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Continuing with making muzzles positive, this week instead of a blog, is a throwback to three years ago, where we were teaching the desensitisation to muzzle process. The tutorial has text to speech to be inclusive. There is background music also, so a warning for volume! Take your time and have fun!  For too long a muzzled dog has been viewed as a bad dog, rather than asking questions, assumptions are made. If however we asked others why their dog wears a muzzle you may be surprised at the answers.
The image attached I shared independently and wrote that the blog was coming on Friday of the same week, a handful of people all honed in on the dog showing aggression. That they didn't understand the comic because of this, because I was saying that a muzzled dog does not make a bad dog and I stand by that. We need to educate ourselves that a dog that barks, growls, snarls etc isn't a bad dog but a dog that maybe protecting itself, they may have PTSD, they maybe feeling unwell, just like humans there are many reasons a dog can show aggression. But this is the take away I would like as an outcome, we need to stop viewing a dog who displays aggression as bad dogs, this is dangerous and can have dogs lose their lives. Always consult with an accredited behaviourist concerning a dog that you think is displaying aggression to have a full evaluation of the context, if the dog in question isn't your dog ask the guardian. Making assumptions is incredibly unfair. On the other hand I would like to see the outcome be that people are embracing muzzles and instead of seeing a muzzle as a negative and not muzzling their dogs when required by law then this could greatly reduce some of the attacks that keep making the news. I'm not focusing on a specific breed as there are many breeds that have attacked people in public settings and if the dog was muzzled in this instance, a horrible situation could have been avoided. Muzzles save lives! In many countries it is a legal requirement for a dog to be muzzled regardless of their breed and it is a part of the culture and the laws of the country. In Germany dogs must be muzzled in certain municipalities and federal states, on public transport, within public gatherings, parks, swimming pools and some administrative buildings. Germany advises if you plan to visit to check the laws to protect your dog. (1) Until recent years in Italy, many dog breeds not required to be muzzled within the UK were legally required to wear muzzles when in public in Italy, the breeds included the German shepherd, Rottweiler, Newfoundlands, St.bernards and Dobermans. Now dogs are only legally required to be muzzled on public transport, however guidelines ask visitors to check on the laws when visiting and to carry a muzzle and to use a 1.5 metre lead. (2) Within Spain there are strict muzzle laws for dogs over 20 kg and large dog breeds are not allowed onto public transport without a muzzle. It is advised to check before visiting the country and the area where you are staying for the relevant law. France separates dogs into two categories, attacking and guard which includes Staffordshire bull terriers, Rottweilers, Dobermans and Mastiffs, these dogs have to be muzzled in public and on lead at all times, their guardians also need a particular licence. Small dogs must be in carriers on public transport and larger dogs muzzled. Within Ireland all dog guardians with dogs over the age of four months must have a licence unless the dog is a guide dog or with the gardai or ISPCA. There is a controlled breed list with many of the breeds already mentioned as well as bull terriers, Rhodesian ridgebacks, Japanese Akita and Tosa or a cross breed of these breeds must be with someone over the age of 16 who is able to control the dog, a lead under two metres at all times, muzzled in public and wearing a collar with the name and address clearly visible. (3) It is becoming a more popular concept to muzzle dogs for their protection and this can because of aggression (which is also multi model, just because a dog shows aggression does not mean the dog is a bad dog, just as a human shows aggression, it can be because of fear and communication that they need space), it can be because they have a habit of scavenging as dogs are genetically predisposed to scavenge. We have a collective duty of care to each other and each other's dogs that if we know that our dog maybe uncomfortable when in public and likely to bite another dog or a person then we need to create a society that supports the guardians and empowers them rather than pulling them down, verbal attacks and unkindness. I myself have been attacked in public by off-lead dogs and had to go to hospital with injuries, which could have been avoided with a lead and a muzzle. So this is a subject very close to my heart and as a dog professional I see both sides, but mostly I see we have a duty of care to protect dogs who we place in our care and our families. So please be kind to others who may need to muzzle their dog! References Hunter (no date) Maulkorbpflicht bei Hunden: Wann Sie gilt: Hunter Magazin, Your HUNTER Magazine: All topics about cats & dogs. Available at: https://www.wirliebenhunter.de/.../obligation-to-wear-a.../ Dog-Muzzles-Store.co.uk (no date) Dog Muzzle Laws, Dog muzzle laws around the world : The best dog muzzles online, dog muzzles for all dog breeds. Available at: https://www.dog-muzzles-store.co.uk/dog-muzzle-laws... Citizensinformation.ie (no date) Dog licences and ownership. Available at: https://www.citizensinformation.ie/.../control-of-dogs/ Muzzle shaming needs to stop!! Many people have a dim view of muzzles and think that a dog wears a muzzle because they are dangerous and or a bite risk. This is simply not the case, muzzles keep you and your dog safe from others, if they are emotionally challenged and or a bite risk to humans or animals. Muzzles are also used to prevent scavenging, this is one of the major causes of dogs needing to go to the vets. If we break down the behaviour and understand the emotionally challenged dog is not a bad dog, anymore than someone with anxiety then we can appreciate that a dog growling or snapping is not a bad dog but a dog who needs emotional healing. Link to a quick summary: https://www.facebook.com/share/f187GkeQfiT4dyhe/?mibextid=WC7FNe Dog to dog altercations or dog to human altercations in public can be hugely reduced by using a muzzle, this protects the dog and others, but the label that a muzzled dog shouldn't be out in public is ridiculous. I appreciate dog guardians who muzzle their dogs for my dogs, myself and others safety. This is how we should be viewing muzzles for emotionally challenged dogs. Assumptions also need to stop as to why another dog is wearing a muzzle because unless we ask, we don't know. Many dogs wear muzzles because they have a habit of eating food on the floor which can also risk their life in many cases. Using collaborative care and games can make muzzles a fun experience for dogs, so that they consent, have agency and are not afraid nor uncomfortable in the muzzle. Using the muzzle in games and in the home on a regular basis when it isn't used a lot is a great way of building and maintaining a positive relationship with the muzzle as many dogs can find the muzzle uncomfortable or a predictor for a stressful situation. Desensitisation to muzzle training can take quite a bit of time and it can be a good idea to begin muzzle training using a cup with treats in, first placed on cue than a muzzle itself, just to help your dog get used to the idea of something being around their muzzle and pairing this with a good experience. I have made a series on muzzle training which you can access here for free. I began the process with a tupperware tub as I didn't have a cup big enough and we also play Muzzle games to build excitement for the muzzle so they are never uncomfortable with the muzzle. These are all available on our Youtube channel: Mutts & Mischief. There are absolutely fantastic muzzle manufacturers such as the Muzzle Movement and the Muzzle Shop, they will also help with the correct sizing and fitting so that your dog is comfortable and has plenty of pant room. Regardless of breed, all dogs should be muzzle trained, in the event of an emergency as a first aid canine instructor we are taught to muzzle an injured dog with a makeshift rope because dogs in pain can bite no matter how docile they are, which is why some vets will insist on a muzzle because many vets are afraid of dogs. It is much nicer for the dog to have experienced fun wearing a muzzle and desensitisation should the need ever arise for the use of a muzzle, rather than a traumatic experience of wearing a muzzle when they are already scared and or in pain. If you are fearful of people commenting because your dog is wearing a muzzle, you shouldn't be as dogs wear a muzzle for lots of reasons and not just BSL laws. This can be due to preventing the risk of consuming potentially dangerous or toxic items on the floor or to prevent poop eating from the same or other species. They maybe wear a muzzle as a preventative if the guardian is worried that their dog could potentially bite another dog or a person, they can be used for the vets and in times of unwellness and they can also be used at the groomers. You can also get vests for your dogs or lead slips that ask for space or state your dog is in training which can quickly change the conversation. You can get these from Yellow Dog UK which is a registered charity and they have a legal team too which means that their products are within the bounds of the law, no matter who says anything whilst you are on a walk, such as “you are declaring your dog is aggressive”, which is absolutely not the case you are asking for space and for the space to be respected, they also do great materials such as posters, leaflets, stickers so you can educate others also. Unfortunately I have seen many reports lately of dog attacks and muzzles not being utilised, which is dangerous both for the victim, the dog and the guardian. Ultimately the dog pays the price and if not given a destruction order from court, most likely there will be a proviso destruction order like a suspended sentence for a human. Where the dog is placed on probation if you will, in which the guardian of the dog is solely responsible. If you have a dog (as not all dogs that are legally required to wear a muzzle are on the banned breed list) who is emotionally challenged, follow along over the next couple of weeks for education and tips!  All animals can learn without pain, fear and intimidation, no animal needs to endure pain and or fear from humans, especially in the name of training and behaviour modification. The world can be scary enough for them with naturally occurring stimuli, they can feel pressure from the environment and social situations. If you care about animals, why would you want to intentionally hurt them?
