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Muzzle training is a fun way to build your relationship with your dog while keeping them and everyone around them safe.
NEVER leave your dog alone or unattended with any muzzle on!
What is muzzle training and why would someone muzzle train their dog?
Muzzle Training: A Smart, Safe, and Positive Tool
Muzzles are not a punishment. They’re a safety tool that protects your dog and others in a variety of situations. With proper training, wearing a muzzle can be a positive experience for your dog. Muzzle training is a kind, responsible step toward helping your dog feel safe and supported in a busy world.
Benefits of Muzzle Training:
Builds trust and strengthens your bond
Increases confidence in new situations and around new people or dogs
Helps safely desensitize your dog to triggers or stressful environments
Prevents accidental mistakes or reactive incidents
Reduces scavenging of unsafe items like rocks, garbage, or poop
Adds an extra layer of safety at the vet or groomer
Provides a visual cue that your dog needs space
Important to Remember:
Muzzle training can (and should!) be fun and reward-based
Muzzles are not just for “aggressive” dogs, they’re for all dogs
A muzzled dog is not a bad dog
Where do I Start?
If your dog is showing any reactive, aggressive, or potentially dangerous behaviors, the very first step is to seek guidance from a certified professional dog trainer. This isn’t something you should take on alone. Expert support is essential for safety and progress.
When introducing a muzzle, especially in cases involving reactivity or aggression, it’s critical to train gradually and positively. Never force or rush the process. The goal is for your dog to associate the muzzle with comfort, safety, and even fun.
Treat the muzzle like a lifesaving tool, because it just might be. A well-trained dog wearing a muzzle can safely experience the world, avoid risky situations, and get the care they need, even under stress.
How do I select a muzzle?
Selecting a muzzle style for your dog is a personal choice and depends what kind of protection you are looking for. It will also depend what is accessible and affordable for you in your area.
You can always reach out to a certified professional dog trainer for guidance when choosing a muzzle, as well as the Facebook group ‘Muzzle up Pup’ and the website https://muzzleupproject.com
Note: Unfortunately the staff at most pet stores are not actually educated on muzzles or muzzle training, nor how to help you select a safe, appropriate size or style of muzzle.
How do I know what size and how to measure?
It’s important to take your time when measuring, and measure multiple times to ensure you have the proper fit.
Pant Space
Adequate pant space is vital and is often overlooked. It can be difficult to estimate even based on measurements whether or not your dog will have enough pant space in any given muzzle style. You may have try different muzzles and sizes to get the right fit. Too big OR too small can be dangerous as it risks compromising the safety of the muzzle.
Full pant means:
They are able to fully open their mouth to pant after strenuous exercise and their bottom jaw will not touch the base of their muzzle
They are able to have full yawn
They are able to fully open their mouth to vomit
Partial pant means:
They are able to comfortably pant, their mouths may not be fully open, their mouths touch the structure of the muzzle
Not able to fully yawn/open their mouth to vomit
Now How do I Muzzle Train my Dog?
Start slow and progress as your dog is ready. Create positive associations with the muzzle. NEVER use muzzles as a punishment.
This site has tons of resources, training information, training plans, etc.
***** https://muzzleupproject.com *****
https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/muzzles-tool-keep-everyone-safe
What Kind of Muzzles are available?
Baskerville
Baskerville
-Affordable
-Accessible easily at select pet stores (ex. PetValu)
-Be aware, often local pet store staff is not provided appropriate education regarding how to property select muzzles for dog or muzzle train them.
