
“If a dog has been admitted for surgery to remove chicken bones, corn cobs or other things they find when out on a walk, their owner may be eager to prevent this sort of thing from happening again,” Dr. Bonk said.Ī basket muzzle can come in pretty handy if your dog has a tendency to eat anything and everything when he’s out on a walk, since it will keep him from getting into things he definitely shouldn’t. “They can be worn for longer periods and work better if your dog needs a muzzle for outings or walks to prevent indiscriminate eating,” Dr. While basket muzzles keep your dog from biting, they still allow him to open his mouth a little bit.Ī lot of basket muzzles are designed to allow your dog to pant, drink and eat, which is why your pup can keep them on a little bit longer than a muzzle that keeps his mouth fully closed. There are two main types of dog muzzles: basket muzzles and soft muzzles.īasket muzzles are made of plastic, rubber or metal, and look almost like a cage around your dog’s mouth. But that’s such an unfair stereotype, because dogs typically snap out of extreme fear or stress. Since muzzles are designed to prevent dogs from biting, some people may assume that a dog wearing a muzzle is aggressive or violent. The same can be said for groomers.”īeyond the concern that dog muzzles are cruel or uncomfortable, there’s also a stigma surrounding dogs who wear muzzles. “They are used on a daily basis so vets can safely carry out their work. “Amongst veterinarians, dog muzzles are not controversial at all,” Dr. In fact, a lot of animal professionals don’t consider dog muzzles to be controversial, because in certain situations, they might not be able to get their work done without them. “When fitted and used properly, muzzles don’t cause any pain or discomfort to a dog,” Dr. However, that’s not at all the case if you’re using your dog’s muzzle correctly and appropriately. Some pet parents are concerned that dog muzzles are an inhumane manner of restricting a dog, assuming it’s uncomfortable or cruel. To create a positive association with the muzzle you can even play a game of fetch while wearing it.There’s a lot of controversy around dog muzzles.Help your dog become and stay comfortable by placing the muzzle on at random times, not just when you are going to carry out behavior treatments.

Canned cheese or peanut butter is also well liked by most dogs and can be served on a spoon. Treats like Pupparoni or Nutro Lamb and Rice Sticks fit well through the muzzle.Continue to give your dog treats through the openings in the muzzle to encourage him to stay relaxed. Gradually, increase the amount of time your dog wears the muzzle. After several sessions (on, buckle, wait a few seconds, unbuckle, off), place the muzzle on, buckle it and leave it on for a few minutes. Once your dog isn’t responding to the muzzle around his face or to you fidgeting with the buckle, proceed to leaving the muzzle buckled for a few seconds before you remove it. Now move on to buckling the muzzle around your dog’s head, but remove it well before your dog becomes uncomfortable and paws at it. Before you buckle the muzzle around your dog’s head, smear a bit of peanut butter at the end of the muzzle and let him lick at it while you’re pretending to buckle it around his neck. Repeat this several times without buckling the muzzle, until your dog’s reaction is excitement and a search for treats. Let your dog take treats out of the muzzle like a horse would from a feedbag. Once your dog is happily accepting seeing the muzzle, hold the muzzle out with a treat in it.
#BASKET MUZZLE FREE#
If your dog has a severe aversion to muzzles, he may need to start out with you showing him the muzzle, and then giving a treat with your free hand (while your dog looks at the muzzle). Choose a neutral time, for example after exercise when you’re home with him in the evenings relaxing on the couch. A basket muzzle should be used in addition with a behavior modification program. For example don’t keep taking an aggressive dog to the dog park or have people touch and handle him. Also do not place a muzzle to avoid bites but still place your dog in the situation where he wants to bite. Warning: Do not try to place a basket muzzle if your dog tries to bite you.

When your dog is properly introduced to the muzzle, it can make him more relaxed and comfortable during the behavior modification program-or anything else your dog may not like.

The muzzle will keep you and others safe. Sometimes it is beneficial for your dog to wear a basket muzzle.
