A muzzle is not a sign that something is wrong with your dog. It is a kindness. It keeps your dog, your family and your vet team safe in the moments that matter, and when it is taught gently, your dog can genuinely learn to love it. Meet Billy the Blue Heeler. When Billy was young, she had hip dysplasia and needed surgery with a specialist. Her hips were sore, so she did not want them touched, and understandably, she would get a little growly. Rather than force anything, our nurse, Destiny taught Billy that the muzzle was a good thing. Today Billy pops her own nose in and asks for it.

Here is the Fear Free approach Destiny used, and you can do it at home.

Start with no pressure. Pop the muzzle on the floor with a few treats in and around it. Let your dog explore it in their own time, at a distance from their face to begin with. Wait until they are relaxed before moving closer.

Make it their choice. Hold a treat at the far end of the muzzle, so your dog moves their own nose in to reach it. When they choose to put their face in, that is the moment. Reward straight away.

Add a happy word. Once they are comfortable, say "Muzzle," let them pop their nose in, then say "Yes!" and treat immediately. A little practice most days is all it takes.

Go at your dog's pace. If at any point your dog looks unsure, simply go back a step and practise there before moving on. Slow is fast with this kind of training. One tip on muzzle type: we recommend a basket muzzle. It lets your dog pant, which matters for keeping cool, and you can smear peanut butter, cream cheese or wet food on the end, so licking keeps them happy while it is on. Cloth style muzzles stop panting, so they are only ever for a brief moment and never in the heat.

If you would like a hand choosing the right muzzle or getting started, we are here for you.

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