How Does a Dog Muzzle Work?

Dog muzzles come in many different sizes---small to extra large, for all dogs. They are also made from various materials, including cloth, leather, metal or plastic. Basket muzzles are generally made from metal or plastic, while non-basket types are made from cloth (nylon mesh) or leather.

If you have a mildly aggressive dog, a nylon muzzle should be enough, but if you have a dog that can get very aggressive, especially with other dogs, you will need a basket muzzle.

A muzzle should be purchased based on whether the dog can easily slip out of a muzzle or not. Cloth muzzles generally have a strap that clips behind the ears with a plastic quick-snap. These muzzles are good for dogs that will be wearing the muzzle for a short time, as the dog can rub the strap forward and get out of the muzzle. Basket muzzles have a set of straps running from the muzzle, along the cheeks of the dog, to a collar-like strap that rides lower on the dog's neck, making it difficult for the dog to slide out of the muzzle.

Muzzles come in various sizes, small enough for tiny breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers and Mini Poodles to extra large for dogs such as Wolfhounds. Each muzzle manufacturer has its own sizing scale, so you should always check the size on the back of the package prior to purchasing. In order to measure the dog for a muzzle, measure the circumference of the widest part of the dog's muzzle. When purchasing a basket muzzle, measure the circumference of the widest part of the muzzle and the length from the eyes to the tip of its nose.

Muzzles do not allow the dog to open its mouth enough to bit, but does allow them to drink water. A muzzle should never be left on a dog unsupervised. It can be used while training or while bringing the dog into a public place where other dogs or people might set him off, causing him to bite. If you think your dog may snap or bite out of fear (for example, if he is at the vet, and the vet is doing something the dog does not like), you should bring a muzzle with you. The muzzle protects the safety of the handler and the dog by not allowing the dog to bite.

Always learn how to use the muzzle before you attempt to put it on your dog. Make sure your dog is accustomed to a muzzle, so it does not fight when you put it on, as you could get bitten just trying to put a muzzle on the dog. Muzzles are made to slide on quickly and snap into place. When getting your dog used to a muzzle, let him play with it at first, without putting it on. If he is not afraid of the muzzle, slide it over his snout, but do not snap it on. Remove it before he does, and treat him for allowing you to put the muzzle on. Make the muzzle time longer each time. When he is calm and does not try to get out of the muzzle, snap the muzzle in place. Remove it immediately, until the next training session. At the next training session, put the muzzle on and snap it in place. Wait a bit longer before taking it off, but do not wait so long that the dog tries to get it off itself. Soon enough, your dog will be able to wear the muzzle without fighting to get it off.