Getting your dog to like their muzzle

Introducing the muzzle?
To make your dog associate the muzzle with good things, get out the yummiest and long, thin treats you can think of and follow the steps below. These steps can be done in one session or over several different sessions, depending on your dog’s comfort level.

Step 1
Reach through and treat

• Hold the muzzle up with one hand so your dog notices it, then treat your dog. Work at slowly going closer and closer to their face and the position it needs to be in to fit.
• Reach through the muzzle with long treats in the other hand so your dog places their own nose further and further towards the muzzle to receive their reward.
• Repeat 3 to 6 times or until they happily accept this step.
• From now on, every time your dog sees the muzzle treat them. When you put the muzzle away all treating STOPS.

Step 2
Nose in the muzzle for treat

• Cup the muzzle with one hand. Hold the treat through the muzzle so your dog has to put their nose into it to gain a treat.
• As soon as the treat is gone remove the muzzle.
• Repeat until your dog happily volunteers to stick their nose into the muzzle to get the treat every time it is presented to them.
• Now treat several times quickly so your dog keeps their face in the muzzle for 2 to 3 seconds.
• Repeat until they can keep the muzzle on for 10 seconds without you delivering a treat every few seconds.

Step 3
Nose in the muzzle and buckle for a treat

• Load the muzzle up with treats. While your dog eats, hold the neck strap behind their neck and apply light pressure. As soon as they finish the treat, take the muzzle off.
• Next, have your dog put their nose in the muzzle, hold the neck strap, then start feeding treats through the muzzle. Repeat this exercise until your dog will happily keep their head in the muzzle for 3 to 5 seconds before you start treating.
• Have your dog put their nose into the muzzle, but now close the buckle and unleash a bunch of treats.

Step 4
Wearing the muzzle for treat and walk

• Put the muzzle on and immediately take your dog for a fun walk or outing. Take treats with you and dish them out along the way.