If your dog enjoys walks or games of chase, this might be enough of a diversion to help him or her adapt to the muzzle more quickly. While the muzzle is on the dog, you can reward him with affection or play (if he can be sufficiently distracted that he does not show any fear). Again, the length of time that it is left on needs to be increased gradually. Once your dog accepts the muzzle, you can try fastening it. When the muzzle is on, you can offer treats through the side as well.
Each time you offer the muzzle to your dog try placing treats inside for a pleasant association with the procedure. You must only remove the muzzle when the dog is calm and quiet, not when it is fussing or pawing. Be sure to set things up so your dog succeeds, by only placing the muzzle on for a short time. Slowly increase the time you leave it on from a few seconds to a minute or more and only reward your dog if he remains calm. Then, slip the muzzle on for a few seconds without fastening it and reward your dog when you take it off. Gradually place the treats further inside so that he sticks his head all the way into the muzzle. Next, hold the muzzle in front of your dog’s face, position the muzzle as if you would be placing it on your dog, place some treats inside and encourage him to take them out. This starts to build a positive association with the muzzle. Show your dog the muzzle, let him sniff to investigate it and give him a treat before putting the muzzle away. Instead, it should be introduced to your dog in a slow, progressive manner while the dog is calm. The first time you muzzle your dog should not be in a conflict or fearful situation. Should not be in a conflict or fearful situation.” Some muzzles come with (or can be affixed with) a strap that attaches from the muzzle over the top of the dog’s head (passing between the eyes) to the dog’s collar so that it cannot be pulled off by the dog. A properly fitted muzzle should be difficult if not impossible for your dog to remove. Some muzzles can be easily slipped off by pawing at them. This may take a bit of time but it is worth shopping around. It is important to find an effective and comfortable muzzle for your dog. How do I train my dog to enjoy being muzzled?
However, the dog may still provide a small nip with this latter type of muzzle. Some nylon muzzles have a mesh covering over the end to provide for a looser fit and more opportunity to pant, while others have a medium-size opening at the end for the nose and mouth, through which small tidbits can also be given. The nylon muzzle prevents the dog from opening its mouth, and may lead to overheating if left on the dog too long since it restricts panting and drinking. The basket muzzle allows your dog more freedom to pant and drink if properly fitted.
There are two common types of muzzle, the basket muzzle and the nylon muzzle. Therefore, you must be cautious about the total time a dog is wearing a muzzle based on weather conditions. However, it is important to realize that a dog cannot pant effectively when wearing a muzzle and may overheat in hot weather. The most common errors are to only use a muzzle when something nasty is going to happen to your dog (e.g., when he is about to be injected), to expect your dog to instantly accept the muzzle, or to leave the muzzle on excessively. If you follow the guidelines below, your dog should actually enjoy being muzzled. Muzzles themselves are not cruel, but they may cause welfare problems if they are not used appropriately. In certain jurisdictions where breed bans have been introduced, or if a dog has been determined to be potentially dangerous, there may be laws mandating muzzle use in public. Muzzles can be used to test the dog’s response to potentially problematic situations, to help introduce dogs that might be aggressive to people or other animals, and to temporarily prevent damage to the household in dogs that ingest or destroy objects in the environment. Muzzles might be advisable in those situations where the dog might become fearful or defensive, even if the dog has not yet displayed aggressive tendencies. This may not mean that you need to muzzle your dog in all situations only those in which there is a potential for injury, based on how your dog has reacted in similar situations in the past. If you know your dog has any potential to be aggressive, then it is irresponsible to risk the health and safety of others by not taking suitable precautions.