Not every dog has a muzzle; owners of small and decorative dogs often do not consider it necessary to purchase it for their pets. Meanwhile, this accessory, in accordance with current legislation, is provided for all dogs that are with the owner in a public place.
What is a muzzle for?
It may seem to someone that such a measure is unnecessary and a muzzle is required only for those dogs whose appearance can cause fear or those who have unbalanced behavior. Some owners are completely sure that their dog will never rush at a stranger and never bite anyone. But all these objections are refuted by numerous cases when dogs even bite their owners, and, moreover, it is the representatives of small and decorative breeds that differ in this, and the predominance in such cases generally belongs to the cutest spaniels.
Therefore, today the question of the need for a muzzle for your dog is not worth it - it should have a muzzle by default. It is necessary not only for walking in public places or for traveling on public transport, without it you may not be accepted by a veterinarian. In addition, the muzzle is part of the general training course and is also used when the dog is weaned to pick up food from the ground.
How to choose and buy a muzzle
You can buy a muzzle at a store that sells dog accessories. If this is a common muzzle for a non-fighting dog or a non-service dog who needs particularly durable muzzles, it can be made of leather, plastic or nylon. But inside, it must necessarily be sheathed or pasted over with a natural soft material - cloth or leather that does not irritate the dog's skin and does not rub it.
Of course, it is better to come with a dog to try on a muzzle - this way you can choose the size it needs as accurately as possible. When this is not possible, when choosing this accessory, you will need to know the dimensions of the dog's head, muzzle and neck. The muzzle should sit tightly on the dog, but, at the same time, not tighten its mouth and neck, it should also be able to stick out its tongue and lick its lips. Muzzle straps should be strong and well adjustable.
How to train your dog to muzzle
This should start at a very early age, as soon as the dog grows up - somewhere in six months. First, you have to develop in her a feeling that the muzzle is not at all scary. To do this, you can put a treat in the muzzle so that the dog eats it from there, holding the mouth in the muzzle for a few seconds. Then the muzzle should be put on the dog, not tightening the belts too much, but when trying to pull it off, distract the dog and encourage him with a treat. On walks, when the muzzle is already tightly fastened to the head and neck, also distract the dog from trying to pull it off, especially since after 2-3 walks it will completely get used to this necessary accessory.
