15/11/2023
With the government introducing the American XL Bully breed to the dangerous dogs list, one of the requirements for owners with the breed is that they will need to be muzzled in public.
It’s important to muzzle-train your dog using rewards to ensure they think of it positively. Don't be tempted to skip training and simply put the muzzle on your dog - this is likely to scare them and make it progressively harder to put it on each time you try.
Introduce the muzzle - Positively introduce the muzzle by placing it on the floor with ‘high value’ (yummy) treats in and around it.
- Give them their meals next to the muzzle for a few days.
Nose in the muzzle - Once your dog is comfortable with the sight of their muzzle (i.e. they don’t react, or react positively to it), start encouraging them to put their nose into it by giving them treats through the gaps.
Start with gaps close to the entrance, then gradually move the treats further into the muzzle until your dog is happy to take one from the end.
Hold the straps - Start holding (but not fastening) the muzzle straps behind your dog’s ears and give them a treat.
Hold them for just a few seconds before gradually building up.
Repeat until your dog is totally comfortable having the straps held behind their ears.
If your dog shakes the muzzle off, don't tell them off. Go back a step, take the training a bit more slowly, and remain patient.
Leave the muzzle on - Fasten the muzzle and give your dog a treat. As soon as they have finished their treat, take the muzzle off.
Repeat this process, gradually increasing how long your dog wears the muzzle for each time.
Try a little walk around the house/garden together with the muzzle on.
Remove it if they seem stressed at any point.
Keep making it a positive experience with regular treats and rewards and keep practising!
For more information on how to muzzle train your pet visit
Muzzle training should be done at your dog’s pace, in several short sessions over a few weeks.