for such restraint.
Why & When A Dog Muzzle Has To Be Used?
Often, it is for the safety well-being of your beloved pal and their immediate surroundings. Then, what are the various situations that necessitates the muzzling of your precious pooch?
During An Emergency
Certain unfortunate incidents or accidents may cause your pooch to be hurt and wounded, resulting in mild discomfort or even severe pain.
During this period, the injured dog experiences emotional distress and will likely be more prone to agitation which inevitably, increases the risk of biting occurrences.
It is advisable for your dog to wear a muzzle in such instances.
Aggressive Behavioural Tendencies - Higher Risk Of Biting
Certain breeds are generally more hostile and aggressive in nature as compared to others. This requires proper training and rehabilitation by accredited behaviourist and dog trainers to address the root cause of such temperaments. However, there might be occasions where dog owners are aware of factors that may trigger the aggressive tendencies of their canines to bite, then a muzzle should be used.
After all, prevention is better than cure.
Grooming Session
If it is the first time you are bringing your pooch to the professional dog groomer and/or if it is the first interaction between the groomer and your canine friend, you may consider the usage of a muzzle for added protection.
Your canine friend might feel threatened by the unfamiliar presence of the groomer and could potentially bite them.
Legally Required
There are many municipal governments in the United States that have enforced breed-specific legislation which prohibit and/or regulate the ownership of some breeds labelled as “vicious” breeds.
One of which includes the pit bull-type canines.
For these breeds, it is advisable to review the information on the breed-specific laws to understand the requirements for muzzling in public spaces.
What Are The Types Of Dog Muzzle?
Basket Muzzle
For the physically active canines, this type of muzzle would probably be the safest bet.
In our review list above, there are various forms of material used for the basket muzzles, ranging from synthetic polymers, rubber to metal wire.
Basket muzzles are considered more dog-friendly and provide good ventilation which allows your furry companion to drink, pant, and effectively cool themselves as they sprint across the lawns.
If your furry friend is of a larger breed, you might want to consider a wire basket muzzle for bite preventions. Plastic and rubber basket muzzles are more recommended for the small and medium breeds.
Soft Muzzle Sleeve/Wrap – Nylon, Mesh and Leather
Soft muzzles are commonly perceived as the most humane choice of dog muzzle due to its simple aesthetical appearance and material used.
However, the usage of these nylon, mesh or leather muzzles usually constricts the opening of the dog's mouth which in turn restricts drinking, eating and panting.
While your pooch is on these soft muzzles, additional supervision and monitoring is recommended to check on the physical comfort of your dog and more importantly, to prevent heat exhaustion.
When Should A Dog Muzzle Not Be Used?
As a rule of thumb, muzzles should only be used for very brief periods and should never be used extensively to control incessant barking and chewing situations for extended periods of time.
Such behavioural issues should not be kept under control with a dog muzzle.
Instead, it should be closely examined by the dog owners, veterinarians, accredited behaviourist and dog trainers to identify the underlying root cause. Appropriate trainings and rehabilitation should be implemented to improve on your dog's behaviour.
In addition, dog muzzles should never be used as a form of disciplinary tool as it will cause further discomfort to your dog. The discomfort might bring about other negativities associated with anxiety and fear to arise.
Your dog should probably wear a muzzle if it feels uncomfortable among new dogs and people. It is a well-known fact that dogs with separation anxiety might have the tendency to bark and even bite when faced with an unfamiliar scenario.
Likewise, breeds that are more aggressive in nature such as German Shepherd, American Pitbull and Great Dane should be muzzled up when you are bringing them out to open places. After all, it's better to be safe than sorry!
How To Properly Use A Dog Muzzle?
In the proper usage of a canine muzzle, it is essential to get the right size and fit for your lovely pooch.
Getting one that is too loose will be counter-productive as it is easily removed and having one that is too tight will cause great discomfort and increase the possibility of chafing to occur.
Depending on the type of dog muzzles, some will require you to measure the circumference of your canine's stout and neck, while others require the measurement of the circumference and length of the stout.
In addition, it is recommended to have your pooch accustomed to the muzzle and be comfortable putting it on. To achieve that, the muzzle must be portrayed as an interesting item for your pooch to develop an interest in wearing it. Feeding it some delicious treats may help to facilitate the process.
Dog owners should always watch out and keep their precious pooches under close supervision if they are required to muzzle their pets. To prevent heat injuries and other forms of injuries, ensure that the muzzle is promptly removed at the first sight of any discomfort or abnormality.
Tips On Getting Your Pooch To Wear A Muzzle
It takes time for your pooch to be familiarize with a new muzzle.
Like humans, our canine friends need time to adapt and be accustomed to new experiences. It is most ideal to introduce and train them to put on the muzzle in a relaxed setting.
Below is a follow through guide which might be beneficial in accustoming your lovely pooch to having a muzzle on.
- Introduce the muzzle to your canine friend by allowing him/her to get close to it. Present the muzzle and allow him/her to sniff and play with it. Reward them with a little treat to encourage them.
- Play with him/her treating the muzzle as a new little toy, preferably by having some form of contact of the muzzle with its snout or nose until your pooch is intrigued by it.
- Simulate wrapping the muzzle around its snout with one hand and having a treat ready with the other hand to encourage your pooch to slip in the muzzle to get their treat.
- Slowly and gently attach and remove the muzzle to its snout and providing them with the same delicious treats. Conduct a few repetitions of this step.
- Next, attach the muzzles together with the safety straps/buckles. Again, attach and remove simultaneously. Reward it and conduct a few repetitions of this step as well.
- Once your pooch is comfortable with the above steps, progress to the next step by leaving the muzzle on for a good 3-5 seconds and detach the muzzle after that. Repeat this motion for 3-5 times. Remember to offer some treats for a positive reinforcement!
- As your pooch gets accustomed to having a muzzle on, slowly lengthen the duration each time. While the muzzle is on, always remember to monitor and be observant to any signs of distress coming out from your beloved canine companion. Be reminded not to leave them with the muzzle on for prolonged periods. Treat them with love – These furry creatures are our lifelong best friends.
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