How to train your dog to wear a muzzle

Step-by-step guide: how to muzzle train your dog

Moose a Crossbreed dog, sitting with a black and blue basket muzzle, amongst daffodils at Kenilworth RC.

It’s useful for all dogs to be able to wear a muzzle comfortably. Dogs can learn to enjoy wearing muzzles in the same way that they learn to wear a collar or harness. Take the time to introduce a muzzle in a positive and fun way, so your dog knows it’s nothing to worry about.

Why would my dog need to wear a muzzle?

There are lots of reasons a dog may benefit from wearing a muzzle, including:

For safety when a dog is frightened, ill or injured. Fear, pain or illness can affect the way a dog feels and behaves. If your dog is already muzzle trained, a vet can provide care quickly and safely in an emergency.
To prevent dogs eating things that could be harmful. For dogs on strict diets, or those who try to eat everything, a muzzle could be a life saver.
To keep dogs, and those around them, safe. A muzzle can be essential for dogs who have been known to behave aggressively in certain situations, or dogs who have learnt to chase and catch.
If they are required to by law.

A muzzle won't change the way your dog feels about a particular situation or trigger.
Even with a muzzle on, it’s important to try to avoid situations that make your dog feel worried. Being exposed to scary situations is unpleasant for them and could make their behaviour worse in the long term. A qualified behaviourist will be able to support you in changing the way your dog feels.

Choosing a muzzle

There are lots of types of muzzles. Choose a muzzle that your dog can eat, drink and pant through, such as a basket type muzzle. Being able to pant is important for dogs to regulate their temperature. The muzzle needs to fit them comfortably — it shouldn't obscure their vision, dig into their face, or restrict their mouth movement. It needs to be secure and as comfy as possible. If it’s rubbing, you can try wrapping a non-irritant fabric around the inside of the nose-piece.

How to train your dog to wear a muzzle

If your dog isn’t comfortable having people close to their food bowl, or can resource guard food, then this method may not be suitable for you. Contact an accredited behaviourist for support, or get in touch with our Behaviour Support Line.

If you know your dog struggles with having their face or head touched, you’ll need to work on this first with the support of a qualified professional

If you haven’t already, take a look at our webpage on how to introduce a marker to your dog. A marker is a clear signal that tells your dog they’ve got it right and a treat is on the way. Markers can be very helpful when training new behaviours.

Muzzle training

1-2-1 training classes

These one-hour sessions are available face-to-face and virtually, providing tailored coaching to help you train your dog to wear a muzzle. These one-off sessions will be available at a 50% discount for owners of American Bully XL type dogs , with additional discounts available for low-income households.

Enquire about a 1-2-1 coaching session

This was the best webinar, so informative and easy to learn. I thought I was doing really badly and my dog was slow to understand it, however I now know we are already at stage 4 and it's given me the confidence to know that we will get there together and in our own time. Thank you Dogs Trust

Louise

FAQs

What to do if my dog is worried by the muzzle

The muzzle might worry your dog so much that they decide the treat isn’t worth it. They might have worn a muzzle …

The muzzle might worry your dog so much that they decide the treat isn’t worth it. They might have worn a muzzle before and not enjoyed it. Or they might be naturally cautious about trying something new. They may also be worried if someone is holding a muzzle.

In this case, put the muzzle on the floor and drop the treats near it. See if your dog will eat the treats then. As your dog gains confidence, you can gradually place the treats closer to the muzzle. If your dog has mobility issues or would struggle to reach the floor, you could zip tie the muzzle to a chair or table leg.

If your dog is still worried and won’t go near the muzzle, speak to your vet. They may recommend getting help from an accredited behaviourist.

It’s well worth taking some time to change your dog’s feelings about the muzzle. You should find that doing so helps in other areas of your dog’s life too.

What if my dog tries to remove the muzzle or keeps rubbing it?

If your dog starts rubbing or pawing at the muzzle to try to remove it, try to engage them in something else to …

If your dog starts rubbing or pawing at the muzzle to try to remove it, try to engage them in something else to distract them. Then, remove the muzzle and go back a stage, to when they were relaxed. Keep repeating that stage for a while to build their confidence before trying to progress again. When you do, go slower.

Once your dog is relaxed and confident wearing a muzzle, some rubbing of their face can be normal. But if your dog’s skin seems irritated or sore, or they can’t behave normally while wearing it (they should be able to eat and drink through it), then it might mean the size, shape, or material of the muzzle is not right for your dog. Speak to your vet for advice on finding the right muzzle.

What if I need to use a muzzle before my dog is ready?

If you've started your training and you need to fully muzzle your dog for any reason, use a completely different style …

Will people and dogs treat my dog differently if they’re wearing a muzzle?

Some people may give dogs wearing muzzles a wider berth — but depending on why your dog is wearing their muzzle, this …

Some people may give dogs wearing muzzles a wider berth — but depending on why your dog is wearing their muzzle, this can actually be a benefit! If your dog feels worried around other dogs or people for example, more space may be helpful.

If your dog is relaxed around other dogs, gradually introduce them with their muzzle on. When your dog interacts with other dogs, watch their body language to make sure everyone is relaxed and confident. Read our body language guide to learn the signs to look for.

Once your dog is happy to wear their muzzle, they will be able to have just as much fun on walks and enjoy their time outdoors.