Do you ever have to use a muzzle for your dog?
There IS a time for a muzzles for most dogs, even if it's just a preventative measure at the veterinary clinic.
It's not a bad idea to teach your dog to accept a muzzle...Why? Because if your dog needs a muzzle to keep him from biting someone, you are protecting YOUR dog, not just a person. Think of it this way, you don't want your dog practicing biting.
But often times people misuse muzzles or choose the wrong muzzle.
There are really two basic muzzles to choose from.
When a dog is wearing this muzzle it does affect his breathing and he certainly cannot pant which is essential to a dog's respiratory system. Panting is also part of being stressed which is brought on by any procedure that your dog doesn't want done.
If you have a dog that requires a muzzle for any length of time, the one to use is called a basket muzzle. Your dog's face and neck and muzzle should be properly measured for this. Here is a link to my favorite muzzle. It is called the Baskerville muzzle.
This type of muzzle is what you want to use for muzzling your dog for any length of time as the dog can then pant, drink water, you can treat him through it if you are trying to desensitize him to something.
Muzzles can be a very wise and safe choice for several preventive things. Just keep in mind that when your dog is wearing a muzzle you have taken away his way of defending himself. Another words, using a muzzle at the dog park is not a good plan. If your dog cannot be with other dogs without being muzzled, he shouldn't be there. It's not safe for him.
I hope this helps you sort through the vast amounts of information about muzzles and which kind to use.
Beth Ostrowski-Parks, CPDT-KA
Certified Professional Trainer
It's PAWSible! DTC, Inc.
Westhampton, MA
Certified Professional Trainer
It's PAWSible! DTC, Inc.
Westhampton, MA