-Durable thermoplastic
-Can be warmed and moulded to fit better
-Has optional third head strap
-Can still take treats and drink water
https://www.petvalu.ca/product/company-of-animals-baskerville-muzzle/SCM00556CA
The Muzzle Movement Muzzle
The Muzzle Movement Muzzle
-Durable injection-molded polyethylene (plastic)
-Large selection of sizes
-Fun colourful options
-Can be warmed and moulded to fit better
-Has optional add-ons
-Can still take treats and drink water
https://www.themuzzlemovement.com
Leerburg
Leerburg
-Wire
-Can still take treats and drink water
-Very durable, has option to purchase coated to protect against rusting and breakdown
-Can potential hurt if your dog accidentally turns into you or runs into you and hits you with the muzzle
Big Snoof Gear Muzzles
Big Snoof Gear Muzzles
-Powder coated wire basket muzzles
-Can still take treats and drink water
-Colorful options
-Optional add-ons
-Very durable
https://www.bigsnoofdoggear.com
Vinyl
Vinyl
Made of vinyl
-Lightweight
-Option for treathole
-Able to drink
-Give full visibility of your dogs face if choosing the clear option
Neoprene & Leather
Neoprene & Leather
-Flexible
-Can take treats and drink
-Leather needs care for longevity
-Biothane is waterproof
-Option for a third head strap to be added
-Lightweight
-Option to have fun personalized colors and made to fit your dog's specific measurements.
Mesh Mask
Mesh Mask
Cloth, nylon, mesh
Breathable
Good for squishy faced dogs
Soft/Mesh
Soft/Mesh
This should only be used specifically for care and should only be used under the direction and supervision of a professional
(ex: procedure at the vet, close and personal grooming)
This is used specifically to keep the mouth closed in close contact
This is NOT for wear day to day
This MUST be 100% monitored wear
Novely Muzzles
Novely Muzzles
Keeps the mouth fully closed
Not able to pant
NOT for wear day to day
Cannot eat or drink
Supportive Online Community
This is a fantastic supportive Facebook community full of members that just want to see you and your dog succeed.
They can help select/suggest muzzles for you, they can help with measuring/sizing/fit, as well as critiquing your muzzles fit after it arrives to you.
The members will be honest with you. They want the best, safest muzzle for your dog.
There is tons of educational resources in this group as well, especially about training your dog for muzzles.
Other ways to find muzzles for purchase
This group has members from all over the world, buying and selling muzzles, that either don’t fit properly or they don’t need anymore etc.
This is a good place to look, although, often you need to be looking at the right time to catch one being sold in your area. Still worth a try.
Examples of Fit
Baskervillle is affordable and accessible in most areas. Easy to get treats in through the holes so great for training. This is a good place to start.
Baskerville size 3:
Baskerville size 3:
Way too small.
This is NOT a good fit
Cannot open mouth at all
Baskerville size 4:
Baskerville size 4:
Way too small.
This is NOT a good fit
Cannot open mouth
Baskerville size 5:
Baskerville size 5:
Can work for many situations day to day
Ex: introductions to others, vet visits, play time, short easy walks.
Can partial pant
Cannot open mouth fully (not a full pant).
be mindful of hikes, hard play sessions etc. where this would not be accommodating of the fuller pant needed to be safe in those situations.
Can take treats and drink
Length is too long but Baskerville is not overly inclusive to all face and snout sizes so keep that in mind.
These below are more costly and often are custom measured. Great for day to day wear and are really special and unique to your dog.
Leerburg
Leerburg
Allows for a more full pant
Can take treats and drink easily
Snout length fits well
Pant space would work good for most situations (being mindful that this still may not be be enough to get mouth open enough to vomit, etc)
Good for day to day (ex: play sessions, hikes, vet visits)
(the one shown is size 29C)
Leather
Leather
Allows for a more full pant
Can take treats easily
Leather does not wear great in water but can drink
Snout length fits well
Able to full pant
Neoprene muzzles often are structured the same way if wanting waterproof
Good for day to day (ex: play sessions, hikes, vet visits)
(the one shown is from Khaos Kollars)
Vinyl
Vinyl
Allows for a full pant
Can take treats and drink
Snout length fits well
Able to full pant
Good for day to day (ex: play sessions, hikes, vet visits)
(the one shown is from Mia's Muzzles)
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