The muzzle is an accessory that is sometimes useful, and sometimes even indispensable and obligatory. Unfortunately, the image your dog will convey by wearing this accessory will often be negative, since the muzzle is often associated with the idea of a mean dog, although this is definitely not always the case. It is sometimes only criminally obligatory in certain situations and for certain types of dogs, whereas the dog concerned may very well be the nicest in the world.
From a practical point of view and comfort for your four-legged companion, it will also be necessary to choose the right muzzle adapted to your dog, because indeed, all types of muzzles are not suitable for all dogs, or even for all situations.
When to have your dog wear a muzzle?
The muzzle should not be an accessory that the dog wears all day. Let's not forget that this obstructs a very important part of his body, and that as it would be for a human, it will inevitably end up greatly annoying your dog.Most of the dog muzzle will help your dog to reduce barking at night...
It will therefore be necessary to make your faithful companion wear his muzzle only when necessary:
- first and second category dogs: since the law of January 6, 1999, relating to so-called "dangerous" animals, dogs listed in these categories are required to wear a muzzle when going out in public places. These categories include pitbulls, American staffordshires, mastifs, among others.
- in public transport , dogs over 6kg are required to wear a muzzle, as a safety measure.
- during a delicate veterinary visit during which your dog is likely to be in pain, or even if you know that your dog is naturally nervous and / or fearful, and that he may be led to bite, it is better to have him carry a muzzle. Even the nicest dog in the world can be tricked into biting reflexively from severe pain.
- bring more safety during a meeting between dogs: if you go to a place where there will be other dogs, and yours may tend to be aggressive, then it is better to make him wear a muzzle. On the one hand, this will reassure the owners of other dogs, in addition to providing more security during the meeting.
Getting your dog used to the muzzle
In most cases, dogs are not muzzle receptive on the first try - quite the contrary. It will therefore be necessary to follow a method in several steps to teach them to support this accessory so embarrassing for them:
the presentation: first of all, it will be necessary to present the accessory to the dog, and to make him associate the muzzle with something positive, so that he accepts it more easily. The first step is to make him sniff the muzzle, while giving him some treats.
the usual: most muzzles can be simply tied around the dog's neck, without actually being put on the muzzle. During walks, make him get into the habit of walking with the muzzle around his neck. He will therefore associate the muzzle with something he enjoys: walking.
the first tests: now that your dog is used to the object, you will have to start getting used to having it worn around its muzzle. Here, too, the treat will play a big role. Present the muzzle to him facing his muzzle with one hand, presenting him with a treat with the other hand, placed on the other side of the muzzle. Your dog should come forward and place his muzzle in the muzzle to get the treat.
Repeat the action many times over several days.
the attachment: you have finally reached the last stage, during which you will have to get your dog used to wearing the muzzle entirely, attached. To do this, proceed as in step 3, but this time attach the muzzle when he goes to get the treat. Leave it for about a minute, then remove it.
You will have to repeat the operation every day, increasing the time during which you will leave the muzzle attached, until you manage to make a whole walk during which your dog will keep the muzzle. Once this is done, you will finally have succeeded in getting your dog used to wearing a muzzle.
Finally, know that the sooner you get your dog used to the muzzle, the quicker and easier it will be to learn.
How to choose a muzzle for your dog?
There are different models of muzzle, which should be chosen intelligently, since not all models adapt to the morphology of a dog's jaw, or even to all situations.
The different models of muzzles
The nylon muzzle
Although these muzzles are the ones that make your dog appear less dangerous, in addition to being the cheapest (around ten euros in specialist stores), these muzzles are the most fragile, while being the least expensive. comfortable for your dog. Indeed, these muzzles have the particularity of being a simple nylon band with which we will surround the muzzle of the dog and which we will close with an adhesive band.
The dog's muzzle will therefore be fully compressed by the band, and it will not be able to pant, eat or drink while keeping it very hot. This muzzle cannot therefore be worn for a long period by your companion.
In addition, the material of these muzzles, nylon, is a very fragile material, which can very easily be shredded by your dog if the mood takes him.
However, the nylon muzzle is not totally unnecessary. It can be used as an extra muzzle, for example to store in your car glove box when traveling with your dog, and to be used in the event of the unexpected. It is also a good way to teach your four-legged friend to support a muzzle.
The openwork leather muzzle
The openwork leather muzzle is a good way to combine comfort and safety for your faithful companion. Indeed, this type of muzzle allows your dog to always have a ventilated mouth, which will prevent hyperthermia and allow him to wear this muzzle all year round, while allowing him to pant, eat and breathe. drink without allowing him to open his mouth enough to be able to bite. These muzzles are not very expensive (between 10 and 30 euros on average in specialized stores).
However, this type of muzzle has a small drawback: they are not very strong. A dog who tends to be nervous can therefore very easily deteriorate it.
In short, the leather muzzle will be perfect for dogs who are not particularly dangerous, but who are required to wear one.
Muzzle in basket or net
Also known as a cage or wire muzzle, this type of muzzle is certainly one of the most effective, while remaining comfortable, for dogs who tend to be aggressive.
Even if physically, these muzzles can give your dog a little "Hannibal Lecter" side and thus give him the appearance of a very naughty dog, its mesh side will allow both good ventilation, which will prevent a possible hyperthermia, in addition to allowing him to pant, drink and eat as he pleases. These comfortable muzzles are also extremely strong. Indeed, there are reinforced plastic models, and metal models. There are even brightly colored models today, like yellow, green or pink, which will lessen the feeling of "mean dog".
Muzzles for short muzzles
For dogs with a short muzzle, wearing the dog muzzles will obviously not be possible, because they are not adapted to the morphology of their face. While most of these dogs do not need a muzzle as very few are aggressive, there are a few exceptions. Flexible muzzles, with a sort of net that surrounds the mouth, and a small hole in the front for eating, drinking, and of course breathing properly, are specially made for these short-nosed dogs.
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