Watch these videos before you start muzzle training. There are some great ideas on what to do to set yourself and your dog up for success even BEFORE you get a muzzle!
Keep in mind that every dog is an individual and they will move through these steps at different paces and may require modifications to this training plan. You are always welcome to reach out to myself or to any other qualified trainer for help! See the bottom of this page for a few links to help you find certified help with your dog's behavior.
Before you get started
The easiest way to get started with muzzle training is to incorporate training into your regular routine. Store your muzzle in your dog's kibble bin and feed their meals like this. If you have a picky dog it might be worth your while to raise the value of their kibble temporarily by adding some freeze dried flakes or soaking the kibble in some broth.
Step 1: Muzzle Introduction
Make muzzle training part of your everyday routine while also adding an enrichment component to your dog's mealtime.
Step 2: Muzzle Interaction
Once your dog is really happy to see their muzzle taken out of their food bin and they are really interested in it, it's time to move on to allowing and reinforcing your dog for interacting with the muzzle.
PRO TIP: You can start teaching this with other objects, it doesn't have to be the muzzle to start with!
Step 3: Follow the Muzzle
This is one of the hardest steps because now the muzzle doesn't just come off on it's own and the dog loses some autonomy of choice. It's important to keep this step really short in duration initially.
Step 4: Buckle The Muzzle
This is one of the hardest steps because now the muzzle doesn't just come off on it's own and the dog loses some autonomy of choice. It's important to keep this step really short in duration initially.
Find a Certified Trainer/Behaviorist
There are a lot of options when you're looking for trainers or behaviorists (higher degree education). If you're experiencing severe behavior problems with your dog I would highly suggest finding a Board Certified Behavior Veterinarian to help you start your behavior journey. Find an Animal Behavior Consultant Find a Karen Pryor Academy-Certified Training Partner
Need Help NOW?!
Summit Dog Training offers Virtual Crisis Consultations with a discount for TYD Clients.
www.summitdogtraining.com/private-lessons-virtual Use code: TYD10