Muzzle training appointments

Many types are available, but only recommend muzzles which are comfy and secure, and through which dogs may eat, drink and pant. 

Muzzling can prevent the physical acts of biting and scavenging, but it doesn’t change the way a dog is feeling or reduce their desire to bite or scavenge.

For a dog, having a muzzle fitted might therefore become associated with feelings of frustration, lack of control and inability to behave as desired.

Because puppies have no preconceptions or prior negative experiences, starting muzzle training very young can rule out poor associations and build in positive experiences from the outset. Fortunately, with reward-based training, puppies learn good associations very quickly. 

If muzzle training is a routine part of every puppy’s education – for example, practising wearing a muzzle at different times within a variety of locations – then dogs should not feel worried by the presence of a muzzle. 

Within a clinic, muzzling is commonly delegated to the dog’s owner, as they are likely to have the most positive and trusting relationship with the dog.

However, to muzzle their dog effectively within the clinic, owners must understand how to fit the muzzle correctly and be physically able to manipulate it as necessary.

They also need to be physically and psychologically able to handle their dog safely, at a time when both they and their dog are likely to be experiencing stress. 

Fitting the muzzle might therefore fall to the vet or nurse, and with a dog who is becoming more and more distressed, this increases tension for everyone involved.

They might get lucky and manage to quickly get the muzzle on the first time. However, the dog may learn to anticipate this when the situation arises again, and it is unlikely to be as easy the next time. 

Dogs who are only ever muzzled within the veterinary clinic might very quickly associate the presentation of the muzzle with unpleasant feelings and experiences which they’ve learned happen in succession.

Once a dog has learned this association, it can become very difficult to fit a muzzle in the clinic. A dog who has become sensitised to the sight of a muzzle is likely to try to avoid it. They might try to hide, escape, or behave aggressively.

Professional support for dogs who are worried, fearful, or frustrated by muzzles

Owners of dogs who are worried about the presence or application of a muzzle should seek advice from their vet, who may recommend obtaining professional support from an accredited behaviourist for an individualised muzzle training programme. 

There are many ways to teach a dog to comfortably wear a muzzle, using enjoyable and rewarding methods. A standard approach for muzzle training puppies and dogs without any previous experience is available in this muzzle training article, along with a step-by-step guide to which owners can be signposted.

In a succession of muzzle training appointments, owners may be supported through teaching their puppy the gradual steps to wearing a muzzle comfortably.

It will be difficult to predict just how many appointments this might take, as every puppy and owner will learn at their own pace.

However, owners can be advised that the more they are able to practice at home – and the more positive experiences their puppy has with muzzle training both at home and in the clinic – the better prepared they will be should they ever be required to wear one for real. 

Book at least one appointment for the owner to be talked through the step-by-step process, and commence the first step in the clinic. This will provide an opportunity for the owner to feel supported by the clinic team and to ask any additional questions they might have about their puppy’s health and welfare.

The owner can then be asked to practice at home and book a subsequent appointment to expand their training in the veterinary environment when they’re feeling confident, or sooner should they require assistance.