Muzzle Training

When Rupert & I were doing k9 sar training, I introduced a muzzle to him, with lots of treats. He really didn't mind it, but was just kind of like, Oh mom, dis iz 'noying. *sigh*

rwbeagles

Jewlieee

I know what your point is silly! I'm saying that I don't think that is as important as the handler knowing how to fashion a muzzle without an actual muzzle. Unless you have a special case then the times the dog will actually wear a muzzle is maybe once a lifetime

 

Agreed. Here it's not so much training as what happens when you act a fool on the grooming table. I WILL, do your nails and shave what needs shaving. I WON'T tolerate your nonsense when I do...

I do ABSOLUTELY agree that learning how to MAKE a muzzle is extremely valuable info to give dog owners!! 

miranadobe

I do ABSOLUTELY agree that learning how to MAKE a muzzle is extremely valuable info to give dog owners!! 

I agree too.  Does anyone know a good website they can point me to to show me?  I don't have anyone that would know to show me in person.  This is important in case I'm ever in a bind.  I have a muzzle in all the important places but just in case I forget one or something unexpected happens.  Thanks! 

I guess I'm really bad.  When Rusty "nipped" at me while I was trimming his ears, he was sooooo upset, despite the fact that his teeth never touched me, that I got a muzzle for HIS sake.  I just told him why I was putting it on the next time we worked on ears, and he was fine with it.  It wasn't properly fitted either because when we were done and I'd say "ok" he'd take it off!!

Sheba has a basket muzzle and I just put it on when she's being a, well, female dog, and cranky with the others.  No other explanation or coaxing other than, "if you can't keep your teeth to yourself, you wear this".  She never fusses, never tries to take it off.  I could NOT put it on her when she got hurt because the damage below her eye would have been worsened by the muzzle, so when I got to the E vet, I went in and got a standard one and just slipped it on.  No muse, no fuss.

IF you feel the need to get Simba a muzzle??  Get a BASKET muzzle.  Not the traditional wrap around type.  Those are really too easily abused.

glenmar

Get a BASKET muzzle. 

I don't know the context in which the dog needs to be muzzled, but I can tell you that getting whacked by one HURTS.  So if this is a scenario where the dog struggles for some reason, expect a bruise.  The rubbery basket muzzles are, hmm, less than effective from what I've seen.  Is that what you're using, Glenda?  And if so, in what context?

Lori - your vet can show you how to make an effective muzzle out of gauze and that can translate to other things you have around the house/in the car. lol  Maybe someone has a video or pictures from a website to share in the meantime.

 Em's basket muzzle is leather, all over. It was extremely effective for her, but she knew she couldn't bite in it, and being muzzled meant business. She never, once, struggled in it.

jennie_c_d

 Em's basket muzzle is leather, all over. It was extremely effective for her, but she knew she couldn't bite in it, and being muzzled meant business. She never, once, struggled in it.

 Much lighter and more comfortable than wire, and not a weenie like the plastic ones can be. I knew better than that, LOL. Seen too many terrier race videos!!!

Speaking of, there is also something called a Softie muzzle. It's an all fabric basket muzzle. Not sure how effective that would be, and you can't feed treats through it, so maybe not... 

willowchow

miranadobe

I do ABSOLUTELY agree that learning how to MAKE a muzzle is extremely valuable info to give dog owners!! 

I agree too.  Does anyone know a good website they can point me to to show me?  I don't have anyone that would know to show me in person.  This is important in case I'm ever in a bind.  I have a muzzle in all the important places but just in case I forget one or something unexpected happens.  Thanks! 

In a pinch a shoestring or piece of gauze works.  I used Bev as a dummy to, hopefully, demonstrate how to make a muzzle in a pinch.

Start out with a willing dog, & a shoestring.

Take the shoestring, & do two throws on it.

Put it on the dog's muzzle, & tighten it down.

Next, put a single throw on the string & tighten it underneath the jaw.

Take the ends around, behind the ears, & tie it in a bow.

Side view of the finished product.

Front view.

It's not something that I would leave on for an extended period of time, but it can secure the mouth long enough to keep you from being bit, if the dog is so inclined.

Paige, it is a plastic one and she never fusses about it.  If I am walking just her here in the campground, the muzzle goes on since she tends to be reactive ONLY if I walk her and I never know when or what something will set her off.  All I have to do is hold the muzzle up and tell her to come to me and she walks over and waits patiently for me to put it on.

Now and then she also will "go over the edge" and just turn into a witch, and usually with Tyler, but, she'll do it with anyone.  If she starts getting like that, same thing.....I just get her muzzle out and call her to me.  There isn't a barrier she can't jump when she's determined to be like that, so once she's muzzled I just leash her to me.  None of the dogs are thrilled with living in the RV, but Sheba absolutely hates it.

Thank you Amanda and Bevo!!  LOL, Bevo looked so happy to be modeling until he figured out what he was modeling!! 

 Aesop learned as a pup to have things on his face. I didn't plan to take him to the groomer, but things happen and some groomers muzzle all Chows whether needed or not.  I did the same with Legend, which did help when I took him to a groomer years and years ago and they slapped a basket muzzle on him.  (I"ll note that when I picked him up he had roam of the place, muzzle free)

We also keep a basket muzzle on hand, even though it is not needed. If he ever gets into something that I can't tackle and needs to go to a groomer, I'd rather him be in one of those than a nylon one that doesn't allow panting.  Or, if he were ever badly hurt and nipping out of pain, it would help in that case as well. 

Just to note that it isn't a large dog bias, we keep a small dog muzzle on hand too 

Fantastic - and thanks, Bevo, for your superior modeling skills.

Perhaps you could add tags to your post so others can find it in the future.

grab01

Just to note that it isn't a large dog bias, we keep a small dog muzzle on hand too