Do Muzzles Calm Dogs? They Can, If You Use Them Properly
Key takeaways:
Muzzles are good tools for anxious or reactive dogs in situations where they are nervous.
Muzzles should never be used as punishment or to stop or correct undesirable behaviors.
Training should involve your dog moving toward the muzzle rather than the muzzle moving toward your dog.
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When you imagine a muzzled dog, the image that comes to mind may not be of a calm, well-mannered pup. The media has helped reinforce our view of a growling, teeth-baring attack dog behind a muzzle.
However, muzzles can be helpful tools to ease dogs' discomfort and protect the safety of people and animals. The key is knowing when to use a muzzle and how to train your dog to wear one, and understanding that you should never use a muzzle to punish your pet.
Are muzzles calming for dogs?
Muzzles can help calm anxious and reactive dogs in certain circumstances. However, they are only effective and positive tools if owners train their dogs to wear muzzles in a calm, safe environment and use positive reinforcement before putting one on them.
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Let’s take a look at when using a muzzle can help calm your dog, as well as the best ways to use them.
When to use a muzzle
Muzzles can help many dogs get through stressful situations safely. Some reasons to use a muzzle include:
To prevent biting
A muzzle can be helpful anytime you are concerned that your dog might bite someone or another animal.
To protect wounds after surgery
Muzzling your dog can prevent your pup from licking or chewing at their stitches while a wound heals. This is a good option for dogs who don’t do well wearing an Elizabethan collar, or e-cone.
To curb eating on walks
Muzzles are valuable if your dog views the street as an all-you-can-eat buffet. Some dogs don’t discriminate when it comes to sampling everything streetside. Amuzzle can prevent your canine companion from eating toxic substances, dead animals, discarded garbage, and other inedible items that could make them sick or become lodged in their digestive system.
To deter poop-eating
Some dogs eat feces. If your dog finds doo-doo desirable in the yard or dog park, a muzzle can prevent them from eating dog waste.
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Types of muzzles
The best type of muzzle for your dog depends on what you use it for and how long your dog will wear it. There are two common muzzle types, and we’ll take a look at each below.
Sleeve muzzle
Sleeve muzzles, usually made of nylon, leather, or mesh, are soft and should only be worn for short periods. These soft muzzles prevent dogs from opening their mouths very widely, so they don’t allow them to drink or take treats.
Soft muzzles can also restrict heavy breathing and panting, which dogs do to cool themselves. Consequently, a dog can overheat quickly, especially if agitated or stressed. Sleeve muzzles are best used only for brief periods, such as during nail trims or in emergencies where there is no other option.
Basket muzzle
Basket muzzles are less limiting than soft muzzles. These are generally made with rigid plastic or metal and nylon straps. A well-fitted basket muzzle allows a dog to breathe, drink, pant, and eat treats comfortably yet prevents a bite.
Basket muzzles can be worn for about an hour or more, as long as you make sure your dog has something to drink while wearing one. They can be custom-fit for any dog, including wide- or flat-faced breeds.
How to use a dog muzzle correctly
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and the Academy for Dog Trainers recommend muzzle-training your dog in a positive, stress-free environment. If the first time you put the muzzle on your dog is when it is necessary, your pup will likely always associate the muzzle with a negative experience.
Once you have a muzzle that fits them properly, introduce it to your dog step by step. Keep training sessions under 5 minutes. Watch your dog’s body language to ensure they are comfortable with each step before moving on.
Start with these steps:
First, let your dog see and sniff the muzzle, then give them a positive reward (a treat, praise).
The next step is to let your dog touch their nose to the muzzle. You can put tasty treats in the muzzle and see if your dog will eat them, or you can wait until your dog approaches the muzzle. If your pup goes over on their own, reward the behavior. Your dog should always move toward the muzzle. Don’t move the muzzle toward your dog.
Once your dog is comfortable with their entire nose in the muzzle, increase their time wearing it. You can do this by repeatedly feeding them treats while it’s on their nose.
Allow your dog to become comfortable with the straps. Try securing the straps behind your dog’s head and immediately feeding them treats. After a couple of seconds, unclip the straps and remove the muzzle. The more comfortable your dog becomes with the muzzle, the longer you can leave it on during training.
Finally, once your dog is at ease wearing the muzzle, take them to do something fun while wearing it. Go for a hike or a walk in the park.