Image description: orange background with paler circles, a brown leaf to the top left and bottom right with yellow veins. There is a tiger with a mouse on his head to the back of the image, a brown bear sat in front, with a cream and grey Wolfdog in front of the bear, a parrot flying overhead which is based on a Scarlet Macaw, a baby gorilla covering his eyes at the front and a green Clicker with a blue handle. The text reads: We can all learn without pain, fear and intimidation. Can you teach without it? |
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Or are you looking for support and would like to get to know us better?
If the answer is yes then click the image below to join my free facebook group. What is Mutts & Mischief Community!
So it is what it says on the tin! Its a community that is international of clients and colleagues with the most supportive and friendly people on the planet. Dog Trainers and behaviourists from all over the world!
Why did I set up such a mammoth group?
I wanted to have a group exclusively for clients. For support and build on friendships from classes or individual consults. I want clients to see you are not alone with your dog and the problem you maybe having that you are not the first and won't be the last! I wanted a safe place where clients could trade stories good and bad in one place for free!
I also wanted a safe place for the trainers and behaviourists I mentor too.
Why do this for free?
Because when I say I offer an holistic service I really do. It isn't about the money it is about you and your dogs. You and your dogs are all that matter.
So I wanted to encourage people to do homework and build better quality relationships with their dogs. So 5 years ago I had a mad idea and set up the 100 days of dog training challenge in 2019. Once a day people would spend 5 minutes plus training their dog. Recording it and uploading their video onto the community. Every participant received a certificate.
What I didn't count on was how many professionals wanted to join and how fast word would spread. So in 2020 I set up a 366 days of dog training challenge.
We have clients in America, Greece, Norway, Denmark and Spain. We have Trainers from Greece, Norway, Isle of Wight, America and many more countries. As well as dog trainers and trainee behaviourists: I mentor all over the world.
So yes this group is free. It is still primarily for clients and for people to get to know me but we now have Pawsitive Wednesdays running, where I share a narrated free video tutorial for you to try with your dog and all are welcome to upload their video to the group for support from members!
What are you waiting for? Come and join us!!
So it is what it says on the tin! Its a community that is international of clients and colleagues with the most supportive and friendly people on the planet. Dog Trainers and behaviourists from all over the world!
Why did I set up such a mammoth group?
I wanted to have a group exclusively for clients. For support and build on friendships from classes or individual consults. I want clients to see you are not alone with your dog and the problem you maybe having that you are not the first and won't be the last! I wanted a safe place where clients could trade stories good and bad in one place for free!
I also wanted a safe place for the trainers and behaviourists I mentor too.
Why do this for free?
Because when I say I offer an holistic service I really do. It isn't about the money it is about you and your dogs. You and your dogs are all that matter.
So I wanted to encourage people to do homework and build better quality relationships with their dogs. So 5 years ago I had a mad idea and set up the 100 days of dog training challenge in 2019. Once a day people would spend 5 minutes plus training their dog. Recording it and uploading their video onto the community. Every participant received a certificate.
What I didn't count on was how many professionals wanted to join and how fast word would spread. So in 2020 I set up a 366 days of dog training challenge.
We have clients in America, Greece, Norway, Denmark and Spain. We have Trainers from Greece, Norway, Isle of Wight, America and many more countries. As well as dog trainers and trainee behaviourists: I mentor all over the world.
So yes this group is free. It is still primarily for clients and for people to get to know me but we now have Pawsitive Wednesdays running, where I share a narrated free video tutorial for you to try with your dog and all are welcome to upload their video to the group for support from members!
What are you waiting for? Come and join us!!
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