What's the best way to train my dog to wear a muzzle comfortably?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! A basket muzzle allows you to keep it on for longer periods of time as they can breathe with it on and are more comfortable so that would be best in your case. Have a good night!

I personally do not think muzzles should be used with out supervision. The muzzle can get caught on things and the pet can get stuck or worse. I would recommend trying to crate train if you want Bruno to be alone in the house. You can also try blocking him into only 1 room or area of the house. This type of a muzzle is called a basket muzzle and they can breath with it on. However again I would not recommend using it if no one is home

I am sorry to hear about Bongo! A basket muzzle does allow for drinking but they cannot eat with it on. Try feeding him in a closed room to prevent anyone bothering him (and getting hurt). I would recommend a plastic basket muzzle instead of metal to prevent injury. Much more important, is to get Bongo on some anti-anxiety medication. This can be LIFE-CHANGING and I have so many great success stories. There are many great medications available with little side effects that are safe for daily use. My personal favorite is Trazadone but there are several great choices. Do yourself (and Bongo) a huge favor and talk to your vet about your options. Training is often needed with medication, but training alone will not work for these types of cases. Hope this helps and best of luck to you and Bongo!

Yes, I would recommend a basket muzzle. You need to use this type of muzzle so he can still open his mouth and pant. Do not use a cloth muzzle that will keep his mouth closed. Either of these would be fine. Be sure and get the correct size. https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dpets&field-keywords=B005D4O1YY https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dpets&field-keywords=B003WGQ03A Hope this helps. Best wishes!

In general, if you place the muzzle property, pets can’t get it off. The muzzle needs to be tight enough that they can open their mouth just slightly to breathe but not enough to actually get a ‘bite’. Your veterinarian may sometimes put on a tighter muzzle but for at home purposes, that guideline is generally fine. The muzzle straps should be pulled straight back behind the head and tight enough so that the pet cannot pull it off. I recommend to go to the website of the muzzle company and look at photographs to serve as a guide. With any muzzle, you do not want to dog to try to pull the muzzle off as they can hurt themselves with their nails. You may need some one to hold him and prevent him from scratching at the muzzle. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any further questions.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Firstly, this is almost always fear-based. Talk to your vet about getting him some anti-anxiety medication to calm him down enough to get the muzzle on. And frankly, even after he is neutered he’ll probably need something like that for daily use while you can do some counter-conditionung training. My favorite is trazodone as it is very safe, can be used long or short term, can be started and stopped, and can be given with certain other sedatives and anti-anxiety medications. Best wishes to you and Max!

Yes, a basket muzzle is a good idea but you should also consider working with a professional in-home dog trainer. They can probably help you train her to stop this behavior rather easily. I like BarkBusters and they have a trainer in your area. I’m pretty sure they do a free consult and the training is guaranteed for the life of the dog. No harm in calling them. ( https://www.barkbusters.com/dog-training-naperville-chicago ) Hooe this helps. Best wishes.