![]() Keep the dog’s focus by getting them to Sit, give eye contact, and come to you. If the dog is comfortable by this point, you should be able to buckle the strap while they’re eating a tasty treat. Step 4: Buckling the Strap and Wearing the Muzzle Once they are comfortable at this stage, try feeding them treats one at a time while keeping the strap secure and taking short breaks in between each treat (so that they aren’t continuously eating/licking). Build slowly until you can gently grasp both sides of the straps together, without buckling it. If comfortable, start lifting the strap gently over their head. Gently scratch and pet the dog’s neck while they keep their nose in the muzzle. Give the dog peanut butter or other wet, sticky food – something that will take them time to lick off. Once the dog is comfortable putting their nose in and taking treats, you can build their comfort with having the strap added. Step 3: Building Duration and Adding the Strap EXTRA BONUS: Add touching the strap of the muzzle before delivering the treat, then moving the strap, then lifting the strap up, then putting over the neck, etc. You can build the duration of the time that the dog has their nose in the muzzle by slightly delaying the treat delivery second by second. Dog puts nose all the way into the end of the muzzle.Then immediately place a treat at the end. When the dog is putting their nose in the muzzle automatically, you can put muzzling on cue! Present the muzzle and before the dog puts their nose in, say “Muzzle!” in a happy, excited voice. Try sitting down and holding the muzzle between your knees! SECRET PRO TIP: It can be challenging to manage the muzzle, food, and straps at the same time. Some dogs LOVE vegetables! You can also continue to use peanut butter on a spoon in small portions. String cheese or thinly sliced carrot sticks or green beans are also good options to try. TIP: Dogs that snatch hard at treats and struggle eating through the muzzle may do better with long stick-like or jerky style treats. If the dog won’t approach while you’re holding the muzzle, try placing it in a small box or bowl with food inside. Some dogs are successful when you start with a larger, over-sized muzzle. Work in little baby steps to get them comfortable putting their nose all the way in. TROUBLE SHOOTING: If the dog doesn’t want to put their nose in the muzzle, you can give them treats for approaching it, sniffing it, or putting their nose in it partially. You know you’re ready to move to the next step when the dog is excited to see the muzzle and puts their nose in the muzzle in ANTICIPATION of treats. Repeat the exercise of having the dog put their nose in and out of the muzzle until they seem comfortable. Let the dog come to the muzzle freely! It’s their choice! Once you have their interest, cup the muzzle in your hand with treats in the bottom and encourage the dog to put their nose in on their own.ĭO NOT FORCE THE MUZZLE ON THE DOG. Keep trying different options until you find something they love. Make sure your dog likes what’s on the menu. Get their attention by giving them a few “freebie” treats to start to get them interested and engaged. Make sure the dog always has access to fresh water. If dog is on a Special Diet, see staff for options. Bring tasty bite-sized treats, longer chewy treats (if available), and something sticky like peanut butter and/or squeeze treat from a can or tube. Most medium to large sized dogs (50+ lbs.) are a size 4 or 5. ![]() We recommend two sizes of muzzles to try if you don’t already know the dog’s size. Work in a quieter area with as few distractions as possible. Step 1: Gather supplies in your training space So, take your time and make sure it is fun for all parties involved! Most dogs need simple, short sessions over multiple days to feel comfortable and have a positive association with the muzzle. If the dog struggles, break the process down into smaller steps, ask BE Staff for help, and keep training sessions short. Help us develop this essential skillset for our dogs in a safe and positive way!
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