Why Muzzle in Dogs? Most dogs have a cheerful and docile character and are very friendly with people, getting along well with other dogs or animals.
However, due to different circumstances, some dogs need to use a muzzle to prevent them from harming or due to legal regulations.
Many dogs can behave dangerously or be aggressive, even those that have always been calm.
This is due to different reasons and an unpleasant experience that causes them to react incorrectly, among other possible factors that trigger their aggression.
However, aggression is not the only reason that pushes a dog to use a muzzle because muzzles are very good tools that educate dogs, train them and behave in the best way. Possible.
What is a Muzzle?
The muzzle is an accessory placed on the dog’s muzzle to prevent it from biting.
This covers the entire muzzle to prevent it from opening its mouth.
This use is the most common, but it can also be used, as we mentioned, to educate.
Dogs frequently use this type of accessory during long or short walks and other situations.
Indeed, there is a possibility that something will happen, and it is better to prevent any situation of possible aggression, as long as the dog needs its users to be aggressive or when you want to educate it.
Using a Muzzle to Train a dog
Many dog adopters or trainers use useful tools or accessories to educate them, such as the muzzle.
The muzzle is great for training dogs as it is a way to guide them to learn certain behaviors or understand when they are doing something wrong.
The muzzle is a complement to educate them. However, not all muzzles are made for this.
The muzzle most used to train a dog is called the brake muzzle (Haltie). This muzzle is slightly different in allowing the dog to open its mouth.
The muzzle gets the dog’s attention so they can understand any incorrect or negative behavior.
When the dog has the muzzle and is educated, it will be enough to pull the muzzle. In doing so, the muzzle will make the dog look towards the ground and thus attract its attention.
The use of the Muzzle in Dogs with Compulsory use
In Spain, those cataloged as potentially dangerous dog breeds are thus required by law to wear a muzzle in any public space.
But not just any muzzle. The muzzle must be sturdy enough for these dogs to avoid biting or damage.
The Muzzle Should be used little by little.
When you have a dog that needs a muzzle, it’s important to take it step by step.
No matter the age or breed of the dog, it is always important to understand that wearing a muzzle is not harmful to him, but being something new and also around his nose, it could be very intimidating for the dog.
This is regardless of the purpose for which the Muzzle is used. They must adapt little by little because it is not easy for them initially, even if it is the best for them and others.
It must be taken into account that the Muzzle is not an instrument of punishment for the dog. It is simply a resource that will help him overcome any trauma he has and avoid possible future aggressions or for his education.
This is why its placement must be progressive so that the dog associates it with something positive.
Important note: The Muzzle is not necessarily recommended to avoid dog aggression or educate them so that they do not eat trash or anything that could harm them.
The idea is that you don’t have a serious infection that could affect your health.
Recommended Types of Muzzles for Dogs
Currently, different types of muzzles are manufactured and adapted according to pets’ needs. There are many stores where you can easily find dog muzzles in various sizes, colors, and more.
Find out the best dog muzzle for Shih Tzu
It is also important to consider race. For example, dogs who, if the correct Muzzle is not put on, can have respiratory problems, which would be very dangerous for them.
The most recommended muzzles are fabric, basket, and adjustable muzzles.
Cloth Muzzles
- Cloth muzzles can be made of cloth, leather, and even nylon, a much tougher fabric.
- In general, they are made of a very resistant material.
- This type of Muzzle is similar in shape to a tube and adaptable depending on the size of the dog’s Muzzle.
- They are normally used to educate the dog since it is not advisable to keep it for a long time; to avoid any crisis or trauma.
- In addition, he must always be under the supervision of his adopter, who must be vigilant in all circumstances.
- It is important to add that this type of Muzzle completely prevents the dog from opening its mouth.
- The most advisable thing is not to put them on in the summer, because there are very hot days, or when you have finished a specific exercise.
- This is because the dog might be very hot and uncomfortable.
Basket Muzzles
- On the other hand, there are so-called basket-type muzzles.
- It is one of the most recommended.
- These basket-type muzzles are made of metal, leather, or plastic.
- It is important to note that, although the dog’s mouth is completely covered, he will be able to meet his basic needs, such as drinking water or breathing.
- At first glance, the shape of this Muzzle is very bulky because it completely covers his mouth, but it is much more secure and prevents the dog from biting.
- This Muzzle is one of the most recommended for purebred dogs classified as potentially dangerous or for those who, without being organized, pose a danger to other animals.
Basket Muzzles
- On the other hand, there are so-called basket-type muzzles.
- It is one of the most recommended.
- These basket-type muzzles are made of metal, leather, or plastic.
- It is important to note that, although the dog’s mouth is completely covered, he will be able to meet his basic needs, such as drinking water or breathing.
- At first glance, the shape of this Muzzle is very bulky because it completely covers his mouth, but it is much more secure and prevents the dog from biting.
- This Muzzle is one of the most recommended for purebred dogs classified as potentially dangerous or for those who, without being organized, pose a danger to other animals.
