It has long been thought that only ‘bad’ or ‘dangerous’ dogs have to wear muzzles but we have to overcome this train of thought and realise that muzzling is often for the benefit of the dog and not those around it.
There is a lot of stigma attached to muzzles. People associate them with vicious dogs having to be muzzled because they are dangerous. Wrong! Whilst muzzles are compulsory for banned breeds, owners of all other breeds may also consider using them.
1. If you dog scavenges when out on walks, a muzzle can be useful to stop this
2. When visiting the vet. This can be a stressful time for some dogs and we all know how dogs can react when they are stressed
3. When visiting the groomer, especially if you have a dog that needs regular grooming but doesn’t like it
4. After surgery. A muzzle can sometimes be a more comfortable option than a buster collar
5. When introducing your dog to other dogs. Obviously this should be taken slowly and putting a muzzle on your dog should never be a quick fix for meeting other dogs. If your dog has problems meeting other dogs, you should seek the help and advice of a qualified behaviourist
6. Does your dog have a high prey drive? A muzzle can be useful to prevent harm to wildlife
