A muzzle must be introduced gradually so that your dog can become comfortable with it. In this video, Sara McLoudrey demonstrates how to get a dog comfortable with the muzzle. Sara is using a basket muzzle, which makes it easier to deliver treats. She begins by showing her dog, Lindy, the muzzle from a short distance and delivering a treat when Lindy investigates. Sara repeats this step a few times, rewarding Lindy for targeting the muzzle with her nose. Once Lindy is comfortable with the muzzle near her face, Sara drops treats inside the muzzle; to retrieve the treats, Lindy puts her nose inside the muzzle voluntarily. It’s important to note that before Lindt finishes the treats, Sara removes the muzzle and delivers treats on the floor. This encourages Lindy to shove her face back in the muzzle for the next treat! Before long, Lindy will wag her tail and run to place her face in the muzzle!

Introducing your dog to a muzzle requires patience, understanding, and positive reinforcement. By introducing the muzzle gradually, you can help your dog feel at ease wearing a muzzle when it is necessary. Do you want to unlock the full potential of muzzle training for your dog or your client’s dogs? Join Sara McLoudrey for Muzzle Matters to learn fun, positive techniques for low-stress muzzle-wearing!

Happy Training!