muzzles

[cuddlybabe]

not sure where to put this, can ne1 help, i've got a german shepherd, he only needs a muzzle when i take him to the vets, but the problem is when i put one on him, he gets so detressed nd trys to get it off, he cuts all his eyes trying to get it off, he is 2 yrs nd 7 months old, please help,

[Kazane6]

It is always stressful for dogs to go to the vet and if this is the only time you put a muzzle on his dog he quite likely connects these two (in his mind) scary things. Does you dog bite or snap at the vet? Because if not I see no reason why your dog needs to be muzzled at all. If he does, however, I would recommend that you ensure that your dog is used to the muzzle in a comfortable home environment, i.e just let him play with it or sniff it (and reward him when he does). Keep this up until he gets used to having the muzzle around and only then try to put it on (only for very short times and always follewed by praise and reward). Do not at any time use force to put the muzzle on and do ensure you have the right type, ie. one where he can breath easily through his mouth as well.

[Rachelpirate]

Ah, try this - hold the muzzle in one hand, where the dog can see it. Hold a treat in the other hand, then show your dog and hold it through the muzzle so that he has to put his nose in there to reach it. For a while don't fasten the muzzle, just keep letting him get the treats each time - this way he knows that putting his face in the muzzle = a treat. Therefore, the muzzle going on is a happy thing. After he becomes happy (or even eager) to have it on, you can start fastening it for short periods at first, feeding him treats while it's on, then gradually lengthen the time he wears it. Do this somewhere he feels comfortable, and isn't stressed, and he will hopefully become used to wearing it.

I used this method with my two who need muzzling when off-lead, and they love having theirs on. :)