Canine Basket Muzzle Use

Adapted from information from the University of Georgia Behavior Service

Click here for pdf doc.  Click here for excellent How To Introduce Video

 

A properly fitted basket muzzle will allow your dog to pant and even drink water. A basket muzzle will allow you to ensure the safety of people encountering your dog. Basket muzzles work best when the dog bas been slowly introduced to it and does not only wear the muzzle when something "bad" is happening.
 

To familiarize your dog with its new basket muzzle do the following:
(Treats should be used during all stages of fitting)

1.       Allow your dog to sniff the muzzle and inspect it.  Reward your dog for being around the muzzle.
 

2.       Place small treats in the muzzle or thru the bars so your dog reaches its nose in to obtain the treats.
 

3.       After your dog is comfortable placing his nose in the muzzle, fasten the strap behind the ears. The neck strap should be snug and high enough to keep the muzzle on but not restrict your dog's breathing.
 

4.       Feed your dog small treats thru the muzzle. Hot dogs cut into pieces work well for this.

Muzzle fitting - should be a positive experience for your dog. Remember to use lots of praise and treats. Proceed slowly and stop the fitting session before your dog is frustrated or tired. Multiple short, pleasant sessions will achieve better results than one long tiring session.

 

How to measure:

 

Select the type of dog breed and measure the Length of the nose and the Circumference of the nose in inches.

 

Length - measure your dog approximately 0.5" below eyes to the tip of nose

Circumference - measure approximately 0.5" below eyes and around snout

 

Note: for small and medium dogs add approximately 0.5" for length and approximately 0.5" to 3/4" for circumference. For big and large dogs add approximately 1" for length and I" to 1.5" for circumference.

 

Visit the websites below to purchase a quality basket muzzle. If you are unsure which muzzle will best fit your dog, call the company and tell them the breed, size, and muzzle shape of your dog.

 

http://www.morrco.com/dogmuzzles1.html  - Various styles. Avoid closed mouth styles.

 

http://www.calibex.com/Basket-muzzle/zzcalibex2zB1z0--search-html  - Economical muzzles

 

http://www.andrewsimports.com/medium.htm  - Wire padded muzzles ordered by breed.

 

Consider training with a Gentle Leader® head collar - watch Video with Gary Landsberg, DVM, DACVP and Dr. R.K. Anderson, DVM, DACVP from www.ABRIOnline.com.