Training a Dog to Accept a Muzzle

Why Use a Muzzle?

Muzzles are used for many different reasons, including:

• Preventing injuries to others (frightened dogs can bite).
• As a method to carry out a veterinary procedure safely.
• To carry out a first-aid procedure (pain can induce aggression).
• In the UK, certain breeds of dog, identified on the dangerous dog list, must by law be muzzled in public places.

Choosing a Muzzle

Muzzles should be comfortable and well fitted. Basket-style muzzles allow a dog to pant, drink, and receive treats through the bars. Material muzzles are not recommended other than for very quick procedures in a veterinary environment, as they do not allow a dog to drink or pant.

The Training Steps

1. Begin by introducing a dog to the muzzle when they are calm and relaxed.
2. Assuming they have not already formed a negative association with it, place it close by so they can see it and investigate it on their own terms.
3. If the muzzle has a clip fastener, begin clipping and unclipping it in their presence. After clipping the fastener, follow up with a reward. If they show any signs of alarm, reduce the intensity by moving further away.
4. When the dog has accepted its presence, smear the inside and outside with something tasty like creamed cheese, pâté, or peanut butter (free from Xylitol, which is toxic to dogs).
5. Encourage them to lick and explore the muzzle to gain a positive association with it.
6. Once they are happily doing this, hold the treat-laden muzzle as if it were a bowl. This encourages them to voluntarily place their nose inside it. Praise them continually.
7. Begin to hold the muzzle very still as if it were being offered up for them to put it over their nose. Avoid pushing it on — let them enter their nose into it in their own time.
8. You can lay the straps gently over their neck at this stage but do not attempt to fasten them yet.
9. Begin to move around so they have to physically move towards you and the tasty muzzle. This can be turned into a game with lots of praise for offering the behaviour.
10. Add a verbal marker such as “Yes” or “Good” each time they put their nose inside the muzzle, followed by a reward. Repeat until the dog is happily placing their nose into the muzzle.
11. As you present the muzzle, you can add the predictive cue: “Muzzle”. This helps the dog prepare for the muzzle being introduced and prevents alarm.
12. Provided the dog is progressing, briefly introduce the straps and fasten the muzzle for a second or two.
13. Increase the duration that the muzzle is in place, second by second.
14. As well as smearing the muzzle with creamed cheese, treats can be passed through the bars as a reward.

It is not uncommon for a dog to try to paw at the muzzle during the early stages of training. A good tip is to keep them moving forward. Praise and reward them when they stop pawing to teach acceptance.

As with all training, if a dog has difficulties progressing through the stages, be prepared to take a step back. They may just need more time.

If you are experiencing problems with fear/aggression, it is recommended that you get the help of a professionally qualified and experienced animal behaviourist who can prepare a safe and structured behaviour modification plan.

Recommended Products