When, Why, and How to Correctly Use Them – American Kennel Club

The idea of putting a muzzle on your dog can be unsettling. You might wonder if your pet can drink, pant, or even breathe while wearing a dog muzzle. Is a dog muzzle painful or cruel? Perhaps you feel a muzzle is the best option for your dog’s situation, but how do you decide? There are certain situations where a muzzle can be very useful, and at times dog muzzles are even necessary, but there are other scenarios when a dog muzzle is definitely the wrong choice. How do you know when a dog muzzle is helpful? What type of dog muzzle is the correct choice for your dog? There are so many questions around this emotionally charged topic. Learn about the when, why, and how of using a dog muzzle, and always consult a professional dog trainer for advice on your dog’s individual situation.

Why Are Dog Muzzles So Polarizing?

Dog muzzles can look controversial. After all, they have an unfair association with “aggressive” dogs or “attack” dogs. But most canine experts agree that at one point or another in every dog’s lifetime, there may be a situation when an owner needs to use a muzzle. It might be for the safety of the dog, the safety of a person, or both.

For example, if your dog is seriously injured, the risk of a dog bite jumps significantly. While in severe pain, dogs can bite when you try to transport them or treat their wounds. And there’s no way to predict when such a situation might arise. Therefore, even if you never have to rely on a dog muzzle, it’s a good idea to understand why, when, and how you should use a muzzle on your dog. You also need to teach and train your dog how to tolerate and accept wearing a muzzle. Every dog should learn to love wearing a muzzle so if the day comes when they need to wear one, you and your dog won’t be stressed even further.

When Is it Appropriate to Use a Dog Muzzle?

Here are some situations that make the use of a dog muzzle safe and appropriate.

During an emergency

As mentioned before, an injured or frightened dog is much more likely to bite. Particularly if you need to move or treat the dog in some way. Using a muzzle will keep you and anyone assisting you safe from your dog’s uncharacteristic but understandable behavior.

There is a history of biting, or a risk of biting

If your dog is aggressive and/or has bitten another dog or a person in the past, a muzzle can be used for safety. Even if your dog has no bite history, if you think the risk of a dog bite exists—for example, your dog lunges and barks at other dogs or people—a muzzle can provide additional peace of mind. However, the muzzle doesn’t solve the problem, it simply helps keeps everybody safe while you work on behavior modification with an animal behaviorist, veterinarian, and/or dog trainer. Your goal should be to change your dog’s behavior and mindset. The muzzle is simply a temporary tool to help you achieve that goal.

There is a risk of biting due to a threatening situation

There may be specific situations that upset or stress your dog, such as examinations at the veterinarian. When you’re worried your dog may bite, the temporary use of a muzzle should be considered. But that’s also a sign that behavior modification is in order for a long-term resolution.

During grooming sessions

When properly desensitized with handling exercises (it helps to start in puppyhood), most dogs will tolerate or even enjoy grooming procedures like bathing or nail trimming. However, if you’re still training your dog to get used to grooming, a muzzle may helpful, especially when the dog is not familiar with the groomer.

When required due to breed-specific legislation

Unfortunately, some states or provinces have breed specific legislation (BSL), which requires certain so-called “dangerous breeds” to wear a muzzle when not on private property. (Read about the AKC’s position on BSL and what we’re doing to offer alternatives.)

When Should You Not Use a Muzzle?

It seems obvious, but muzzles are used to prevent dog bites. They are not for preventing problem behaviors by forcing your dog’s mouth closed. Do not use a dog muzzle for barking, chewing, or other ongoing behavioral problems. There are two important reasons for this.

1. A muzzle is only meant to be used for short periods of time, and only when your dog is supervised.
2. Behavioral problems like barking and chewing are, by their nature, ongoing issues, so a muzzle, a tool meant for temporary and short-term use, is not a solution.

If you want to see progress with these types of behaviors, you need to use consistent training and behavior modification instead. For example, if your dog is constantly barking, there is a reason for it such as separation anxiety, boredom, sounding the alarm, territorial barking, or attention-seeking. First determine the cause then address it, with the help of a professional if necessary.

Also, never use a muzzle to put your dog in an unnecessarily stressful situation. For example, if your dog can’t handle the dog park, but your friends are all taking their dogs, a muzzle isn’t an appropriate way for your dog to join the group. If you know something upsets your dog, work to change that reaction, don’t muzzle your dog to get through the event. In fact, that can even make the situation worse. Your dog will associate the stressful situation with the muzzle, adding more fear and anxiety the next time around.

