Why muzzle train?

One of the things we are working on with Catty is muzzle training.  Why are we doing this?  Catty needs to go to the holistic vet for a consultation about her car sickness/car anxiety.  During this vet visit we are going to talk about treatment options.  Catty can get stressed in new environments with people she doesn't know very well.  So wearing a muzzle can keep everyone safe and reduce my own anxiety about what could happen.  For everyone's sake it's better to be prepared! 

People often ask "Aren't muzzles cruel?” Muzzles themselves are not cruel, but they may cause welfare problems if they are not used correctly. If the guidelines are followed, the dog will actually enjoy being muzzled – as you will soon see. The most common errors are to only use a muzzle when something nasty is going to happen to your pet, e.g. being handled by strangers at the vet, expecting the dog to instantly accept the muzzle; or to leave the muzzle on excessively.

  

When animals are sick or hurt they may respond with growling or biting which may mean that in the vets or at the site of an accident it will be necessary to use a muzzle. Imaging how a dog that is already distressed is going to feel if a muzzle is forced onto her/him for the first time. I can only think what a terrifying experience it would be, not only does the dog, in his mind, have unknown people attacking him but they are also depriving her of defending herself.

How much better if she has already been introduced to a muzzle in such a way as it is actually something pleasant and to be looked forward to? Or at the very least something that is tolerated with equanimity.  Treatment can also happen quicker if a dog has been muzzle trained.

There are two common types of muzzle. The basket muzzle and the nylon muzzle. The basket muzzle allows your dog more freedom to pant and drink if properly fitted. The nylon muzzle prevents the dog from opening its mouth, but may lead to overheating if left attached too long since it restricts panting and drinking. Some nylon muzzles have a mesh over the end to provide for a looser fit and more opportunity to pant, while others have a medium size opening at the end for the nose and mouth where small tidbits can also be given. However, the dog may still provide a small nip with this latter type of muzzle.

We are working with the basket muzzle.  The Baskerville Ultra Muzzle is pretty light weight, well made and easy to work with.

So what we are working on is creating a positive emotional response to the muzzle.  It’s going to be rat–tastic so stayed tuned.