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The word \u201cmuzzle\u201d has a bad connotation because of how some pet owners have misused them in the past.\u00a0 However, when applied by responsible and caring individuals the muzzle is a helpful tool used to work with dogs, as well as protect them from any accidents or mishaps they could be liable for. \u00a0Here are some relevant questions to think about when you are considering if your dog needs a muzzle and what kind would be the best fit for him.<\/p>\n
When would a dog need a muzzle<\/strong>? In certain countries, some dog breeds are restricted<\/a> from going out in public without a muzzle. For health reasons, muzzles are used to keep dogs from licking a sensitive area of their body (such as a wound in the process of healing), when an Elizabethan collar<\/a> is unavailable. Muzzles might also be donned if the owner is visiting a new place that might have poisonous plants, or objects around that your curious dog could swallow and be damaged by.\u00a0 If you are going to a group-training course and socializing your pup, muzzling is a good risk-free way to introduce your dog to other animals.\u00a0 People also feel safer when a strange dog is wearing a muzzle, which is especially helpful when a dog is traveling with their owner in public transportation, or is going for a walk in a highly populated area. When would a dog not need a muzzle?<\/strong>\u00a0 If the pup has problems chewing on shoes, plastic objects, or is gnawing on furniture, then a muzzle is not the right way to correct the behavior. This will not show him that the action of chewing it wrong, and it could potentially cause frustrations leading to other bad behaviors. Instead, work on training your pooch to chew on the right things, by providing chew toys, interrupting him when he chomps on the wrong thing, and spraying taste deterrents wherever you don\u2019t want tooth marks.<\/p>\n
\nIf you have a dog who is in the midst of training, may be unreliable and likely to bite, and you have to take him to a crowded public place or a stressful location (like the vet), then it would be wise to wear a muzzle. It might seem harsh to you at first, but think if your pup got riled up or anxious, and nipped at someone, you could be sued or the dog put down.\u00a0 It is not worth the risk.\u00a0 Muzzles are NOT a long-term solution for pups that have a tendency to nip, and training should always be an important aspect of your dog-rearing, especially if your dog is an aggressive one.\u00a0 Muzzles are simply a backup safeguard that help protect your dog from putting himself into a sticky situation.<\/p>\n