The same goes for punishment. Never muzzle your dog to teach a lesson. You will do nothing to fix the underlying problem, and once again, your dog will learn to associate the muzzle with the punishment. Now when you try to muzzle your dog in a legitimate situation like an emergency, your dog will be even more scared and nervous.

What Are the Different Types of Muzzles?

There are two main types of muzzles and by making sure you get the right style and fit, you will ensure safe and effective use. You can also make a homemade muzzle in an emergency if there is no other choice. Here are some options.

Basket muzzle

Basket muzzles look exactly like they sound, a basket strapped to your dog’s nose and mouth. They can be made of leather, wire, plastic, or even rubber, and can be bought off the rack or made to fit your dog’s exact anatomy. Their “prison bars” appearance may look like the least humane choice, but the opposite is true. In fact, many dogs seem more comfortable in basket muzzles than soft muzzles because their mouth isn’t being held closed. Most styles allow dogs to open their mouths to pant, drink, and eat. Some even have slits along the side so you can slip larger treats like sliced hot dogs through the bars for training purposes.

Soft muzzle

Usually made from fabric such as nylon or mesh, or sometimes leather, soft muzzles wrap around your dog’s mouth and hold it closed. That design is actually less comfortable for your dog than a basket muzzle and potentially more dangerous. Soft muzzles prevent your dog from panting, which is the only way he has of dispersing heat. Panting is the canine version of sweating so these muzzles should only be used for very short periods of time and never in hot weather. These muzzles also prevent your dog from barking, drinking, or eating. And if your dog can’t eat, it’s almost impossible to use treats as a reward during a behavioral modification program or when you’re training your dog to love the muzzle. You will have to rely on items like squeeze cheese that your dog doesn’t have to chew.

Homemade muzzle

When there are no other options available, but you need to muzzle your dog, such as in an emergency or when your dog has been injured, you can make a muzzle from items you have at hand. This is only recommended when you have no other choice, and your homemade muzzle should only be used temporarily. You can find instructions online for improvising a homemade dog muzzle with a roll of gauze, a pair of pantyhose, or even your dog’s leash, but using materials such as these isn’t ideal. A better option is to keep a proper muzzle in your canine first aid kit.

How Do You Train a Dog to Accept a Muzzle?

The first time you put a muzzle on your dog should not be the first time you need to put one on. If your dog’s first introduction to wearing a muzzle happens when he is hurt or terrified, it will be much more difficult to get the muzzle on. And nearly impossible to use the muzzle in the future as your dog will have learned to associate the muzzle with the stressful circumstances. Luckily, a dog can be trained to accept a muzzle if he’s introduced to it under low-stress conditions, with a step-by-step process, and with appropriate rewards.

Beth Nash, AKC Gazette breed columnist for the Vizsla Club of America, has this to say about muzzles, and how she trained her first Vizsla, Bartok, to wear one:

“Bartok was terrified of the vet clinic due to a combination of unstable temperament and a series of unfortunate incidents. We needed to muzzle him for everyone’s safety. The clinic staff did their best to be gentle and patient, but Bart was seriously stressing out, and we needed to help him.

Over a period of several days, here’s what we did—using small, soft treats, and making sure he was comfortable with each step before going on to the next.

1. Let him sniff the muzzle. Give a treat. Repeat a few times.
2. Touch his nose with the muzzle. Treat. Repeat until he indicates that the muzzle looks interesting in a good way.
3. Hold the muzzle with one hand and a treat with the other hand, so he needs to put his nose inside the muzzle to get the treat. Repeat until this step is no big deal.
4. Gently slip the muzzle onto his nose and give him a treat. Remove the muzzle immediately. Repeat a few times.
5. Put on the muzzle and fasten the buckle. Treat. Remove immediately. Repeat a few times.
6. Put on the muzzle, fasten it, and count slowly to five. Treat. Remove the muzzle.
7. Each time you put on the muzzle, gradually increase the time the muzzle is on. Hold his collar and give treats.

If we had introduced the muzzle before Bart associated it with scary things, we probably could have gone through these steps in less than a day—possibly a matter of minutes. We’ve done this with each successive dog, including rescue dogs we’ve fostered. If the dog isn’t interested in treats, you can substitute other rewards. I use verbal praise, but this is optional.”

The late Dr. Sophia Yin’s website has a terrific step-by-step guide for training your dog to wear a muzzle. And the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior has a video showing a dog being introduced to a muzzle for the first time.

How Do You Properly Fit a Muzzle?

