Protect Your Pet with the Best Puppy Muzzles

Puppy muzzles should be a part of your dog arsenal. However, choosing the right one is easier said than done. Our team at DogGear has researched all the right products and we have outlined some of the best puppy muzzles available today. We have also compiled a guide that will allow you to make the best purchase decision.

What Is a Dog Muzzle?

A dog muzzle is best described as mask-like equipment used to prevent dogs from barking, biting, and chewing undesirables. It is placed over the snout of a dog but still allows your puppy to breathe, and with some designs, drink and even eat. If your dog is aggressive or reactive, you need to use a muzzle when you step out of your home. This will reduce bite risk and help keep your dog firmly in check. Pet owners should also refrain from using dog muzzles as a punishment tool. Muzzles should only be used when necessary and not for anything else.

What Are the Factors to Consider When Buying a Puppy Muzzle?

Size and shape

Dogs are different and even the same breed are not evenly sized. The snout of the puppy is very important when picking out a puppy muzzle and this means you have to buy a muzzle that fits your dog perfectly. If your puppy has a short snout, you would want a muzzle that is built to suit such dogs. If your dog has a long snout, you would want to use a longer muzzle. You should also buy a product that allows return (just in case what you buy is not right for your dog).

Comfort

Muzzles are designed to keep dogs from using their mouths to perform certain actions. This does not mean the dog must be uncomfortable in the process. Muzzles must be designed to be comfortable, lightweight, soft, and breathable. If your preferred muzzle is not all of these things, you should not get it. Your dog should love the feeling of the muzzle after a short period.

Goal

Before you get any dog muzzle, your why must be clear. If you are using your muzzle for dog aggression, you would need a strong one made with durable materials. You would also need to buy one that allows you to adjust the fit. However, if you are buying your muzzle for causal reasons like grooming or taking your dog for walks, then you should use one that allows for mouth opening and other primary functions.

Material

Muzzles can be made from many materials and you should buy them according to your needs. If you have an aggressive puppy, you can buy metal muzzles for strength and sturdiness. Plastic muzzles are also very common and you could also buy one made from rubber. Nylon materials are more suitable if you are buying a muzzle for casual reasons. The material is soft and your puppy will look quite happy throughout your walk.

Tips for Using a Puppy Muzzle?

Get your dog to accept the muzzle

When you get your puppy muzzle, the first thing you want to do is make sure your pet finds it comfortable. An average dog will resist this new and unfamiliar product at first. You have to give him time to adapt to the new muzzle and accept it naturally. Start by letting him smell the muzzle multiple times. After doing this, give him a couple of treats before putting the muzzle on and repeat this process. When it is obvious you can put the muzzle on without resistance, stop giving out treats.

Ideal for unfamiliar situations only

Your dog is most comfortable at home and dog muzzles will not be necessary for your house. Even though he might still be chewing and biting things around the house, the solution to that problem is more adept training and not a dog muzzle. A dog muzzle should only be used when visiting unfamiliar territory.

Suitable for short periods

A dog muzzle should only be used for 30 minutes at a time. Pets are animals of habit and if you leave the muzzle on for too long, they will get used to it and their natural functions will become dull. You have to prevent this and that is why muzzles are only ideal for a short period. Ideally, it should only be own for the duration of your walk or the time spent at the vet. You can steadily increase this time limit as your pet accepts the muzzle.

What Are the Different Types of Dog Muzzles?

Basket muzzle

The basket puppy muzzle is a special design muzzle that forms a basket weave around your pet’s snout. It is placed around your dog’s nose and mouth but it still allows them to perform most functions. Your puppy can breathe freely, open their mouths comfortably, pant freely, and rink water. Many basket muzzles have adjustable straps so you can easily tighten their fit.

Soft muzzle

The soft muzzle (also known as the occlusion muzzle) is designed to wrap around the dog’s mouth and keep it closed. It is mostly used for aggressive dogs and it helps to prevent biting and barking. Even though soft muzzles are comfortable, they prevent your pet from using its mouth so it should only be on for as long as needed.

Homemade muzzle

If you want to make your puppy muzzles personally, it is quite possible. However, a DIY muzzle should not be a permanent kit. It should be used as a temporary solution until you can find a suitable puppy muzzle.

Summary

Your pet still has primal animal instincts and you have to keep him in check when necessary. If your dog is a bite risk or has a tendency to be one, you need to use a muzzle on him when stepping out of your home. Muzzles also refrain dogs from loud barking and excessive chewing which means every pet owner should have one in their care kit. Thankfully, we have reviewed the best puppy muzzles and you can decide to get the one that suits your pet perfectly.