Many people do not know this, but I am one of the only trainers that works in K9 Rehab – that means I work with dogs with a bite history. I believe the reason that most trainers do not work with dogs like that is because of the intensity that comes from dealing with dogs that bite. In my world it really does not make a diference if the bite was on a human or another dog. The dog is unbalanced and is, in many ways, desperate for help. Dogs do not bite by mistake, and it takes a lot for a dog to bite. Hence, dogs with a bite history do come with a lot of baggage. Most trainers prefer not to deal with that, and I totally understand. I guess the reason that I enjoy working with dogs in rehab is the transformation that happens when the dog finally surrenders. The feeling of seeing a being that was caught in a fight – flight state with such “conviction” that they are willing to bite their way through it, transform into a trusting individual is indescribable. It just teaches me that with enough support, guidance and the right tools, the dog is always able to switch to a different state of mind and become more at peace with the world around her. One of the best tools that helps achieve trust and respect with a dog that has neither (be it with people or other dogs) is a muzzle. A basket type muzzle allows dogs to pant (that is how they release heat from their bodies), eat, drink water and do everything else a dog without a muzzle can do except bite and fetch. So why is it that many, many people feel bad about having their dog on a muzzle? Even when dealing with dogs that bite their own owners, I have met with resistance when trying to talk to humans about the importance of muzzle conditioning their dogs and using the muzzle consistently. So let’s try to dispel some of the misconceptions about muzzles so we can help more dogs to become the best versions of themselves. While educating humans about how the right tools can indeed help us reach our goals when talking about behavior modification in dogs.
It baffles my mind how many people react negatively to a dog on a muzzle. I often wonder why. Even owners that are ready to send their dog to K9 rehab get really defensive when a muzzle is required (if a dog has a human bite on their record) for their first session. When explaining why I ask for them to muzzle condition their dog before the actual session I make sure to highlight that a muzzle is not a bad thing and it will prevent the dog from making a huge mistake on our first meeting. Even then many clients do not go through the process of muzzle conditioning their dogs. So how does one muzzle condition their dog? There are several ways, but first and foremost it is important that the human surrenders to the fact that a muzzle is not a bad thing. If one changes their energy when putting a muzzle on a dog from dread to joy, the process becomes incredibly easier. The dog will not relate the muzzle to a negative state of mind. It is the first step for both dog and human to start having a better relationship. Think about it, why is it when we leash our dogs we have a completely different energy than when we muzzle them? Both items used are tools, both help the dog coexist with the world around them. So why the diference in energy? Think about that the next time you introduce a new tool to your dog. What energy are you relating to that specific tool?
One way to muzzle condition a dog is simply by putting a muzzle on everyday before meal time. Budget about 15 more minutes when feeding, to simply put the muzzle on the dog and then taking it off and offering them their food. Pretty soon the dog will relate the muzzle with feeding time and it will be a breeze from there. After a few days start walking your dog on a leash inside the house with the muzzle ons, then take it off and have them eat their food. Another way is by putting peanut butter inside the muzzle (basket type muzzles are plastic or silicone so cleaning is a breeze) and let your dog insert their nose in order to lick it off. Do this a few times before leaving the muzzle on. Then leave it on for a few minutes and then start the process over again. It is important to walk your dog on a muzzle after they become used to having it on, since movement can create a different state of mind on the dog. Be patient, be joyful, be committed. Once we surrender that the muzzle is a good thing, it is much easier for our furry companions to do so as well.
One of the most important parts of muzzle conditioning is that the dog gets to experience things that they enjoy with it on. A lot of people only use a muzzle in stressful situations (be it for them or the dog) like vet visits, grooming or clipping a dog’s nails. Change the mindset by also taking your dog on a walk, hike, or anything they enjoy with the muzzle on. Make it a part of their gear for things they really like to do. A lot of times having a dog simply carry the muzzle on their neck while going for a short walk will take the “sting’ out of them wearing it. I will repeat myself since this is important: a basket type muzzle does not cause any harm to a dog. They can eat, drink, pant and do everything with it on except bite or catch a ball. Making it a part of their gear, like a leash, will deflate many a stressful situation. Owner’s become calmer, breathe easier, are able to relax a little more once they fully grasp that their dog will not be able to bite another being around them. That alone is a huge benefit for all involved. Since dogs pick up on energy, that calmer energy will allow the dog to socialize more normally. It is a win, win.
Happy training
