Muzzles
Muzzles are management tools and do not take the place of training. However, some people have dogs that are not safe out in the world without one and do not have the time (or skills) to train their dog themselves or the money to hire a trainer to do so. In that case, a muzzle can be an useful tool. Some dogs may get more affection and positive reinforcement when they are wearing a muzzle than not. Dogs can get used to wearing a muzzle and come to think of it as a positive thing, especially if reinforced with getting treats, praise, and adventures. (Other management tools are the Easy Walk or SENSE-ation harnesses, Gentle Leader head-collars, and prong collars or choke chains. We often use the first three items; we don’t like to use prong collars and we do not use choke chains.)
It’s very important for the dog to be wearing the correct type of muzzle—we only use “box” muzzles, (like the one pictured here,) that allow the dog to breathe naturally, drink water, and take treats. We would never walk a dog with a tight vinyl grooming-style muzzle that keeps the dog’s muzzle closed. The dog would overheat quickly. They told us at the Dog Walking Academy that those muzzles should only be used for five minutes at a time (long enough to trim a dog’s nails, for example).
I tell clients that while we reinforce good trail manners, we are not trainers. We do reinforce good trail manners, and I often give clients the contact information for trainers I respect.
Bingo is wearing a box muzzle that has two straps that meet with a little plastic clip behind his head.
This is another kind of box muzzle that has a third strap that goes up between the dog’s eyes and over his head—it is more difficult for the dog to get off than the one above.
