Fastening a dog muzzle
Kneel beside the dog and position the dog muzzle from below its head. Pull the straps gently behind the dog’s neck and fasten them. Dog muzzles should fit securely while allowing the dog to open its jaws and pant freely.
First-time use
The dog may try to take off the muzzle at first. You should never attempt to remove the muzzle while the dog is pawing at it. Instead, distract the dog and remove the muzzle when it has quietened down. Muzzled dogs should not be left unsupervised for long periods of time. A dog muzzle not only prevents the dog from scavenging and minimizes the risk of bites, but also reminds it that you are in control.
Dog Muzzle
Slip the head halter over the dog muzzle, putting your hand under its jaw to hold its head up. Luring the dog into the halter with a tidbit makes the experience more pleasant.
Fasten the halter behind the dog’s neck, making sure that it is not too tight. You should be able to get two fingers under any part of the halter.
Attach the lead to the halter ring under the dog’s lower jaw. If the dog pulls forward, its own momentum pulls its head down.
Problem solving
Appropriate equipment
Whatever equipment you choose for your dog (collars, dog muzzles etc) should be appropriate to that breed, and you should feel comfortable using it. Never use equipment that causes the dog pain. Equipment incorrectly used can also cause harm – especially a dog muzzle if it is too tight to allow the dog to breathe and pant properly.
Accepting head halters
Choose a head halter that fits about halfway down the dog’s face – preferably with an adjustable noseband. This should fit snugly, not tightly, and should not ride up around the dog’s eyes. Dogs take time to get used to head halters.
Letting the dog eat with the halter on helps it accept the halter. Do not put sustained pressure on the head halter.
Train the dog to walk both sides with the halter so its neck muscles are not stretched on one side only. Never take off a halter while a dog is trying to get it off itself. Make it more difficult for the dog to remove it with its paws, by looping the clip of the halter back through the dog’s flat collar. Remove the halter when the dog is settled.
Emergency harness
Loop the lead across the dog’s chest and hold it close to its body. This enables you to retain firm control of the dog if it becomes frightened and pulls unexpectedly.
Standard harness
With the harness correctly positioned, the dog is controlled by tension to the ribcage. A harness is suitable for breeds with soft windpipes, such as Yorkshire terriers, and for those with muscular necks, such as pugs. Harnesses can (and should where necessary) be used with a dog muzzle too.