Getting your dog comfortable wearing a muzzle is a great tool to have in your toolkit. With practice, patience and situational management, you can actually condition your dog to like the muzzle and see it as a trigger for great things (like a walk)! Having your dog develop a good relationship with the muzzle is important in order to ensure the equipment doesn’t cause your dog to feel stress or anxiety. With that in mind, let’s get started!
When to consider using a muzzle with your dog
If your dog has any history of aggression (e.g. biting, nipping, growling, etc), or they like to eat food or other items off the street, we recommend integrating a muzzle into your dog’s routine.
Why it’s ill advised to have your dog only wear a muzzle to the vet, groomer, or environment your dog doesn’t like
If you only have your dog wear a muzzle in situations they aren’t fond of, you risk increasing your dog’s dislike for the situation. Furthermore, over time, your dog will start seeing the muzzle as a predictor for bad things. This isn’t what you want and it will become increasingly difficult to have your dog wear a muzzle. Alternatively, if you incorporate the muzzle into your morning walking routine your dog will start to see the muzzle as a predictor of things they like (walking!) and get excited to put the equipment on.
Choosing a muzzle
We recommend basket muzzles such as the Baskerville Muzzle or an Italian Basket Muzzle (for dogs with more slender and longer snouts.) Both will allow your dog to pant, drink water and eat treats. They are softer than other muzzles on the market, and can be shaped to fit your dog’s nose.
Step by step guide to muzzle conditioning
PLEASE NOTE – the below timeline is an estimate. It is important to always work at YOUR dog’s pace. If it takes longer, be patient! Do not push your dog faster than they’re willing to go.
Week 1
- 1-2 times per week, put something lickable like peanut butter, cream cheese or ez cheese in the muzzle.
- Set the muzzle into a plastic container so your dog can work on licking the delicious filling out of the muzzle without you holding it.
- If your dog is comfortable enough, put your dog’s dinner into the muzzle and have them eat the entire thing directly from the muzzle. The muzzle acts as a dish in this situation. Be aware that, because they muzzle has holes, food will pour out. We recommend putting the muzzle in a dish to help contain the food and enable a successful exercise for your dog.
Week 2
- 1-2 times per week, put something lickable like peanut butter, cream cheese or ez cheese in the muzzle.
- Hold the muzzle while your dog is licking the delicious filling and slowly move the muzzle away from your dog while they are licking.
- Do not move the muzzle towards your dog.
Week 3
- 3 times per week, put something lickable like peanut butter, cream cheese or ez cheese in the muzzle.
- Hold the muzzle while your dog is licking the delicious filling and slowly bring the muzzle strap over your dog’s head while they are licking.
- Only leave the strap over your dog’s head for a couple of seconds, then remove the strap. You will want to secure the strap in the side of the muzzle prior to starting the exercise. The goal here is to get your dog used to the feeling of a strap being over their head.
- Avoid having your dog pull their nose out; be pre-emptive.
Week 4
- 3 times per week, put something lickable like peanut butter, cream cheese or ez cheese in the muzzle.
- Hold the muzzle while your dog is licking the delicious filling and slowly bring the muzzle strap over your dog’s head while they are licking.
- Leave the muzzle on their head for 20 seconds, then 1 minute, then 5 minutes.
- Feed your dog treats the whole time the muzzle is on. We want your dog to continue to have a good association with the muzzle.
Week 5
- 3 times per week, put something lickable like peanut butter, cream cheese or ez cheese in the muzzle.
- Hold the muzzle while your dog is licking the delicious filling and slowly bring the muzzle strap over your dog’s head while they are licking.
- Tighten the muzzle.
- Leave the muzzle on and go for a 5 minute, then 10 minute, then 30 minute walk.
Week 6 (and beyond)
- Have your dog wear his muzzle on 50-100% of all walks. This will ensure that your dog doesn’t view the muzzle as a predictor for something “bad” (e.g. visit to the vet or groomer), but instead sees it as a trigger for something fun – like a walk!