The muzzle is not something dog owners are particularly fond of; the reason is fairly obvious — just looking at one brings to mind restraint and discomfort. Who really wants to put a muzzle on their beloved dog? But we all know there are situations where one can be very useful, if not essential. Setting aside for a moment the fact that you are required by law to carry a muzzle when taking your dog to a public park, there are several reasons you might need to use one. The first is naturally a dog that bites, one that tends to be aggressive. But it may also be a necessity related, for example, to a procedure the dog has undergone; in some cases, in fact, a muzzle can even serve as a replacement for an Elizabethan collar. With this in mind, let's try to understand when a dog muzzle is necessary and what criteria to use when choosing one.
When to buy a muzzle for your dog
A muzzle should be purchased as soon as you decide to get a dog, especially if you plan to take him for walks in a public park. There is a law that requires this, and it must be respected. But we have already seen that there are various reasons to put a muzzle on a dog, and based on those reasons you will also choose the most suitable model. Let's start from the beginning.
To choose a muzzle for your dog, you must first consider the breed and the shape of the snout. A brachycephalic dog like the Mastiff will certainly not wear the same muzzle as a Border Collie, for example. And likewise, a Pug will not wear the same size muzzle as a Newfoundland. These are all obvious points, but ones worth keeping in mind at the time of purchase; for this reason, it is definitely advisable to bring your dog along and try the muzzle on if possible.
Types of dog muzzles
There are many different models, all useful in certain circumstances — or almost all. Let's pretend the duck-bill muzzle doesn't exist, because it would be hard to find a good reason to buy one. Moving straight on to the strap muzzle: this is a soft model that tends to keep the dog's mouth closed with a wide strip of fabric. Very useful if you have a dog with a very calm temperament that is perfectly socialised. In this case, you will only need it to carry it with you at all times, as required by law.
If you have a dog that bites, it is not a suitable option, as it is not secure enough. The drawback of this type of muzzle is that it does not allow the dog to open its mouth properly, which hinders good breathing and hydration, especially during warmer periods. As a result, it is fine to wear for a few minutes when needed, but is not suitable for long walks or for dogs that are particularly nervous.
Basket muzzle
The basket muzzle is certainly the most functional type, and allows the dog to drink freely from a bowl. There are specifically several models of this type as well, made from various materials. Plastic ones, for example, are relatively delicate and poorly suited to a dog that does not accept the muzzle and therefore tends to rub its snout along the ground, breaking it in a short time. Far more robust is the metal version, suitable for particularly aggressive and restless dogs. The width of the gaps should also be considered: if they are too wide, not only does the muzzle fail to keep the dog secure, but it also does nothing to help in cases where your companion has the bad and dangerous habit of picking up and swallowing small objects from the ground.
Bear in mind that if you are choosing a basket muzzle, it is probably because you want to make sure your dog cannot harm anyone, even unintentionally. Keep this in mind when selecting the model, including with regard to price — a muzzle is primarily there to ensure safety. Size is also crucial; it goes without saying that a muzzle that is too small does not allow the dog to open its mouth properly and therefore does not support good breathing. But a muzzle that is too large can also move around too much, irritating the dog's snout and potentially slipping off altogether.
How to put a muzzle on your dog
To get your dog to wear a muzzle, the first thing you need is patience. Of course, there are those wonderfully calm and easy-going dogs that let you do more or less anything with them, but generally speaking, if you decide to put a muzzle on your dog, it is because your companion is at least a little boisterous. Putting on a muzzle cannot and must not be forced — for this reason, your dog needs to become familiar with the object slowly and gradually, without any trauma. It is important that he knows how to wear one, because you may find yourself needing to put it on quickly — for example at the vet's or out on a walk, during a moment when your dog is particularly agitated. So how do you go about it?
Introduce it to him little by little; often hold the muzzle in your hand while playing with your dog and let him sniff it, but not chew it. Still holding the muzzle in one hand, try gently holding the dog's snout with your free hand for a few moments, without squeezing or forcing too much. Gradually, your companion will need to get used to this little routine, and whenever he wriggles free, say a firm no and try again to hold his snout gently for a few moments. Once he manages to tolerate this, do the same thing while bringing the muzzle closer — one he will by now have learned to recognise.
Another option is to place a treat at the back of the muzzle and bring it close to the dog's snout without pushing it on by force. If you have taken care to let him play with it over time, he should slip his snout in on his own. Of course, there are cases where there is simply no way around it — you just cannot get the muzzle on your dog. Well, at that point the only solution, in our view, is to ask for the help of a trainer who is far more experienced than we are!
