Muzzles are helping thousands of dogs and their guardians.
KPA, a leader in the field of animal training and in the science and application of marker-based positive reinforcement, supports muzzle conditioning.
So does Patricia McConnell, Ph.D., a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) Emeritus.
Fear Free courses are developed and written by the most respected veterinary and pet experts in the world, including boarded veterinary behaviorists, boarded veterinary anesthesiologists, pain experts, boarded veterinary internists, veterinary technicians (behavior), experts in shelter medicine, animal training, grooming, boarding, and more. Here’s their guide for muzzle training!
The Muzzle Up! Project is a wonderful community full of responsible dog lovers.
I have two reactive dogs, but they aren’t the only ones who are muzzle trained.
Muzzle training/conditioning is a great skill for all dogs to have. I use a muzzle to prevent kleptomaniac behavior when the “leave it” command is being practiced…or ignored.
Muzzles are also a great tool to use on walks for dogs who have PICA like Freja (pictured above).
Like kennel training, I like to desensitize all of my dogs to muzzles “just in case” they need one in the future during an emergency. If they were sick or injured and had to be muzzled, they would feel comfortable because they associate it with positive things. A dog who isn’t muzzle trained would feel anxious or turn into a potential bite risk.