

But it’s important to get a properly fitted muzzle and to take the time to teach your dog to wear it properly. There is nothing wrong with using a muzzle. If you don’t take the time to train your dog to wear the muzzle properly, she’s almost guaranteed to be unhappy wearing it. That said, an improperly fitted muzzle can be really uncomfortable or even dangerous for a dog. A properly-fitted “basket muzzle” is one of the main tools that I use as a trainer to keep my clients safe and keep their dogs happy. Generally, muzzles should not be considered inhumane. But with a muzzle, their dog can safely enjoy the outdoors! Are Muzzles Inhumane? Without a muzzle, their dog wouldn’t be safe to bring on hikes or even on popular walks. Many of my friends and clients muzzle their dogs not because the dog is vicious, but because their dog might bite another dog if the other dog is extra-rude.

Even a calm, well-trained dog might be a bit of a mystery around children or puppies – I’m sure you can agree that in an unknown situation, there’s nothing wrong with utilizing a muzzle to keep everyone safe.Īfter all, humans wear bike helmets without expecting to get into an accident. Some owners may choose to muzzle their dog because it’s better to be safe than sorry. The truth is that muzzles allow dogs to interact in the world when it might not normally be safe, and allow them to make training progress without putting others at risk. It’s a shame that media has largely portrayed muzzles as a negative, associating them with “scary dogs”. No normal dog would wear a muzzle, right? Many people see a dog wearing a muzzle and think the worst – that the dog is an uncontrollable monster or is even being trained to attack. Muzzles are a valuable dog training tool and safety precaution, but they tend to get a bad wrap. Muzzle Misconceptions: They’re Not Just For “Bad Dogs” Muzzles also allow veterinarians, groomers, trainers, and others to do important work that might not be possible without safety measures in place. Muzzles allow dogs to get outside and enjoy the world when otherwise it might not be safe for them to do so. When you train your dog properly, she can learn to be as comfortable in her muzzle as in her collar. Muzzles are an important part of many training plans for dogs. Emergency Muzzle: Duck Bill Muzzles | “adorable muzzle for emergencies or short vet & groomer visits”.Best Custom Muzzles: BUMAS | “made from scratch to fit your dog”.Best For Small Dogs: Alfie Plastic Muzzle | “bright orange plastic that’s less intimidating”.Best Wire Muzzle: BronzeDog | “for pitbulls and similar-shaped dogs”.For Large Dogs: Leather Muzzle | “for dogs with thick snouts”.

Best All-Around Pick: Baskerville Muzzle | “my go-to muzzle”.
