The Muzzle Puzzle

When & Why Might Your Dog Need a Muzzle?

As a trainer, I always have various muzzles of different sizes in my kit. Across the years, they have come in handy and proved their worth in different ways. A dog may need to temporarily wear a muzzle when visiting the groomer or a vet, so it’s wise to get a dog used to wearing one as part of their initial fundamental training.

Remember, dogs need to be able to open their mouths wide to pant and cool down. A good-quality, correctly fitted muzzle should also allow the dog to drink water and, depending on the design, take food rewards while wearing it.

For hunters and scavengers, wearing a muzzle at all times while out isn't necessarily needed. It may only be needed when they're in an area where prey or dropped food is likely to be. Using a muzzle intermittently while out on walks is something your hunter or scavenger can get used to.

Here are some of the different reasons why I use them.

1. Banned breeds and breeds of type

For dogs of a banned breed or type, such as XL Bullies, The law states that a muzzle must be on at all times whilst out in public and these dogs must be kept on a secure lead and can only be walked by someone 16 years or older.
Starting in November 1st 2026, The Child Safety Law states that any child under the age of 12 cannot be left alone or in close proximity with a banned breed type without an adult present. So a muzzle worn at times, even at times inside the home is a good precaution.

If you own a banned breed or breed of type, make sure you understand the current legal requirements and guidance that apply to you and your dog.

2. The Scavengers

Some dogs can't help sniffing out food and other things as they go about their daily walks.

Whether it's chicken bones on pavements outside takeaway shops or discarded meals, I've known several dogs that have died as a consequence of scavenging.

On one occasion, a West Highland Terrier ate some of the horse faeces after the horse had recently been wormed. The dog became extremely ill and sadly died by the end of the day.

I also knew a couple of Labradors that ate food placed in woodland which had been laced with rat poison by someone trying to get rid of rats and foxes. Unfortunately, they didn't make it to the end of the day either. A muzzle in situations like these would have saved both their lives

On another occasion, mouldy bread, rice and other food had been left behind in woodland by another 'considerate' feeder of wildlife, with disastrous consequences for the poor hound who became very ill, but thankfully after a visit to the vet, lived to sniff another day!

3. The Hunters

Some dogs have a high prey drive.

Sighthounds such as Whippets, Greyhounds and Borzois are efficient hunters of squirrels and rabbits, and they need a cage muzzle designed specifically for their breed and head shape.

Some dogs will jump into ponds to get at ducks and nesting young birds.

My Spaniel also loves to chase squirrels up trees and she's caught one or two in her short lifetime. One got away. She ate the first one!

These aren't the only breeds that naturally love to hunt. Hunting and scavenging are natural behaviours for dogs.

A muzzle can help to keep wildlife safe, alongside effective gundog training that teaches the dog to hunt for you rather than just for themselves.

4. The Dominant Players

Dogs that need management, control and training around others.

Some dogs can be very physical or overbearing in play, regardless of breed. There can be situations where, to help ensure the safety of other dogs, people and children, using a muzzle is a sensible precaution, out in public or at home. This is where a good trainer can help you to spot the body signals a dogs demonstrates as they escalate their behaviour. The important thing with dominant players is teaching them by using the muzzle, when they’ve gone too far. So the muzzle goes on for a short period until they’ve calmed down. Once calm, you can remove the muzzle BUT observe the dog and put on a secure lead for a while if you have to.

 Choosing the Muzzle

It’s quite simple. Get the right muzzle for the breed. Get the right size. You will need a measuring tape. Baskerville™ make muzzles in 10 different sizes to fit extra small Terriers up to large sizes for breeds such as Great Danes. There are other different companies, so do your research first.

To Train the Muzzle 

So you’ve finally got the right size and type of muzzle. Put the muzzle on, working from behind the dogs’ head at first. Clip into place. Then after a few seconds, take it off, Reward & Praise.

Put it on again, leave on longer duration, then take it off and reward as before. Do this at least 3 or 4 times a day for 1 or 2 days. Then leave on for longer durations. Then go outside for a walk with the muzzle on for about 15- 20 minutes.

Reactions you will see

On the first few days of wearing a muzzle, the dog will often paw at the muzzle and or rub their face into the ground to get the muzzle off. If you take the muzzle off in response to this behaviour, it’ll be difficult for the dog to accept the muzzle. They will learn to control you and the situation by pawing and rolling around to be released. Only take the muzzle off when the dog is calm.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my straight to the point blog about dogs and muzzles. There’s no point in beating about the bush with this subject. Fact, Muzzles saves lives!

Your daily walks tool kit should be, Water, Poo bags, High value food rewards and the Muzzle.

All the best or now and enjoy roaming nature with your dog and the muzzle. :D

Sunnie De Pass
KCAI CD & PDTI Instructor
City & Guilds Groomer L3 Dip
Archway Dogs