Muzzle Training, Stage 1: Muzzle = Yay!

Muzzles are for good dogs, too!

(If you haven’t look at Stage 0, check that out first!)

Now that you’ve got your equipment, it’s time to start the muzzle training process.

Step 1: Build an Association: Muzzle = Yay!

Muzzle training starts with conditioning your dog to get happy when they see the muzzle.

1. Hold the muzzle in your left hand behind your back

2. Hold several treats in your right hand behind your back

3. Present the muzzle just in front of your left hip

4. Feed three treats

5. Put the muzzle behind your back

6. Put your treat hand behind your back

7. Wait 5 -15 seconds and repeat

*Make sure you only move one hand at a time and the muzzle does not move towards your dog.

After 2-3 sessions, check your dog’s feelings:

1. Present the muzzle

2. Wait 2-3 seconds

3. What does his body language look like?

Continue pairing the muzzle with food until you see happy body language when the muzzle comes out. (See this example of happy body language in response to nail clippers!)

Step 2: Nose into the Muzzle

Once your dog is happy to see the muzzle, you can start working on getting his nose into the muzzle. Rather than forcing it on him, we’ll teach him to stick his nose inside on his own.

Straps folded back so the opening isn’t obstructed

1. Unbuckle the muzzle and fold the straps back so they’re out of the way (see photo)

2. Present the muzzle directly in front of you

3. Offer a treat through the muzzle so your dog has to stick his nose inside to eat

4. Remove the muzzle and the treat hand

5. Repeat

After 2-3 sessions, wait to offer the treat until your dog sticks his nose inside the muzzle on his own.

Step 3: Nose stays in the Muzzle

Repeat as above, but feed several treats in a row before removing the muzzle. You want your dog to keep his nose in the muzzle between treats.