The “Party Hat” Project
What do you think of when you see a muzzled dog? What impression does it give?
Many people feel a muzzled dog must be a “vicious” dog and along with other negative connotations fail to recognize the true benefits of using this tool in training, rehab, socialization, and management for dogs with known, unknown, and unproven histories in different social situations.
In reality, the muzzle can be a shelter dog’s ticket to a better life and improve the outlook of any family trying to overcome the problems associated with a fearful, under socialized, or untrained dog as they work on improving the dog’s problem areas.
I like to refer to the muzzles as “Party Hats” when introducing these to the dogs because this better relates what the muzzles should mean to them. Muzzles should be introduced in a positive way – normally with lots of treats and whenever a muzzle is on a dog the activities should normally be mostly positive training and social activities. Less frequently they shall be used for trips to the vet so that the positive associations far outweigh the negative.
The benefits of putting a shelter dog or aggression case on a good muzzle program are:
1. Safer introductions to volunteers, staff, or potential adopters
2. Safe introduction to other dogs for socialization and playgroups
3. Safe testing around small pets and cats
4. Less stressful visits to vet for dog and people
5. Makes certain training, rehab, and desensitizing exercises safer for staff/trainers/etc.
6. When in a home, makes for less stressful introductions to new visitors.
7. Ultimately in may save the dog’s life whom otherwise may have made a bite mistake when not wearing a muzzle, that merely would have been considered a discovery of a problem area that needs to be worked on if the muzzle was being used.
The best types of muzzles to be used for this type of project are generally light weight basket muzzles. I prefer to use the plastic variety. The trickiest part is finding the most comfortable and secure fit. Sometimes the metal varieties offer more secure fits because there are currently more shapes available in this style – but I prefer to use these second to the plastic because of the lighter weight and ability to easily make a larger “treat hole” with the plastic.
A good “party hat” should give the dog the ability to freely pant, drink water, and take treats while the muzzle is securely in place.
Introducing a dog to a new muzzle is process that takes some patience, particularly if that dog has had a bad experience connected to the muzzle. Therefore, I like to make it part of the dog’s regular training program to reintroduce the muzzle in a positive way.
You can find the 9 step process that I use on the Phase 1 Obedience training form. How fast the dog cycles through all the steps can take 1 day or can take 2 months. It really does depend on the individual. Don’t skip steps, remain patient, and respectful to the dog and you can’t go wrong.
Here are some photos of muzzles in use:
Hunkie has a plastic muzzle with an easily modified “treat hole”
Toro is modeling the metal muzzle. Maureen steadies the muzzle with her index finger to give the treat.
Toro has a play session with Dawson with each wearing different varieties. Toro attacked Dawson first time they were introduced. Without the use of muzzles it would have been a BAD incident. With muzzles, there was no harm done and they were able to work things out safely and become playmates.
With a foundation of obedience to help guide the dogs, the muzzles can be used in a variety of socialization exercises. Here is the “circle greeting” drill.
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