Adjustable type Muzzles
- There are also adjustable type muzzles, which are uncomfortable and do not keep the dog’s mouth closed enough.
- Feeling uncomfortable can be risky as the dog will look for a way to escape, either with bites or paws until it can be pulled out.
- There may even be times when the dog wants to vomit, which is also very dangerous because if he has a muzzle, it can cause suffocation.
Special Muzzles
- Finally, there are special muzzles for the dog, depending on its physical structure, the shape of its head, and a flattened muzzle, among other characteristics.
- Normally, this type of Muzzle is recommended for brachycephalic dogs.
- The physical characteristics of brachycephalic dogs mean they need a special muzzle that adapts to their physiognomy and perfectly matches their needs.
For these dogs, these muzzles are highly recommended.
Note: The adopter must ask the veterinarian about the ideal type of Muzzle for his dog before buying one.
Tips for the Dog to Adapt to the Muzzle
Like any accessory, when used for the first time, it is very uncomfortable for the dog, and it is not easy for him to adapt during the first days or weeks of use.
But gradually, using it will feel more comfortable, safe, and relaxed.
- Knowing the dog’s breed very well will help to know if, in the future, he will eventually need a muzzle. The best thing to do in these cases is to get used to it from an early age, even if you don’t need it right now.
- At the time of muzzling, if the dog is frightened and exhibits aggressive behavior, it is best to move away from him completely and seek professional help. But if none of these antecedents exists, the adopter must make him understand that the Muzzle will do him no harm.
- The adopter should not teach the dog to use the Muzzle before leaving the house. Most advisable in these cases, it is better to practice with the dog at home, in an environment where he feels safe, calm, and surrounded by his family, without leaving. The main thing is that you familiarize yourself with the Muzzle.
- It is recommended to reward the dog when the Muzzle is allowed. This can be with food, especially for dogs. This should be done each time the Muzzle is put on and taken off, so he gets used to it. Once this strategy has been practiced for several days and weeks, the dog will understand that the Muzzle is not bad and will know that each time this routine is carried out, he will have a reward. This will make it much easier to put the Muzzle on when needed.
Note: Some dogs take fright and can become aggressive during a medical consultation with the veterinarian, so they need a muzzle.
Ultimately, you want to achieve that visiting the doctor is not an unpleasant experience, quite the contrary.
Sometimes, we put a muzzle on the dog in the same doctor’s office to control it better.
Therefore, if you are already used to using it, it will not be a problem.
Which Dogs Should Wear a Muzzle?
All dogs can be muzzled if necessary, but certain physical characteristics of dogs will help determine whether or not they need a muzzle.
For example, some public transport requires a muzzle even if the dog is not aggressive.
In addition to what is required by law, some of the physical characteristics that should be considered in dogs when using the Muzzle are:
- In muscular and strong or robust dogs.
- Athletic structure, vigorous, agile, with a lot of power and resistance.
- In dogs that have a strong head.
- Very large jaws and a wide, deep mouth.
- That your neck is broad, with a muscular and short appearance.
- That he has a very broad skull and his cheeks are muscular.
- It weighs more than 20 kilograms.
- With a broad, broad chest and a fully muscled, short back.
These characteristics can be very dangerous in dogs, and it is best to prevent any possible attack. It is the healthiest for the adopter and the dog.
Important: If a dog has one or more of the abovementioned characteristics, it is necessary to use a muzzle.
However, it is always important to consult the veterinarian if in doubt.
When not to use the Muzzle on our pets
- By not having the necessary information on how to properly use the Muzzle on the dog, including its maximum duration, location, or the type it specifically needs, we put the lives of our pets in danger.
- Especially if the dog is suffering from an anxiety attack.
- For all the above, it is advisable not to put the Muzzle on him at this time but to leave him alone until he calms down.
- Much less if you are in a tense or insecure situation.
- Once the dog is stable, this is when muzzling can be attempted.
- The adopter must know that the Muzzle is not an accessory that must be worn for a long time on the dog’s Muzzle.
- It is important to be as careful as possible and aware of all the dog’s movements.
- Of course, for the recommended time, you should consult the veterinarian.
- The Muzzle should not be used to try to solve a specific problem.
- And even less if the dog is still not suitable for its use.
- This could only cause a very dangerous reaction in the dog and cause his trauma to spiral out of control and worsen his behavior.
- Additionally, the dog can do a lot of damage trying to get rid of the Muzzle and may adopt other behaviors worse than what it was already exhibiting.
Conclusion
It is important to remember that by going step by step, the dog will get used to its use, he will not suffer from stress, nor will he feel uncomfortable.
By doing this, the dog will feel safe, and the goal can be achieved.
This is regardless of whether the Muzzle is to prevent a possible attack or for their education.
In either case, it’s best to take it easy, so the dog feels confident.
By doing this, the dog will feel safe, and the goal can be achieved.
This is regardless of whether the Muzzle is to prevent a possible attack or for their education.
In either case, it’s best to take it easy, so the dog feels confident.