Why should we remove stigma about muzzles?
We’re so glad you’re reading this. It’s easy to make an assumption about aggression but there are in fact, a number of reasons owners/trainers may muzzle a dog.
To prevent the dog eating something off the ground. Some pooches will eat anything they find or have had an issue due to this habit.
It could be practice wearing a muzzle in preparation for a vet visit. Thank you responsible owner.
Practice wearing a muzzle for travel. One of our past blogs covered a ruling that dog’s travelling amongst the public on a ferry transport service were required to wear a muzzle unless they were contained in a vehicle.
Dog doesn’t like unfamiliar people or dogs. This owner is taking a precaution. Thank you again, responsible owner.
Too rough during play with other dogs. Dog play with other dogs is an important part of exercising a dog’s sociability. Sometimes there are canine individuals which become too over exuberant during play. A muzzle can be a valuable tool if it allows a dog to join in (supervised play) where otherwise it would miss out completely.
So how should we behave around muzzled dogs?
Respect that there is a sound reason the owner has recognized before muzzling their dog and they are working hard to make life better for their dog. Avoid being judgmental and see them as responsible for taking necessary steps to keep everyone safe whilst still getting their pooch out and about.
Do give plenty of space and don’t stare at the dog in case they are working on reactivity to humans.
We must emphasise that whilst muzzles are a helpful tool in the appropriate scenarios, they are not a green light to allow a dog into a situation that causes him great fear or to react. Please keep your dog on leash so there is no chance of them rushing up to the muzzled dog uninvited. Although you may be confident of your dog’s ‘recall’ it will help avoid stress for the other owner/handler to see your dog on leash and may avoid a premature meeting if the muzzled dog is being progressively exposed to stimuli.
The ideal muzzle fit allows the dog to pant, drink (and take a small treat if necessary) whilst wearing the muzzle. Dogs should be gradually acclimated to wearing one. Please see a professional when choosing the correct style/fit for the purpose because the make and measurements are of high importance.
Leah & Angela OMeara
Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)