Cooperative Care Muzzle Training

Cooperative care involves training an animal to not only tolerate handling, but it also allows them to have a choice in whether to participate in the training.

Why Muzzle Training?

• Calmly and cooperatively wearing a muzzle is an important life skill for dogs.
• Dogs that are stressed, injured or unwell have increased potential of biting or showing aggression when they perceive that they are cornered or under threat.
• A muzzle ensures the safety of the patient and the handler, hence reducing the stress of the situation.
• It should also be noted that for some dogs, breed-specific legislation requires muzzles in public spaces even if the dog has no history of aggression.
• Muzzle training can take weeks of patience and persistence.
• Allow at least 6 weeks before your pet may become acclimatised to a muzzle.

Types of Muzzles

• Muzzles should be made to fit comfortably, and come in different shapes and sizes to accommodate specific breeds.
• Secure, basket-style muzzles can be properly fitted and allow the dog to comfortably pant and receive food rewards. These are recommended.

• Sleeve-type nylon muzzles are not ideal for more than a few minutes as it puts the pet at risk of overheating.
• When choosing a muzzle for behaviour modification programs, choose a well-fitted basket style muzzle.

It is important to note:

• Dogs can still harm people and animals while wearing a muzzle by lunging and jumping up.
• Basket muzzles can also cause injury when people or animals are struck with them while on the pet’s face.
• Dogs can still remove the muzzle if it is not fitted properly or if the pet is persistent enough.
• Always supervise your pet while wearing a muzzle

How to Introduce the Muzzle

• The muzzle should be introduced slowly.
• Never move onto the next step until your pet is fully comfortable with the current step.

Step 1 - Using the muzzle as a food bowl

• Place food such as cream cheese or peanut butter (xylitol-free) at the end of the muzzle to encourage your pet to comfortably insert its nose into the muzzle and lick the food.

Step 2 - Temporarily holding the straps closed 

• Gently attempt to hold the muzzle straps closed as your dog licks the food.
• Remove your grip on the straps before they finish the food.
• Ideally we want to avoid your dog feeling stressed while wearing a muzzle, but if they do start panicking, remove the muzzle and stop training for the day.

Step 3 - Closing the muzzle straps and immediately undoing it

• Once your pet is comfortable with the above, you can try closing the muzzle straps while your dog is eating, and then immediately undoing it.

Step 4 - Closing the muzzle straps for a few seconds and feeding food through the muzzle

• Close the straps for a few seconds and offer food through the muzzle.
• Undo the straps again.
• Repeat this until your pet is comfortable with the straps done up for longer periods of time.

Step 5 - Training the pet to sit and stay with the muzzle on for treats

• Get your pet to quietly sit and stay with the muzzle on and reward with treats as they perform the tasks.

• Repeat this step over and over until your pet is comfortable with the straps being closed for extended periods of time.

For further information please visit the link (https://muzzleupproject.com/muzzle-training).