Muzzle Up

No shame in the muzzle! 

Wear it proudly and who cares what anyone else thinks!

Many people fear going out in public, even a walk in the neighborhood. Don’t be afraid! And don’t restrict your dog’s opportunity for progress. 

When the time comes in your training you must get into the scenarios! The dog and you both need to have the engagement and exercise to work together to address social issue.

Your dog may never make friends, but that’s ok. Having a muzzle on gives many owners confidence to know nothing bad can happen if a dog or person catch you by surprise and it gives you opportunities to practice the skills a trainer is teaching you. 

If your dog has situational risks wear a muzzle to work through advancements. At home when company comes over, the beach, mountain trail or right on into the local retailer. Go for it! 

And don’t be in a hurry to not use it. 

Build many successes and see your dog’s and your own energy and confidence shift in positive ways.

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Muzzle condition takes time. But it can be so effective that your dog gets excited to wear it because it means going out to do something fun WITH you. Take your time conditioning the muzzle and associate with good things!

Your goal is to have your dog put his own face into the muzzle on command. To do so we begin using the basked muzzle as a food bowl / treat dispenser. This may take a few days — and your dog might actually refuse to eat! Unless he’s unhealthy — don’t worry. Let him work through it.

Then start to just let the muzzle hang on his face, even if it falls off. Do this often.

Next steps are to begin to put the strap around his head — and almost instantly remove the muzzle and reward him again.

It may be in excess of a week or two before you are able to get the muzzle strapped AND have him wear it for more than a moment or two. Take your time. Do it right. Create success. Once you get it on — keep rewards flowing and start moving him through training exercises to keep his focus on the work not the muzzle.

It’s process. He won’t understand it at first. He may hate it at first. But your effort will pay-off.