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Why muzzle train

  • Visiting the vet

    At some point your vet may require your dog to wear a muzzle and training them beforehand will alleviate stress when the moment arises.

  • Traveling

    Some cities require dogs to wear a muzzle when riding public transportation or visiting public spaces.

  • Safety

    If your dog has a history of biting or aggression, wearing a muzzle can help protect your dog and others from a potential incident.

  • Walking in cities

    Wearing a muzzle will prevent your dog from picking up trash and other potentially dangerous items on city walks

Wear Muzzle - Level 1

Getting started

We recommend the Baskerville muzzle because it gives your dog the ability to eat, drink and breathe normally. With practice, patience and situational management, you can actually condition your dog to like the muzzle! 

Objective

The objective of level 1 is for your dog to get comfortable licking food out of the muzzle

Follow these steps when practicing level 1

• Grab your dog’s muzzle and squeeze some peanut butter or cream cheese on the basket

• Put the muzzle inside a bowl and pull the straps to the side

• Place the muzzle and bowl on the floor so your dog can lick peanut butter or cream cheese from the basket of the muzzle

• Do this every day for one week

Pro tip

Having your dog develop a good relationship with the muzzle is important in order to ensure the equipment doesn’t cause them to feel stress or anxiety. When working on muzzle training, always work at your dog’s pace. If it takes longer, be patient! Don't push your dog faster than they're ready for


Wear Muzzle - Level 2

Note: Only move onto level 2 after your dog is comfortably eating the peanut butter or cream cheese from the muzzle.

Objective

The objective of level 2 is for your dog to get comfortable with you tightening the muzzle straps

Follow these steps when practicing level 2

• Grab your dog’s muzzle and squeeze some peanut butter or cream cheese on the basket

• Show your dog the muzzle with the opening facing them

• Do not move the muzzle towards your dog, you want your dog to explore the muzzle on their own

• When your dog puts their nose into the muzzle, and starts licking the peanut butter or cream cheese, say “Yes!” 

• As your dog continues to lick the muzzle, loosely buckle the muzzle straps around their head 

• Practice this exercise every day for one week and gradually tighten the straps over time


Wear Muzzle - Level 3

Note: Only move onto level 3 after you're able to tighten the muzzle straps around your dog's head and they aren't showing signs of stress.

Objective

The objective of level 3 is for your dog to get comfortable with you buckling the muzzle strap

Follow these steps when practicing level 3

• Hold the muzzle with one hand and wait for your dog to stick their nose inside. If possible, do not use a treat to lure your dog’s nose into the muzzle and instead wait for your dog to move towards the muzzle 

• Once their nose is inside, say “Yes,” tighten the straps and feed your dog a treat

• To help your dog get comfortable wearing the muzzle, leave it on for two minutes. During the time when your dog is wearing the muzzle, practice behaviors like “Sit,” “Touch” and “Down.” The goal is to keep your dog’s mind off the muzzle 

• Gradually increase the amount of time your dog wears the muzzle

• Once they’re able to wear it for 15 minutes, start taking your dog on short walks while wearing the muzzle


Products we love

• Kong easy treat peanut butter. Great for squeezing on the muzzle for training.

• Baskerville muzzle. We love this muzzle because it's comfortable for your dog and they can still eat, drink and breathe normally.