01/07/2021
🐾MUZZLES🐾
No one - myself included - likes using a muzzle with their dog 😕 However, muzzles are a great tool that can help us manage certain situations in which our dogs, other dogs and people are at risk.
🤔 What type of muzzles are most convenient?
✅ Basket muzzles!
These type of muzzles allow our dogs to pant! This is crucial, as dogs do not sweat and therefore have a harder time controlling body temp if they can't pant 🥵
Basket muzzles generally also allow dogs to drink and eat, and are great for dogs that are in training.
❌ Soft/cloth muzzles.
Cloth muzzles usually work by holding a dog's mouth completly shut and do not allow dogs to pant or drink, therefore putting them at risk of overheating, apart from being unconfortable for the dog. ❗However cloth muzzles can be used in an emergency when risk of biting is not allowing a dog to receive urgent veterinary attention.
✅ When should my dog use a muzzle?
🐶 When working on behavioural issues related to biting or aggression.
🐶 When my dog is likely to eat anything off of the floor and may be in danger of ingesting something dangerous.
🐶 When required by law.
❌What should muzzles NEVER be used for?❌
🚫 To stop a dog from barking, whining or crying.
🚫 To stop a dog from breaking things or exhibiting other destructive behaviours.
❌ Muzzles should also never be left on a dog unsupervised.❌
❗A muzzle will not by itself solve any behavioural issues - behavioural issues require us to examine and understand their cause. It will however, allow to safely work with your dog to resolve them.
✅ In order for your dog to feel confortable in a muzzle, it is crucial for you to build a possitive association with it! The first time you *need* to use a muzzle should not be the first time your dog sees a muzzle.
