There can be many times when it is useful to use a dog muzzle.

It not only keeps things safe, but can actually also help to prevent your dog eating things they shouldn't, and also can help for circumstances where you are working on a behaviour program and would benefit from other people, dogs or children keeping their distance - to help you train.

Many dogs are quite happy with something over their noses, but many really dislike it - they rub their noses along the ground, or the paw at the muzzle to get it off.

The same can be true for any "nose gear" : gentle leaders, halti's, hushers, or muzzles.

Therefore, irrespective of how your dog may feel it can be significantly worth your while to help to accustom your dog to the halti or muzzle before you actually need to use it.

So, here are some notes on counter-conditioning your dog : helping them the FEEL differently about the muzzle, or other nose gear.

Introducing a muzzle
A muzzle needs to be introduced gradually so that the dog becomes used to it. Gently put it over their nose, take it off, give a treat. Repeat several times. Put a treat inside the muzzle so that they voluntarily put their nose in. Gradually build up the time over a week or so. Never "reward" them if they try to take it off - that means ignoring pawing the muzzle, and not saying anything like "there there, it's ok" or patting. We need to keep them distracted either with training, treats, or a paw game for instance.

Do not do this in the location where your dog may be aggressive.

If your dog behaves aggressively at any level during your muzzle introduction exercise, then please don’t continue to force the issue. Please contact us instead.

>....more to come on this soon.....

NOTES :

1. We recommend that you use these training aids in conjunction with a behaviour and training program. For more help, click here - www.capbt.org