The right fit is key to using a muzzle correctly. Too loose and your dog will be able to remove it; too tight and it will inhibit his ability to breathe, pant, or drink and can cause painful chafing. Straps should be fitted so you can just fit one finger between your dog’s head and the strap. It’s best to try on various sizes and get input from a knowledgeable professional trainer or experienced muzzle user. You should also take measurements, especially when ordering online. Even flat faced-dogs like Pugs can wear a muzzle, although a custom-fitted option may be the best solution. A few common styles are included below, but there are other types that are particularly suited for dogs who are known bite risks, or dogs with different face shapes.

No matter the reason for using a muzzle, or which type you select, it’s crucial to recognize that muzzles are not a solution to behavioral issues. Dog experts agree that a dog muzzle cannot replace consistent, positive training.

Find the Best Muzzles for Your Dog

Baskerville Basket Dog Muzzle

This basket-style muzzle is made of durable, tough rubber that’s strong enough to provide safety and protection, but soft enough to fit your dog comfortably. It has several points of attachment to stay in place and the basket construction allows your dog to drink, eat, pant and open his mouth. Offered in six sizes, so please check the sizing guide to select the right fit for your dog. Price: $14

Gentle Muzzle – Soft Neoprene Padding

Neoprene padding eliminates chafing and ensures long-lasting comfort for your dog while wearing the muzzle. GoodBoy’s Stay-Fit connection strap and high-quality buckles securely hold the muzzle in place for a comfortable fit. Your dog will be able to drink and pant. Price: $17

Short Snout Muzzles

This dog muzzle is designed for short snout dogs such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and French Bulldogs. The adjustable nylon strap with a quick-release buckle is skin-friendly and easy to clean. Price: $15

Husher for Dogs | Husher Barking Muzzle for Dogs

This is a Husher for dogs elastic training muzzle. The Husher muzzle stops your dog from barking, but still allows your dog to pant, eat & drink. The husher is a cost effective way of putting a stop to your dog barking. It is similar to a regular muzzle, except elastic is added to allow your dog to carry on everyday life minus the barking.

For the Husher to be most effective, you must have the correct size for your dog. Once it is fitted correctly you will find the Husher to be very effective. Now you and your neighbours can be happy without the iritating barking thanks to the help of the Husher.
 

Husher Muzzle Size Chart

Husher Size 00 – Chihuahua
Husher Size 0 – Pomeranian/Yorkie
Husher Size 1 -Pomeranian/Toy Poodle
Husher Size 2 – Sheltie/ Jack Russell
Husher Size 3 – Sheltie/ Jack Russell/Schnauzer
Husher Size 4A – Doberman
Husher Size 4B – Beagle/Schnauzer
Husher Size 5 – Doberman/German Shepherd/Labrador
Husher Size 6 – Boxer/Standard Poodle
Husher Size 7A – Setter/German Shepherd/Labrador
Husher Size 7B – Rottweiler/Boxer
Husher Size 8 – Great Dane/ Bloodhound
Husher Size 9 – Rottweiler

More information from Husher

To get your dog used to wearing The Husher, leave it on for two minutes, remove it and then repeat several times. The time and frequency The HusherTM is used should be gradually increased until the dog accepts it. Once your dog is comfortable wearing The Husher you can begin to train and modify their unwanted behaviour.

Teach your dog a moderate verbal “Hush” command when wearing The Husher or displaying unwanted behaviour. If you find that you dog continues to bark or struggle whilst wearing The Husher, then try distracting your pet during the process by either playing with them or taking them for a walk.

Don’t forget to praise and reward your pet when it behaves properly. Positive reinforcement is a good thing.
 

Helpful Husher Tips

Dogs will vary in the time it takes them to get used to wearing The HusherTM. Make the experience of wearing The HusherTM a positive one and your dog will aceept it easily. Try some of the following tips:
 

• Get your dog used to The Husher gradually. Put The Husher over your dog’s nose and give your dog a treat. Take it off again and then put it back on, fasten it and leave for a few seconds. Reward your dog and take it off again.

•  For those dogs that are reluctant to wear The Husher, put it on the floor and allow your dog to sniff at it, but not to chew or bite at it. Put a treat on top of The Husher and your dog will associate The Husher with a pleasant experience. Do this several times before attempting to fit The Husher on your dog.

•  Gradually extend the time that your dog wears The Husher. Make wearing the training aid a positive experience for your pet. Try feeding your dog, giving your dog a treat or taking your dog for a walk while they are wearing The Husher.

•  If your dog attempts to take The HusherTM off, distract your dog by asking your dog to walk, sit or perform another activity. Reward your dog with treats, pats or praise when your dog leaves it on without complaint.

•  If your dog continually manages to take The HusherTM off, you may need to tighten the strap or consider a different size training aid.

Be prepared to devote anything from a few minutes to a couple of weeks to achieve your dog’s acceptance of The Husher.

THE HANDLER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ANIMAL’S SAFETY AND BEHAVIOUR AT ALL TIMES.
 

Fitting The Husher to your dog

Step 1.
Once you have The Husher with you, identify the top side of it for correct fitting. The top side has the word ‘Husher’ branded on it for easy identification. Slide the Husher, top side up, over your dogs snout so that it fits snugly. If it is difficult to fit then you should consider the next size up if it is too tight, or the next size down if it is too loose. An incorrectly fitted or wrong sized Husher will not change the unwanted behaviours of your dog. It is very important the correct size of the Husher is used otherwise the dog may not be able to pant, drink or eat. The Husher has the black elastic at the top which is slightly cut back so that it wont rub up against your dogs face.

Step 2.
Snap the buckle together behind your dog’s neck and tighten the strap so that it is firm, but not overly tight. If you find that after pulling the strap tight, your dog still removes The Husher, then try wrapping the strap once around your dog’s collar before you snap the buckle together.

CAUTION
Do not leave your dog unattended while wearing The Husher until you are certain it can pant and drink properly. Check your dog regularly.
 

Getting The Right Size Husher For Your Dog

The Husher comes in a range of sizes to fit all sizes and breeds of dogs. To find the right size for your dog you will need to take some simple measurements and compare them to The Husher sizing chart.

Step 1.
Using a piece of string, measure the circumference of your dog’s snout by starting at point “A” and taking the string around your dog’s mouth finishing back at point “A”. This can be seen in the box below. Next, measure the distance (bridge length) from “A” to “B”, which is also shown in the box below.

Step 2.
Click on the sizing chart image to enlarge and compare the measurements you have taken (“A” to “A”) and (“A” to “B”) against the sizing chart  to select the correct size of The Husher for your dog.

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How to quickly wean a dog from barking?

The dog is man’s best friend. Everyone knows the expression from early childhood. They help protect the house, go hunting, guides for blind people, cab drivers among northern peoples, but, unfortunately, sometimes upset with their annoying, causeless barking.

Of course, a barking dog “speaks” to us and conveys his thoughts and experiences to us. But the dog should bark only on business, otherwise there will be no normal life and sleep, and not only for you, but also for the people around you. And most importantly, the owners will lose their vigilance, and even when there is a real danger, they will consider it as idle talk and the narrow-minded mind of their dog.

Below are all the possible ways and methods that will help answer such an exciting question of many people: “How to wean a dog from barking?”.

It is necessary to train a dog since childhood

The most effective training for very young puppies is 2-3 months old. But it is worth remembering that training should be constant, the dog should not be allowed to descend from childhood. It is forbidden to encourage unreasonable barking. After all, you do not allow her to go to the toilet in all corners. Then, when she grows up, you will get a faithful, faithful, and most importantly obedient dog.

Here are the simplest methods, if your pet is guilty and “sings songs” directly:

• raise your voice;
• ignore the dog;
• when the puppy yelped just because he wants to – lightly tap him on the face. Just not with a newspaper, twig or slippers, as many advise. Be sure to use your index finger or palm. After all, the dog knows the hands of the owner who feeds her and will not be offended, but will understand that this is a necessary measure.

Of course, it is much easier to teach a puppy to bark than an adult dog with an already formed disposition, character and established habits. Difficult does not mean impossible.

Identify the reason for your dog’s barking

A dog barks for a variety of reasons, just like a person – screams because of such reasons:

• loneliness;
• joy;
• indignation and disagreement;
• resentment;
• fear;
• barking, as a request to take a walk, play, pay attention;
• meeting family or friend – another dog;
• overexcitation;
• barking, like a cry for support.

First, take a close look at your pet. Perhaps he ate something wrong on the street, unnoticed by you, or pricked his paw, part of the bone (stick) got stuck in his jaw, a tick attacked or fleas. All this worries the dog, and she calls you for help. If not, everything is fine with her – proceed to educational measures.

Train to be alone

Dogs are social animals and love to be around people. Naturally, a person cannot always be near because of work, affairs, and for many other reasons. Therefore, you need to accustom the dog to independence and loneliness.

If you have bought a puppy – just leave him at home every day for a while, and daily add time to your absence.

The door is the main goal of protecting the dog

If a dog constantly barks at any rustle, the slightest noise, or at a neighbor passing by, this must be dealt with, otherwise you and your dog are doomed to constant remarks from neighbors and others.

