Safety First comfort Always

Begin muzzle training your dog by introducing it slowly; let them sniff it and investigate the muzzle whilst offering treats, to create a positive association. Start with slow sessions then gradually increase the time that they wear it (making sure that it fits properly) and offer rewards for calm behaviour. Find more information in our insightful blog - How to muzzle train a dog.

Don’t rush to do up the straps of your muzzle, give your dog plenty of time to get familiar with the sound and feeling of the muzzle first. First, make sure your dog is comfortable with the noise of the clip or buckle (as this will eventually be done up right behind their ears). While in the same room as your dog, but at a distance, fasten the clip or buckle a few times. If your dog notices the sound and remains calm, reward them so they’ll associate this sound with tasty treats. Continue doing this, getting closer to your dog every few times you close the clip. Providing your dog is relaxed with the sound of the clip/buckle and comfortable keeping their face inside the muzzle for some time, start to gently touch and move the straps. (It helps to extend the straps beforehand, so they’re at their longest and loosest setting at this stage of your training.) Build up to draping the straps loosely over your dog’s neck, then let them slip off again. Mark and reward your dog for remaining relaxed and keeping their face in the muzzle as the straps move.

If your dog starts rubbing or pawing at the muzzle to try to remove it, try to engage them in something else to distract them. Then, remove the muzzle and go back a stage, to when they were relaxed. Keep repeating that stage for a while to build their confidence before trying to progress again. When you do, go slower. Once your dog is relaxed and confident wearing a muzzle, some rubbing of their face can be normal. But if your dog’s skin seems irritated or sore, or they can’t behave normally while wearing it (they should be able to eat and drink through it), then it might mean the size, shape, or material of the muzzle is not right for your dog.

Muzzles are primarily designed for safety, such as biting or chewing, rather than to stop barking. Although it can reduce barking, it won’t completely stop it, so it’s important to choose the right muzzle and make sure your dog is comfortable wearing it. This applies to both cage muzzles and fabric safety muzzles too.