You are not allowed to walk your dog without a muzzle in many areas, especially if you have a large dog. It does not matter whether your dog is trained or well-behaved; putting a muzzle on your dog is a way to prevent accidents. It also gives people who are unfamiliar with your pet peace of mind.
However, getting a dog to accept wearing a muzzle is not always an easy task, particularly if it is not used to wearing them. What’s more, it can be difficult to find the best dog muzzle in one go. There might be times when you need to do some trial-and-error before you find a muzzle that’s suitable for your dog.
If you’re having trouble finding the best dog muzzle, here are five steps that you can take.
Choose the Right Muzzle According to Breed
Choosing the right muzzle for your dog breed is critical to find a muzzle that works. Keep in mind that muzzles are designed for different dog breeds. A muzzle for small dogs is different from a muzzle made for large dogs.
Muzzles also differ when it comes to shape, and the shape will be dependent on your dog’s snout. If you have a dog with a long snout, you need to find the best basket muzzle. However, short-snouted dogs like pugs or French bulldogs will require a short snout muzzle.
Measure Your Dog’s Head
After choosing the best dog muzzle according to your pet’s breed, the next step is measuring your dog’s head. A muzzle should be snug but not too tight.
To measure your dog’s head, start from behind their eggs to the tip of their nose. You should add two inches for an allowance so that your dog can still breathe and pant even if they are wearing the muzzle.
Introduce the Muzzle
When you first introduce the muzzle to your dog, you should give your dog time to adjust and become familiar with the muzzle’s sight and scent. If you are not patient with your pet, it could give them a bad impression of the muzzle. If they associate the muzzle with unpleasant memories, they will become resistant to using it in the future.
Gently Slide the Muzzle Over the Dog’s Head while Giving Treats
Once your dog is familiar with the muzzle, slowly and gently slide it over its head. Ensure that you talk to them in a calm and soothing voice while you place the muzzle over their snout. After the muzzle has been placed, make sure that you praise your dog for a job well done.
Remove, Praise, and Repeat
Remove the muzzle immediately and give your dog a treat right after so that they will associate the muzzle with something positive. You will need to repeat the “muzzle wearing and treat giving” cycle until your dog is comfortable wearing the muzzle.
Learn more about dog training from Pet Snap! They have a list of the best dog training books available—not to mention, muzzle training is always one of the best methods of training your canine friends.
Conclusion
As a responsible pet owner, your job is to ensure that your dog is safe and comfortable whenever you put the muzzle on them. Thus, you need to make sure that you choose the best dog muzzle available. Invest in a strong and durable muzzle that’s also comfortable for your dog.