Ask a family member or friend to help you stop barking at the door. Tell them to ride the elevator or walk past the doors, but don’t knock or touch them. And you, already on the other side of the door, will train the dog. How? Hold your beloved animal by the collar and say the commands: be quiet or be silent. As soon as the dog calms down, be sure to reward efforts and work.

Now ask your accomplice to imitate an apartment robbery (let him pull on the door, jokingly try to break the lock, and so on). As soon as the dog reacts and starts to protect the front door, immediately praise it, caress it and treat it with something tasty.

Taking such measures, the dog will remember when it is forbidden and when it is necessary to bark and will know that he will be rewarded for good service.

Complete ignore

Of course, when a dog barks constantly, it is very, very difficult to remain indifferent and just listen to unbearable and shrill “bow-wow”, and even worse if it is accompanied by a howl. But! You should be patient and wait until the animal gets bored and it subsides. Only now it’s your turn – come up and encourage her. So she will remember that silence is valued, and treats are also passed for it.

Quiet command

It is very good to teach the dog commands. “Quiet” is especially useful when dealing with barking for no reason. So you can reduce barking to a minimum of noise, and eventually get rid of this addiction altogether.

Training manuals:

1. put on a leash, hold the dog by it so that it is motionless;
2. force to start barking;
3. say “quiet!” and at the same time do not allow the dog to bark, for example, to clamp his mouth, occupying it with a toy or a piece of food;
4. as soon as the barking subsides – praise and stroke;
5. after a certain period of time, increase the duration of silence to a new reward.

Buy a special anti-bark collar

There are 2 types of collars to fight against very “talkative” dogs.

With electric shock

This collar has a built-in special battery that strikes your dog with a small current charge as soon as he starts his barking. For your pet, it will be enough to vilify such a collar to understand the simple truth: “You only need to talk about business.” By the way, many consider this method very dangerous and cruel. But it is worth noting that the so-called blow will not be stronger than when we comb our hair or change a sweater made of natural wool, dressed in synthetics. Also, the collar is equipped with a fuse that regulates the impact power.

With special liquid

There is also a second type of collar, more humane than the first. As soon as the dog starts barking, lemon water splashes out. From this, the dog is frightened and simply falls silent. After repeating this several times, the dog will understand that its barking is the reason for the smell of lemon, which is unpleasant for the scent, and stops barking once again. The liquid is absolutely safe for the animal. There is only one drawback: if the dog is excessively “sociable” – you will have to change the sprayer very often.

Other devices against barking

We live in a time when almost everything has been invented by humanity. As is already clear, barking can also be eliminated with the help of other specially designed devices, in which it is necessary to establish the degree of ultrasound radiation power, which is very unpleasant for the auditory perception of dogs. Such a miracle device can be used both in the apartment and on the street.

Muzzle

Using a muzzle to stop barking is a simple but effective method that does not prevent the dog from eating and drinking freely, but will not protect against other sounds (whining, howling).

Reinforcing positive behavior

Sometimes, for prevention and reinforcement of success, give the commands “Voice” and “Quiet” in turn, so that the dog can easily distinguish between them. For every obedience and correct decision, reward your pet. When training your dog, do not forget that she feels, remembers and understands everything. Therefore, protect her from violence and overwork.

Good luck in the fight against causeless barking!

Can a dog bark in a muzzle?

It seems obvious, but muzzles are used to prevent dog bites. They are not intended to prevent problem behavior by forcing the dog to cover its mouth. Do not use the muzzle for barking, chewing, or other ongoing behavioral problems.

Devices can also be inhuman. The barking of any dog ​​can trigger a barking collar or ultrasonic device, meaning your dog may end up being punished for the other dog’s behavior. In addition, the muzzle prevents the dog from eating, drinking, and cooling down while panting.

Muzzles help curb crappy behaviors including barking, biting, chewing and nibbling.

On the one hand, people may feel more confident when their dog wears a muzzle, and this may help your dog stay calmer. However, while a muzzle may prevent biting, it will not improve aggression and has the potential to aggravate aggression if used incorrectly.

But dogs can, and the sound drives them crazy. That is why they are useful for training. If you’ve been talking to your neighbors and their dog still can’t keep quiet, you can use a dog whistle to train them yourself from the comfort of your own home.

Most dogs cannot bark to death, and only in very rare cases can this cause more than injury, but some are more susceptible to suffocation if their throats swell.

Do not use them for a long time. Because occlusive muzzles prevent the dog from opening its mouth, it cannot breathe or drink. If left unattended, a dog with an occlusive muzzle may overheat or even die.

Dogs don’t necessarily get tired of barking, but a tired dog may bark less. All dogs bark, and there are many different reasons why a dog uses its voice, including fear, anxiety as a form of greeting, and even boredom.