Content
- When to use the dog muzzle?
- Fabric or nylon dog muzzle
- Dog muzzle with basket or crate
- Muzzles for brachycephalic dogs
- Dressage or walking muzzle (anti-pull)
- Comfortable dog muzzles
- How to choose the best muzzle for your dog
- When NOT to wear a muzzle
- How to get a dog used to the muzzle
The muzzle is an accessory for dogs that may be necessary in certain situations, however, in the case of puppies that must use it daily, it is essential to ensure that it is a quality muzzle, safe and that makes the puppies feel comfortable with her. Furthermore, it is essential that we work well with this tool so that the dog does not develop signs of stress or anxiety when using it.
In this PeritoAnimal article we give you some basic tips to know what is the best muzzle for your dog and some basic advice for its use. We will also explain to you which ones you should not use under any circumstances. Keep reading to be properly informed about the dog muzzle and its use.
When to use the dog muzzle?
the muzzle is mandatory by law in breeds of puppies considered to be potentially dangerous puppies. This is a state law that may change depending on the state. So be up to date with your state's standard.
The muzzle can also be a useful tool for professional canine trainers who conduct dog training sessions. behavior changes in dogs that present aggressiveness, coprophagia or other behavior problems that require the use of the muzzle for safety. It can also be of great help if our dog reacts to children, people or other dogs. Your safety and that of others is important in an urban environment.
The dog muzzle must never be used permanently (except when indicated by a veterinary specialist or professional canine educator). We should also never put the muzzle on the dog at home and leave it unattended, as this can lead to severe stress and anxiety.
Fabric or nylon dog muzzle
These muzzles are usually made of mostly nylon. At first glance they seem to be more comfortable and beautiful than other models, but the truth is that regular use for too long a time is not recommended. The ideal is to use it only in case of emergency or occasional situations.
Unlike the others, the fabric noseband don't allow the dog to pant (thus relieving your heat) don't even drink water so it increases tension and discomfort causing stress in the dog and even a heat stroke, serious veterinary emergency. It also does not allow the dog to eat or bark if necessary.
Despite being an economical option, avoid using this muzzle if you are going to exercise with your dog or any activity that is prolonged and lasting.
Dog muzzle with basket or crate
The basket or crate dog muzzle can be made from different metals, from metal to plastic. Unlike the last muzzle, with this one our dog will already be able to pant, eat and drink.
This is without a doubt the more suitable muzzle for the dog and we can find it in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and materials. It is especially recommended for those dogs that need to use it regularly, such as potentially dangerous dogs (American staffordshire terrier, American pit bull terrier, stafffordshire bull terrier...) or that present behavior problems.
This is an easy muzzle to positive and more comfortable than before, which favors the dog's adaptation to its use. It's also much more safe and resistant, especially when we acquire a quality one.
Muzzles for brachycephalic dogs
You've certainly heard about brachycephalic dog breeds, such as boxer, French bulldog, pug and others. These dogs are characterized by the round skull and flat snout, responsible for that unmistakable appearance. These characteristics, however, not only affect their appearance, but also make them more susceptible to health problems related to breathing in most cases.
This is exactly why it is very important to have a suitable muzzle, although it is not always easy to find one, since muzzles for brachycephalic or molossos dogs are not always available in all stores. In this case, it's worth taking a look at online stores.
It is worth emphasizing the importance of choosing a grid muzzle instead of fabric ones, to avoid any breathing problems.
Dressage or walking muzzle (anti-pull)
This accessory, in fact, is not considered a dog muzzle, but rather a tool to prevent the dog from pulling the collar. As well as the anti-pull collars, this dressage muzzle is extremely uncomfortable for those dogs that pull and makes the walk more relaxed. However, it is essential to be aware that this is very uncomfortable for them and limits the dog's natural movements during the walk.
It is also worth noting that this type of tool does not teach you to walk without pulling, for that you need dog education sessions. To learn more, we suggest these tips to prevent the dog from pulling the leash.
Comfortable dog muzzles
Thinking about those dogs that need to use the muzzle daily or very often, it is worth investing in padded muzzles, whose use is less bothersome. Another possibility is to apply the quilting on top of the noseband, manually so that it is more comfortable for them.
How to choose the best muzzle for your dog
As we explained, the best muzzle is, without a doubt, the basket one as it allows the dog to pant, drink water and allow us to offer treats to our dog. It is undoubtedly the safest. However, when you go to the pet store you can find different models of the same muzzle. To choose the best one, take into account that it is:
- Resistant
- safe
- Of Quality
- good materials
- appropriate
When NOT to wear a muzzle
It is essential that you understand that the muzzle is a tool that offers us safety on walks and should never be used in the following contexts:
- When the dog is very uncomfortable.
- Punishment method.
- When you are unsure of your efficiency.
- Only in certain cases (such as a trip to the vet).
- too long in a row
- To Treat Separation Anxiety
- unsupervised
How to get a dog used to the muzzle
If it's his first time using a dog muzzle, one of the most important things is to get him to associate it with something positive and not try to take it off. For this, we must use positive reinforcement, that is, through affection, awards, kind words and motivations. Anything goes!
Before starting to use it regularly (if not a mandatory use case) we will need to work for at least 2 weeks paying attention to dog language to understand if the dog tolerates it or feels uncomfortable.
We also have this post on getting the dog used to wearing the muzzle in a simple step-by-step way, where we explain to you how to gradually get him to positively associate.
In the video below we list and explain some of the most common errors during the tour so that you can identify them and try to correct them, if applicable: