Muzzle shaming has to stop!

Muzzle shaming needs to stop!!
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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!