For The Love Of Dog-Use a Muzzle
Feb 24
There is a stigma with muzzles, but I for one love them! When an owner takes the time to properly train a dog to wear a muzzle, they are being proactive and smart. Protecting their dog, themselves, and others. Yes, a dog wearing a muzzle does need to be attended to with caution, but the risk of a bite is significantly decreased. I have worked in many of the animal fields, and I can tell you that using a muzzle makes everyone feel more comfortable if the dog seems weary of the situation or has a history.
Dogs do not usually need muzzles because they are truly mean. They are generally very scared and unsure of the situation, and they show aggression to protect themselves. In the past, lashing out may have ended with someone backing off, and it has reinforced that dog’s behavior to continue acting this way in order to “stay safe”. Muzzles are used as a precaution. Owners who put muzzles on their dogs are thinking of others and their dogs. Dogs who are labeled as “aggressive” still need all of the same things that every other dog needs: training, exercise, grooming and medical attention. If you simply keep them in your house to “protect” others from them, your dog is learning that the world is scary, and everything is to be suspicious. However, in order to take these dogs in public safety does need to be taken into consideration.
If your dog needs to wear a muzzle for any reason, it is good to desensitize them from it so that the muzzle does not cause more stress when it is actually needed. In order to do this, introduce the muzzle to your dog in your home. Let your dog smell it, and reward him with treats and praise for doing so. You can get him comfortable wearing it around the house, then on walks or in the backyard. Then when you go to your next vet appointment, your dog will not have the added stress of having a muzzle being put on his face. He may even become less reactive by having positive experiences, learning that he does not have to become reactive. So, for the love of dog, use a muzzle.