Do not leave your dog unattended while muzzled. And consult your veterinarian before you use a muzzle.
For further training tips, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) offers a video on muzzle-training.
How to fit a muzzle
Muzzles that do not fit properly can limit airflow to dogs, prevent them from cooling themselves and drinking water, and can irritate their skin. Ensure that your dog’s muzzle is properly fitted; you should be able to fit one finger between the back of your dog’s head and the strap. If you are unsure about the fit, consult your veterinarian or a certified animal behavior professional.
Do vets recommend muzzles?
Vets recommend muzzles when a dog's or a person’s safety may be at risk. For example, a muzzle is helpful when transporting or treating an injured dog. Any dog has the potential to bite, and there is no way to predict how a dog in pain will respond.
Some veterinarians recommend or insist that dog parents muzzle nervous patients when they come in for an office visit to ensure the safety of all office staff.
What are the cons of muzzles?
There are several disadvantages of using a muzzle and certain situations where they shouldn’t be used.
Public perception
Some people view muzzles negatively, assuming a muzzled dog is a vicious threat. This image of an uncontrollable attack dog has made many people afraid to use muzzles as a safety tool. It may also make other people uncomfortable when they see a dog with a muzzle on.
Training substitute
Muzzles should not be used in place of training and behavior modification to stop or correct actions such as barking, chewing, or other attention-seeking behavior. Behavioral issues must be addressed by determining the reason behind the behavior, whether it be anxiety, boredom, or fear.
Punishment
Muzzles should not be used to punish your dog. Your dog will not learn that they are being punished for bad behavior; instead, they will learn to associate the muzzle with punishment. The muzzle will then increase your dog’s anxiety and discomfort.
Dog muzzle alternatives and approaches
If using a muzzle is not right for you or your pet, or you don’t have one on hand, you can try other options to keep everyone safe.
Some alternatives include:
Halter tie
This quick-release knot can be used when securing a dog to a stable object. If the dog becomes fearful, they will not become tangled in the knot. A quick pull at the end releases the knot.
Makeshift muzzle
You can use a bandage, towel, tie, or other soft material to create a safe muzzle for your pet. Simply make a loop with the material. While holding your pet, stand behind them and calmly place the loop over your pet’s snout. Finally, secure their jaw shut by tying a knot in the material at the top of their nose.
Towel
You can gently restrain your dog by placinga towel around their neck. This method immobilizes their head, similar to a neck brace, and may work well if your dog is reactive in certain situations, such as being at the vet’s office.
Smaller dogs may be calmed just by being wrapped in a towel.
Blocked vision
You can help calm your pet by limiting their visual stimuli. Stand in front of your dog and place your hands on either side of their eyes to restrict their vision.
The bottom line
Despite negative media portrayals of muzzled dogs, veterinarians and other animal practitioners recommend muzzles when the safety of a dog or human is at risk. Using a muzzle correctly can go a long way toward keeping your dog calm and safe. You should never use a muzzle to punish or correct unwanted behavior.
Muzzle-training your dog is responsible pet ownership. You should introduce it when you introduce commands to your new dog or puppy. If you find that you need or want to use it down the line, your dog may be well-behaved and willing to wear it. However, if you don’t introduce it early, your dog may not be willing to wear it if needed.
Why trust our experts?
References
American Animal Hospital Association. (n.d.). Position statements and endorsements.
Animal Humane Society. (2023). He’s a good dog! The truth behind dogs in muzzles.
Animated Knots. (n.d.). Halter hitch.
Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center. (n.d.). Muzzle choices.
First Aid for Pets. (2021). How to make a safe makeshift muzzle for your dog.
Gibeault, S. (2024). Dog muzzles: When, why, and how to correctly use them. American Kennel Club.
Donaldson, J. (2018). Dog Training 101: Course Guidebook. The Teaching Company.
Maxwell, M. (2017). Teaching a dog to wear a muzzle: Muzzle training. American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior.
Michigan Humane. (2018). Helping your dog with veterinary visits.
Radosta, L. (2019). Managing dogs and cats who hate the vet. 2019 Ontario Veterinary Medicine Association Conference & Trade Show Proceedings.
Robbins, S., et al. (2021). Desensitizing your dog to a muzzle. Veterinary Partner.
