By Joel Monroe &
Michael Jen
Please direct any questions or comments
to Joel Monroe info@bvdt.net
The muzzle is something that is an
essential tool for protection training, but can also be useful for
the average house pet. Many dog owners complain about their dogs
chewing and tearing up everything in the house and a muzzle can
be a simple solution until the dog is trained to not chew on inappropriate
items.
There are 2 main types of muzzles.
One type of muzzle prevents the dog from completely opening its
mouth. It allows just enough space for the dog to be able to stick
its tongue out to pant and drink water. The other type of muzzle,
which I prefer, is more like a basket that covers the entire snout.
There is enough space for the dog to open its mouth wide and holes
in the muzzle for plenty of airflow and the ability to drink. For
the house pet, Jafco makes a plastic muzzle that inexpensive and
very good.
The problem with the muzzle is that
most dogs will constantly try to remove it as soon as you put it
on. They are unaccustomed to something being strapped onto their
face and head. So, make sure to do the following steps to properly
introduce the muzzle.
1. Place food and treats in the muzzle.
Get the dog to voluntary put its mouth in the muzzle. This also
causes the dog to association the muzzle with something very positive.
2. Once you have used food for a
while, you can slowly begin to have your dog get accustomed to the
muzzle without food. Place the muzzle on your dog for about 5 seconds
and then take it off. Wait a while and then repeat again. After
this has been repeated a few times, keep doing it, but slowly begin
to add a few seconds each time your dog is wearing the muzzle. Make
sure you take long breaks between putting the muzzle on.
3. When the dog can wear the muzzle
slightly longer, put the muzzle on and engage in an activity that
forces the dog to focus on something other than the muzzle. You
can do obedience. Go run with your dog. Put the muzzle on when your
dog is about to fall asleep. Have your dog play with another dog.
Dogs cannot focus on 2 things at once.
This will begin to get your
dog accustomed to wearing the muzzle for long periods of time. If
introduced properly the dog will be able to wear the muzzle without
constantly trying to remove it. |