Legally, we must carefully study the breed of our pet and whether we are required to walk it with a muzzle.
Only those who live with a dog can know how much one can come to love this type of pet. Sometimes, the bond between a dog and its owner is such that it is considered another member of the family.
Now, this member of the family, like the rest, needs some guidelines in its education to learn how to behave both at home and on the street with strangers or other dogs that attract it with their barking.
Knowing this, we may think that our dog’s education is exquisite, that its barking is non-existent, and that it is capable of behaving perfectly both at home and on the street, but legally we must study very carefully what breed our pet is as well as if we are obliged to walk it with a muzzle.
Dog muzzles: when to use them
The muzzle does not have to be related to education. In fact, there are many dog trainers who are against the use of the muzzle, because the good education of our dog is much more important than putting a patch on its mouth to prevent it from biting and barking.
The law requires muzzling all dogs considered to be dangerous breeds throughout Spain
Although we, as owners, may initially be against putting a muzzle on our dog, we must keep in mind that by doing so we will not only be preventing our dog from attacking other people or pets, but we will also be educating and teaching him not to eat things from the floor or nibble on other dogs’ feces. Obviously, we could also achieve this with slow training and a lot of effort, but until our dog is ready to go without a muzzle (if the law allows it) it will be better to use it.
It is also a good idea to use a muzzle when we go to the vet since dogs are very fearful when it comes to their routine check-ups. By using a muzzle we will prevent our pet from attacking the vet as well as limiting its behaviour while waiting until our turn comes.
Different types of muzzles
In pet stores, we can find various types of dog muzzles. Depending on the size of the dog, the shape of its muzzle or its needs, we will choose one type or another.
Despite all the types of muzzles that we can find on the market, the most common ones, that we all know and can find, are two: the adjustable ones and the basket type.
Adjustable muzzles, despite being more aesthetically pleasing, are much more uncomfortable for our pets. These muzzles do not keep the dog’s mouth completely closed, so it could bite with its teeth. Despite this, they can be considered quite safe since the pressure and safety we want to achieve in each case can be regulated and will prevent them from biting anything that catches their attention.
In the case of basket-type muzzles, the dog can open its mouth if it wants to, since what it does is create a separation barrier between its mouth and the outside. These muzzles are equally uncomfortable for our dog but they are very safe. The dog will not be able to bite anything, but they will allow it to breathe through its mouth when it needs to or, in the case of vomiting, it will allow it to react and we will be able to act in time. In the case of adjustable muzzles, vomiting is very dangerous, since they are not allowed to open their mouth and can suffer from asphyxiation.
There are mainly two types: adjustable and basket type.
Getting your dog to adapt to a muzzle
If you know that your dog, due to its breed, will need a muzzle when it grows up, get it used to it from a young age even if it doesn’t need it. If we add the use of a muzzle to its training classes, we will be helping it to better cope with this situation that is so annoying for dogs in the future.
If, on the other hand, we start teaching your dog when he is already an adult, it is normal for him to bark and try to scare us to avoid going through this moment. It will not be a pleasant situation for either of us, but you should not be scared or alarmed by his barking. You are his owner and you know whether or not your dog is capable of biting you. If you see that your integrity is in danger, move away from the dog, but if all he wants is to scare you, you should help him understand that the muzzle will not do him any harm and that it is something he will have to accept.
Don’t try to teach your pet to use the muzzle just before leaving the house. Ideally, you should practice from time to time in the quiet of your home, rewarding him with a dog treat every time you put on and take off the muzzle. This way, the dog will have already understood that the muzzle is a good thing for which he will be rewarded, and it will be much easier to put it on when you go out.
So, think carefully about whether or not your dog needs a muzzle. Don’t make him go through an unpleasant experience that he doesn’t need just because you’re a whim, but if it’s for his own good or to comply with the law, you should put our advice into practice, as well as that given by your veterinarian, because your dog’s health is paramount.