By Shannon Nowak, BS, LVT, RVT, FFCP
s veterinary professionals, we are all too familiar with the challenges of handling fearful, anxious or reactive dogs in the clinic. But what if we could reduce one significant stressor—the struggle of placing a muzzle on an already distressed pet?
For many pet owners, the idea of placing a muzzle on their dog is met with hesitation, largely due to misconceptions and negative stereotypes. However, proper muzzle training transforms it from a last-minute restraint into a proactive tool that promotes safety and reduces stress for both pets and people. By educating pet owners on proper muzzle training and creating positive experiences in the clinic, we can help normalize muzzle use as a proactive and humane tool, rather than a reactionary measure.
- Safety for Veterinary Staff and Pet Owners: Even the most well-behaved dogs can become reactive in a high-stress environment, especially when experiencing pain or fear due to an illness, accident or injury. A muzzle provides an extra layer of protection for everyone involved.
- Reduced Stress for the Dog: A properly trained dog that is comfortable wearing a muzzle will experience less anxiety during veterinary visits. When introduced correctly, a muzzle becomes just another part of the routine, rather than a trigger for fear.
- Better Outcomes for Veterinary Care: Muzzles allow for safer, more efficient exams, diagnostics and treatments without the need for excessive restraint or sedation, leading to better medical outcomes.
- Use in the Community: A dog that is comfortable wearing a muzzle can safely engage in activities such as public outings, grooming sessions or training classes without risk, particularly for dogs with behavioral concerns. Some areas, unfortunately, may even require certain breeds to wear muzzles in public.
- Safety for the Pet: For pets that like to pick up and ingest objects in the yard, wearing a muzzle while in those environments can prevent the ingestion of potential hazards. Muzzles can also be utilized occasionally as pets recover from illness or injury—provided they are only worn in small increments.
muzzle training
at home can make all the difference in
creating positive experiences
at the clinic.
Step 1) Choose the Right Muzzle: Select a well-fitted basket muzzle, which allows dogs to pant, drink and take treats while ensuring safety. Clients can choose from readily available muzzles or opt for custom-made ones designed for their dog’s specific needs. Some brands even offer colorful designs to reduce stigma. Avoid restrictive nylon muzzles, as these should only be used for short-term restraint, not for training or extended wear.
Step 2) Create Initial Positive Associations: Start by simply showing the muzzle and rewarding the dog with treats for looking at or sniffing it. Never force the muzzle onto the dog—let them explore it at their own pace.
Step 3) Introduce Treats Through the Muzzle: Start by offering treats on or in the muzzle, allowing the dog to willingly approach the muzzle and take the treats. Spreading peanut butter or soft treats inside the muzzle will encourage a dog to voluntarily put their nose in. Repeat this multiple times to reinforce a positive experience.
Step 4) Gradually Increase Wear Time: Once the dog is comfortable with the steps above, gently secure the muzzle for a few seconds while offering treats. Slowly build up the duration, always keeping sessions short and positive.
Step 5) Incorporate Movement and Play: Have the dog wear the muzzle while engaging in fun activities like walks, playtime or training sessions. This will ensure they associate the muzzle with positive experiences rather than just vet visits.
Step 6) Practice Handling Exercises: While the dog is muzzled, practice gentle touch and handling to simulate a veterinary exam. Reward calm behavior to reinforce that wearing a muzzle is a normal and safe experience.
- Normalize Muzzle Use:
- Display educational materials in the clinic about the benefits of muzzle training.
- Create posts for your social media channels and/or website highlighting the importance and benefits of muzzle training.
- Offer staff training on how to introduce muzzles calmly and positively.
- Work with clients to progress their at-home muzzle training to incorporate positive clinic visits with a muzzle.
- Use High-Value Rewards:
- Keep a variety of treats on hand to reward dogs for wearing a muzzle in the clinic.
- Choose high-value options such as squeeze cheese, peanut butter, liver paste or other soft treats or spreads that can easily be given through a muzzle.
- Allow the dog to approach and explore the muzzle rather than immediately placing it on them, which can be encouraged with treats.
- Minimize Stressors:
- Use pheromone sprays, calming music and gentle handling techniques to create a low-stress environment.
- Allow owners to bring their own muzzle from home if the dog is already comfortable with it.
- Have the client place the muzzle on the dog prior to entering the clinic or exam room.
- Reward and praise the dog often for wearing the muzzle.
- Encourage Owners to Assist with the Training:
- Send clients home with written resources or videos on muzzle training and muzzle selection.
- Develop a muzzle-training program tailored to your clinic for dogs of all ages.
- Encourage them to bring their dog in for brief, positive visits where the dog wears the muzzle without undergoing any procedures.
Even with proper education and positive reinforcement, some pet owners may still hesitate to muzzle-train their dogs due to stigma or the misconception that muzzles are only for aggressive dogs. Here are a few ways to proactively address these concerns, help shift their perspective and encourage compliance:
- Address the concerns head-on (e.g., “Just like a seatbelt, a muzzle is a safety tool, not a punishment.”), as this can help change perceptions.
- Provide real-life examples of how muzzle training has benefited dogs in various situations (e.g., a nervous dog at the groomer or a senior dog needing frequent medical care).
- Provide “case studies” or personal experiences, such as written testimonials or stories of successful training experiences with other pets and their people to make the experience more relatable and impactful.
- Demonstrate muzzle training during a routine visit, or show videos of quick, positive training sessions with employee-owned pets or other clients and their pets (with permission, of course).
Muzzle training should be just as fundamental as leash training or socialization. When introduced properly, a muzzle is not a sign of an aggressive or “bad” dog, but rather a tool that promotes safer, lower-stress veterinary visits and public outings.
By actively educating clients, using positive reinforcement and normalizing muzzle use in our clinics, we can help pets, owners and veterinary teams alike. The more we advocate for proactive muzzle training, the better prepared dogs will be—leading to safer, smoother and more compassionate veterinary experiences for everyone involved.
