The muzzle is an accessory that is sometimes useful, and sometimes even indispensable and obligatory. Unfortunately, the image your dog will convey while wearing this accessory will often be negative, since the mask is often associated with the idea of a mean dog, although this is definitely not always the case. It is sometimes only criminally obligatory in certain situations and for certain types of dogs when the dog concerned may very well be the nicest in the world.
From a practical point of view and comfort for your four-legged companion, it will also be necessary to choose the right mask adapted to your dog, because indeed, all types of protective gear are not suitable for all dogs, or even for all situations.
When to have your dog wear a muzzle?
The muzzle should not be an accessory that the dog wears all day. Let’s not forget that this obstructs a very important part of his body, and as it would be for a human, it will inevitably end up greatly annoying your dog.
You will therefore have to make your faithful companion wear his mask only when necessary:
- First and second category dogs: since the law of January 6, 1999, relating to so-called “dangerous” animals, dogs listed in these categories are required to wear a muzzle when going out in public places. These categories include Pitbulls, American Staffordshire, mastiffs, among others.
- In public transport, dogs over 6kg are required to wear a mask, as a safety measure.
- During a delicate veterinary visit during which your dog is likely to be in pain, or even if you know that your dog is naturally nervous and/or fearful and that he may be led to bite, it is better to have him carry a mask. Even the nicest dog in the world can be made to bite reflexively from severe pain.
- Bring more safety when meeting dogs: If you are going to a place where there will be other dogs, and yours may tend to be aggressive, then it is better to put a muzzle on it. On the one hand, this will reassure the owners of other dogs, in addition to providing more security during the meeting.
Getting your dog used to the muzzle
In most cases, dogs are not muzzled receptive on the first try – quite the contrary. It will therefore be necessary to follow a method in several steps to teach them to support this accessory so embarrassing for them:
- The presentation: first of all, you will have to present the accessory to the dog, and make him associate the gear with something positive so that he accepts it more easily. The first step is to make him sniff the product while giving him some treats.
- The usual: most gear can be simply tied around the dog’s neck, without actually being over the gear. During walks, get him into the habit of walking with the muzzle around his neck. He will therefore associate it with something he enjoys: walking.
- The first tests: now that your dog is used to the object, you will have to start getting used to having it worn around its snout. Here, too, the treat will play a big role. Hold the mask up to face its snout with one hand, presenting a treat with the other hand, placed on the other side of the gear. Your dog should come forward and place his snout in the mask to get the treat. Repeat the action many times over several days.
- The tether: you have finally reached the last step, during which you will have to get your dog used to wear the protective gear completely, attached. To do this, proceed as in step 3, but this time attach the gear when he gets the treat. Leave it for about a minute, then remove it. You will need to repeat the operation every day, increasing the length of time you leave the product attached until you manage to take a whole walk during which your dog will keep the mask on. Once this is done, you will finally have succeeded in getting your dog used to wearing a mask.
Finally, know that the sooner you get your dog used to the mask, the easier and faster it will be to learn.
How to choose a muzzle for your dog?
There are different models of the muzzle, which should be chosen intelligently, since not all models adapt to the morphology of a dog’s jaw, or even to all situations.
The different models of muzzles
The nylon muzzle
Although these masks are the ones that make your dog appear to be the least dangerous, in addition to being the cheapest (around ten euros in specialized stores), these protective gear are the most fragile, while being the least expensive. comfortable for your dog. Indeed, these products have the particularity of being a simple nylon band with which we will surround the nose of the dog and which we will close with an adhesive band.
The dog’s snout will therefore be fully compressed by the band, and it will not be able to pant, eat or drink while keeping it very hot. This product cannot, therefore, be worn for a long period by your companion.
In addition, the material of these gears, nylon, is a very fragile material, which can very easily be shredded by your dog if the mood takes him.
However, nylon protection is not entirely unnecessary. It can perfectly be used as an extra mask, for example, to store in your car glove box when traveling with your dog, and to be used in the event of an unforeseen event. It is also a good way to teach your four-legged friend to support a gear.
The openwork leather muzzle
The openwork leather muzzle is a good way to combine comfort and safety for your faithful companion. Indeed, this type of protection allows your dog to always have a ventilated mouth, which will prevent hyperthermia and allow him to wear this gear all year round while allowing him to pant, eat and breathe. drink without allowing him to open his mouth enough to be able to bite. These products are not very expensive (between 10 and 30 euros on average in specialized stores).
However, this type of gear has a small drawback: they are not very strong. A dog who tends to be nervous can therefore very easily deteriorate it.
In short, the leather gear will be perfect for dogs who are not particularly dangerous, but who are required to wear one.
Muzzle in basket or net
Also known as a cage or wire mask, this type of product is certainly one of the most effective while remaining comfortable, for dogs who tend to be aggressive.
Even if physically, these gear can give your dog a little “Hannibal Lecter” side and thus give him the appearance of a very naughty dog, its mesh side will allow both good ventilation, which will prevent possible hyperthermia, in addition to allowing him to paint, drink and eat as he pleases. These comfortable products are also extremely strong. Indeed, there are reinforced plastic models and metal models. There are even brightly colored models today, like yellow, green, or pink, which will lessen the impression of a “mean dog”.
Muzzles for dogs with short nose
For dogs with a short snout, wearing the aforementioned product will obviously not be possible, because they are not adapted to the morphology of their face. Although most of these dogs do not need protection as very few are aggressive, there are a few exceptions. Flexible products, with a sort of net that surrounds the mouth, and a small hole in the front for eating, drinking, and of course breathing properly, are specially made for these short-nosed dogs.
