Tough Love; Why, When and How to Use a Muzzle

There are just some situations you will need to use a muzzle. You may have a perfectly lovely dog except....when it comes to:

• Nail trims
• Going to the Vet office
• Shots at the Vet office
• Getting a bath
• Any kind of handling
• Overcoming biting

Sure you don't want to put a muzzle on your dog! You think that means you have a bad dog. You may be embarrassed from the fact that your dog needs a muzzle to get some task accomplished. But I will tell the sooner you start using a muzzle the quicker it will take to stop using it. Your dog will learn that you are determined to do what is necessary.

You may need professional help for this type of training. Don't hesitate. Don't get bit! But I will tell you that once you realize that using a muzzle is a safety precaution and using one will keep you from being bit you will be happy to put it on your dog to do what you need to do. State of mind is just as important for you as it is for dogs.

I actually refer to the muzzle as 'jewelry" and will say "Aren't you Handsome or Beautiful!". That puts me at ease!! You will need to practice putting it on your dog. In fairest terms, you should prepare your dog for a few uncomfortable seconds to teach him that he "Will Not Die" and it will come off when YOU remove it.

So here goes:

1. Have a leash on your dog and food ready.
2. Stand behind your dog or somewhat to the side. (A less threatening position)
3. Put the muzzle on your dog's nose without clipping it close;don't let go of the straps. Say Good. 
4. Remove the muzzle, Say Yes and offer a treat (Don't worry if your dog is too stressed to eat. Keep proceeding.)

Repeat these steps till you are confident in the procedure. Now comes the point of clipping it closed. Once it is clipped, do not let your dog try to paw it off his face. If he has front dew claws he will scratch himself. Also he needs to learn to cope and recover so that wearing a muzzle is not a problem. 

You love your dog and it isn't right to be afraid your dog will bite you because you need to get into his personal space. They don't call it  "Tough Love" for nothing! Do what is right, stay safe and show your dog how much you love him.

Video notes:
This little beagle is in my Overnight Boot Camp because he has personal space issues. Muzzle work is new territory for him so we are both cautious. Because of training, our relationship is good and is based on trust. There is a rocky moment where he reacts but he manages to cope with the stress and willing lets me continue putting on the muzzle. I am very proud of his good work attitude!

Again, using a muzzle will help your dog in fearful, stressed situations. Doing muzzle work is not an easy thing to do if you don't know how. So get help for your self, your dog and prevent a bite.

Out of the DogHouse LLC website www.ohiodogtrainer.net
Contact Dru Therrian 440.286.9070