Correct Use Of The Dog Muzzle

Nobody likes the idea of ​​making a dog wear a muzzle, least of all their own. Unfortunately, however, based on the size of the animal, this practice is mandatory by law, in our country and in many others. Well, for our animal the use of the muzzle is even less pleasant, and it is therefore important to learn to know when it is necessary to make him wear it and what type of muzzle he needs.

When to make your dog wear a muzzle

According to the law, the muzzle obligation is not extended to all dog breeds; so if you are curious to know whether or not you are obliged to wear it on yours, keep reading the following article.

Author: Bev Sykes

Dangerous dogs

The main reason dogs need to wear a muzzle is to prevent them from biting; therefore dogs with attitudes considered aggressive, are obliged by law to wear a muzzle every time they go out on the street, whether it is for a walk or for sunbathing in front of the front door.

The breeds considered aggressive according to Italian law are the following:

• Rottweiller
• Dogo Argentino
• American Bulldog
• Pitbull Terrier
• Pitbull Mastiff
• Fila Brasileiro
• Tosa Inu
• Anatolian shepherd dog
• Caucasian Shepherd Dog
• Central Asian Sheepdog

Other behaviors that require a muzzle

The muzzle is a tool also used to correct some behaviors. For example, it will be very useful if your dog has a habit of ingesting food rummaged in the garbage or on the street, when you take him for a walk, or if he tries to lick some wounds, running the risk of catching an infection. Although the most functional tool in these cases is the Elizabethan collar, sometimes the dog is able to take it off, making it useless.

Usually, when you take your dog to the vet, he transforms: he may be the sweetest and most tender dog on the face of the earth, but he becomes aggressive towards the doctor. In these cases, the vet may decide to make him wear a muzzle, to avoid any bites.

Types of dog muzzle

On the market you can find various types of muzzles. Depending on the breed and facial features of your pet, you can opt for the most suitable. For dogs with a flattened snout, muzzles that close the mouth entirely are not recommended,  as they will find it more difficult to breathe.

The muzzles on the market are:

• Nylon muzzles. They do not completely cover the animal’s mouth, however they prevent it from opening, making it more difficult to breathe. For this reason it is advisable to remember not to use them on particularly hot days, nor when the animal is exercising. They can also be found in canvas or leather.

• Grid muzzles. These completely plug the animal’s mouth and can be made of plastic, leather or nylon. Make sure not to tighten them too much so as not to harm the animal, but at the same time do not leave them too loose, so as not to risk the animal taking it off.

How to get your dog used to the muzzle

Author: Richard Smith

Wearing a muzzle will certainly not be a pleasant experience for your dog, so we want to give you some tips so that you know how to behave.

• Accustom the animal. If you do not accustom your pet to using a muzzle, it may react aggressively whenever you approach it with the instrument in your hand. One tactic is to have him wear it for a few minutes inside the house every day so that he gets used to it. Then go on to give him a reward so that he associates it with something positive.

• Do not let your dog wear the nylon muzzle for prolonged periods. In some places this type of muzzle is prohibited for prolonged use; it has in fact been shown that they can be harmful to the animal. If you only have a muzzle of this type and are unable to buy another one, remember not to wear it for more than a few minutes a day. Small recommendation: get rid of it and buy one on the grill.
• You should not use the muzzle for dogs that do not fall into the category of aggressive animals. The muzzle should be considered as a last resort. There are some exercises that the animal can do to prevent it from appearing aggressive or frightened. It is always best to give it a try before resorting to a muzzle.
• Do not make your dog wear a muzzle when you leave the house. Unfortunately, there are those who believe that this is a good alternative to prevent the animal from destroying the furniture once it is left alone. It is a cruel thing. Don’t do it, please.

• Don’t use it to stop your dog from barking. If the problem is severe, it can be corrected through appropriate therapy.

Wearing a muzzle is not pleasant, but sometimes it is necessary. It must be the last alternative to consider. To find out if your dog should wear a muzzle or not, it is recommended that you consult your veterinarian.

Images courtesy of Maja Dumat, Bev Sykes, and Richard Smith.