The Muzzle Movement Article - FACE TIME

Words ANNIE DOWELL-CAFFREY

Photos SANDIE POWNER

Face time In the second part of our muzzle-training series, we start with positive introductions and the steps needed to your dog wanting to put their face inside

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ast month, we looked at the various reasons for choosing to muzzle train dogs as well as the different kinds of muzzles available. Now you have chosen the perfect muzzle for your dogs’ needs, we can make a start on muzzle training. Don’t worry if you haven’t chosen your muzzle or it hasn’t arrived yet, you can make a start on the foundations with a paper cup, flower pot or large yogurt pot!

Muzzle training should be a fun and positive experience for you and your dog – it’s really important not to rush the process and to ensure that your dog remains comfortable throughout.

You should never just force the muzzle on your dog’s face, as it is likely to be a frightening experience for them and will make it difficult to train them to be happy to wear one. >

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Offer them treats whenever they approach the muzzle or put their nose towards it. Do short sessions and don’t move the muzzle towards them or put it on their face just yet – keep it nice and slow!

SOME SIGNS OF WORRY OR DISCOMFORT TO LOOK OUT FOR: ■ Whites of the eyes showing ■ Lip licking ■ Avoidance (turning away,

moving away or reluctance to engage) ■ Pawing at the muzzle ■ Refusing treats ■ Ears pulled back If your dog shows signs of worry at any stage, take a little break, go back a step or two and work on those again until your dog’s confidence builds.

Another important factor to consider is your dog’s previous history with muzzles. Some dogs may have never seen one before so you are starting afresh; other dogs may have had to wear a muzzle before in a stressful or unpleasant situation, such as the vet’s or groomer’s. Dogs who have had a negative experience in a muzzle previously may need some extra time rebuilding their confidence around a muzzle and changing the way they feel about it. Take your time and listen to your dog!

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POSITIVE INTRODUCTION The first thing we want to do is introduce the muzzle. It’s important to build a positive association straight away, so popping the muzzle on the floor and scattering some yummy treats all around is a great way to start. You can also play with your dog’s favourites toys around the muzzle.

If your dog is fearful of the muzzle at this stage, and doesn’t want to approach or take the food/ play, you may need the support of an accredited force-free trainer to help you.

Once your dog is happily snaffling the treats from around the muzzle, you can drop them a little bit closer. Wait a few seconds before dropping more, to see if your dog chooses to sniff the muzzle and if they do, praise and reward them! Give your dog lots of encouragement any time they choose to approach the muzzle or nudge it with their nose.

Repeat this process, but this time with the muzzle held in your hand.

Offer them treats whenever they approach the muzzle or put their nose towards it. Do short sessions and don’t move the muzzle towards

them or put it on their face just yet – keep it nice and slow!

If your dog is happy with the muzzle being held, you can begin to give them their treat in the opening of the muzzle. After feeding them there a couple of times, your dog is likely to put their nose back in, looking for more, and that is the perfect time to reward them in position again.

Gradually, move the treat further into the muzzle – if your dog pops their head back out or shows signs of worry, go back a

IDEAS FOR MUZZLEFRIENDLY TREATS! ■ Meaty sticks ■ Cold-pressed pellet food ■ Squeezy cheese ■ Dog-safe baby food

pouches ■ No-fuss fill (great for raw!)

■ Mashed banana ■ Liver/salmon paste ■ Peanut butter (make sure

it contains no xylitol; a wooden spoon handle works well to deliver in the muzzle!)

Secure muzzles which allow dogs to pant and regulate their own body temperature safely.

Expertly designed treat hole to enable easy rewarddelivery for training at all times.

Designed with dogs comfort in mind to ensure they can drink and perform normal behaviours whilst muzzled.

We are The Muzzle Movement. We have a beautiful range of muzzles designed by a behaviourist, with dog welfare, comfort and safety in mind. We are passionate about ethical, force-free training methods and aim to support dog professionals and guardians with all things muzzle, from appropriate muzzle fit to positive muzzle training.

www.themuzzlemovement.com @the.muzzle.movement

couple of steps and progress more slowly. Eventually, you will be able to feed your dog for putting their nose right into the muzzle!

Now is a great time to switch to something like liver paste, squeezy cheese or peanut butter on a spoon, to feed through the end of the muzzle. This encourages your dog to keep their nose in there for even longer and builds up a really strong positive association with the muzzle!

Keep practising the targeting by holding the muzzle in your hand behind your back and then presenting it in front of your dog. If they put their nose in, reward with a treat and praise them with lots of encouragement!

Gradually increase how long your dog keeps their nose in for by waiting just half a second after your dog targets the muzzle before Annie Dowell-Caffrey is community education and engagement officer at the Muzzle Movement. www.themuzzlemovement.com

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Your dog will learn that putting their nose in and patiently waiting a few seconds equals a tasty treat in the muzzle! rewarding. Repeat a couple of times, then wait one second, two seconds, three seconds and so on.

Your dog will learn that putting their nose in and patiently waiting a few seconds equals a tasty treat in the muzzle!

This can continue to be built on until your dog is happy to put their nose in the muzzle for several seconds, and eventually a few minutes. Remember, go at your dog’s pace, and go back a few steps if your dog needs more practice before moving on a stage.

speed up. Take more steps and even change directions, all while your dog keeps moving with you to keep their nose in it! Make sure you use some energy and lots of encouragement to make it fun and playful.

By now, your dog should be really happy to see their muzzle, be comfortable to put their nose in and actively choose to keep their nose in it. The next step of muzzle training is to get it safely fastened up – which we will cover in next month’s issue. P

MUZZLE GAME

If you have any difficulty with muzzle training, seek the advice of an accredited trainer who uses positive reinforcement training methods. We have an in-depth muzzle training guide available on www.themuzzlemovement.com and we are currently developing a comprehensive online muzzle training course, which will be available soon.

You can now start to add in a little movement and play a muzzletraining game. Stand in front of your dog and present the muzzle. Once they have put their nose in, take a couple of small steps backwards and encourage your dog to keep their nose in the muzzle. Reward them with a treat and repeat.

Gradually, you will be able to