Removing the stigma from muzzled dogs

Using a muzzle on your dog can be a daunting experience for many owners. Why? Well there are lots of reasons.

They won't want the stigma that seems to have lingered, that all muzzled dogs are dangerous beasts. They don't want to accept that their loving, snuggly pup needs a little temporary help while they work on a behavioural problem. They don't want the world to label their dog as untrained purely because of a piece of equipment. The might think a muzzle is cruel and they don't want to subject their dog to it.

The reality is, a muzzled dog usually signifies a responsible dog owner and just because little (or big!) Fido is in a muzzle, doesn't mean they are dangerous to you or your dog!

There are so so many reasons that a dog might be in a muzzle:

1. The dog is nervous of/or reactive to other dogs or people.

2. The owner finds that the muzzle stops other dog owners letting their dogs run up to the muzzled dog.

3. The dog has a high prey drive and is capable of catching small animals.

4. The dog eats rocks, socks, or other non-food items that can be toxic or cause expensive and life-threatening surgeries

5. The dog is training a modification of an existing behaviour and the muzzle actually helps the handler relax as they worry less about the dog’s behaviour while they work through the training programme.

6. The dog has had a bad experience at the vet’s or groomer’s and so is muzzled for safety.

Is a muzzle cruel for a dog? It can be if the wrong muzzle is used—if it does not allow the dog to pant, if they can't take food or drink, if it doesn't fit properly, if the dog isn't acclimatized properly to wearing it, or if it is used as a tool to prevent a behaviour without addressing the underlying issues.

A properly fitted muzzle is one that a dog is acclimated to wearing, it allows the dog to pant easily, and eat and drink, they are just another piece of equipment like a collar, harness, or lead.

Next time you see an owner with a muzzled dog, give them a smile and help acknowledge their appreciation for safety in dog ownership :)

For more information on safely using a muzzle visit https://muzzleupproject.com