A basket style muzzle (either plastic or leather) allows dogs to pant. For this reason it is the safest and most comfortable option for your dog. A more thorough and accurate examination is possible if a highly distressed dog is muzzled. Many dogs will also be calmer once a muzzle is fitted.
One thing to keep in mind is that while you might think the muzzle would only serve to make your dog more agitated, the reality is that most dogs will actually calm down once they are muzzled. A muzzle often creates a quieter, more relaxed, and much safer environment for your dog, your vet, and yourself.
However some dogs find it incredibly calming to have the top of their muzzle/nose stroked (some hate so go carefully!) If your dog likes it, it could be the pressure of the muzzle on their nose had a calming effect. However muzzles tend to be higher on the dogs face.
A dog shouldn't be in a slip muzzle for more than about 10-15 minutes, and shouldn't use it when outdoors where they could overheat.
However, wearing a muzzle can limit the dog's behavior in various situations. Oral behavior—such as investigation or manipulation with mouth and nose—is severely affected. The muzzle potentially restricts the dog during social interactions and explorative behaviors (Döring et al., 2008).
Definitely don't grab at the dog's face or pet their ears roughly, since most dogs do not like that type of petting. Once you get to know a dog well, you can try to pet other areas and see what they like.
Con: Muzzles Can Cause Anxiety in Some Dogs
This is because they are not used to having something covering their nose and mouth. If your dog seems anxious or stressed while wearing a muzzle, it is important to remove it immediately. It is also important to make sure that you only use a muzzle when absolutely necessary.
A muzzle is a helpful tool to keep everyone safe while you're working to improve a dog's social skills or trying to manage aggressive tendencies; some dog owners even have their dogs in a muzzle to prevent them from eating things on walks.
If your dog has a history of biting or has bitten another animal or human in the past, consider using a muzzle when they are in unfamiliar social situations. Even if your dog has never lashed out before, behaviors like lunging, barking, or growling could indicate that the risk for biting does exist.
Instead, the best way to train away aggressive behavior is to reward good behavior. Sometimes your dog may need a little reminder that you are in charge, but ultimately he will respond best to reconditioning through reward-based training. Much like children, dogs need to be conditioned to not act out.
But most canine experts agree that at one point or another in every dog's lifetime, there may be a situation when an owner needs to use a muzzle. It might be for the safety of the dog, the safety of a person, or both. For example, if your dog is seriously injured, the risk of a dog bite jumps significantly.
Dog muzzles can be used to control biting. They should be used whenever there is any risk that a bite could happen. Muzzles do not treat your dog's aggression or reactivity in any way.
Even though he may not be able to put teeth on skin, it's still dangerous and will only serve to strengthen a dog's reactivity. The muzzle itself will not fix a dog's reactivity or dog-dog aggression.
Specific Dog Breeds Require a Muzzle by Law
Some locations designate certain breeds as dangerous and have laws that these dogs must wear muzzles in public areas. Pit bulls, mastiffs and rottweilers are examples of breeds that might be required to wear one in specific states.
All dogs have the potential to bite, especially if they're scared and feel threatened. Avoid the issue by investing in a well-fitting basket muzzle for your reactive pup. A correctly fitted basket muzzle still allows your dog to eat, drink, and pant, but prevents an altercation if an unleashed dog bounds up to her.
Many dog groomers work with muzzles for this exact reason. It protects them and reduces the risk of a reactive bite or injury. It provides a layer of protection so that your dog cannot severely damage anyone.
Allow plenty of time to muzzle train your dog to ensure they're comfortable wearing it. Each dog is different, some can progress through the steps in a few days of 3 or 4 short muzzle training sessions per day. Other dogs will need to repeat each, or some steps several times before progressing.
Individual dogs also have specific spots where they like to be petted; common areas are the base of the tail, under the chin or on the back of the neck where the collar hits. Most dogs dislike being touched on top of the head and on the muzzle, ears, legs, paws and tail.
Use a muzzle when other dogs are coming over
If you know that your dog barks or growls at other dogs, it can help the experience to use a muzzle. Obviously, this prevents the danger of biting or attacking, but it can also make both dogs calmer so they'll be more receptive to meeting and have a more positive experience.
While a muzzle allowing a half pant might make barking less comfortable, it will not change the behavior. The answer is straightforward: if you want to use a muzzle to stop barking, you need to shut the dog's mouth tightly with the muzzle.
“If a dog is giving us overt signs of fear and warning us that they will snap or bite, we will use a muzzle for the safety of the owners, staff and patients,” says Kaplan. “Any dog who has actually bitten in the past will also be muzzled as a precaution for everyone's safety.”
Soft flat muzzles made of mesh, nylon, fabric or leather prevent a dog from panting. Panting is the way dogs cool down (a dog's way of sweating). Use these for short term procedures only. Muzzle companies have guidelines for sizing muzzles, based on breed and size of dog.
Dogs also display different behavior depending on where and how you pet them. Petting some areas will relax them, while others amp them up. Soft touches to the neck, gentle scratches at the base of the tail, and rubs to the sides of the body are calming for most dogs.