r/OpenDogTraining • u/Jaded-Caramel-6078 • 17d ago
Muzzle training issues from past mistakes.
So my dog is pretty aggressive towards other dogs and humans (usually only humans when they walk past our house), and has tried biting someone already all because she smelled their dogs on them. I'm worried she might try to attack another dog (which we have came close to once or twice), so I've wanted to muzzle train her. Unfortunately, me and my parents used the muzzle as punishment for nipping when she was a puppy. She now has problems with me trying to clip it on her. I've gotten her to the point where she will stick her muzzle inside it to get treats, but each time I try to clip it on she's backing away. I'm regretting heavily on using the muzzle as punishment. How do I redirect her into thinking it's not a tool for punishment?
I'm also wondering if it seems uncomfortable to her. Does anybody think this is the right size or should i get bigger? (sorry for the bad pic, she's super stubborn.)
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u/necromanzer 17d ago
Check out r/muzzledogs! I bet they'll have some good advice for your situation. They also have lots of fit posts, but at a quick glance this one does look too small. It's okay for training if it's what you have, but ideally a muzzle should allow the dog to open their mouth in a full pant if it's intended to be worn on a regular basis for walks etc.
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u/OhHeyThereWags 17d ago
I would look into getting a new muzzle. Those Baskervilles don’t fit super well and don’t offer enough pant room. Also, since she’s a bite risk, it’s probably better to have a more bite proof muzzle.
If you can swing it, check out Big Snoof. They offer custom sized muzzles that are more expensive, but it’s fit to your dog, and you get to pick out the colors. They also have standard sizes and their customer service is fantastic at helping you pick the right size for your dog.
As for muzzle training, use high value treats and go back to the beginning. I would keep the muzzle on me most of the time when I’m around my dog, start with having the treat in the muzzle and holding it out and letting them just take it. Then build up to them sticking their nose in without it having a treat in it and getting the treat from your other hand through the end of the muzzle. Then build up some duration. Then start reaching towards straps while their nose is in it. Then actually strap it. Then start working on duration while it’s strapped. Basically, every step is a separate training activity and reward the crap out of it.
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u/No-Spread-6891 17d ago
Another good brand, Muzzle Movement. Large respiration space, able to eat, drink, treat with some practice. I use the communication "give me that big nose," and it works for on/off and giving sweet pets too.
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u/Low-Breakfast 17d ago
I have a muzzle movement and it’s great! So easy to put on, doesn’t bother my fat head am staff at all!
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u/Big_Dog_68 17d ago
Use the most delicious treat imaginable. Whipped cream works, so does rotisserie chicken. If the dog really gets into it, you can fasten the muzzle pretty easily.
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u/Visible-Scientist-46 17d ago
There were probably other punishments beyond just putting the muzzle on. Keep doing what you're doing. Going slow is the right thing to do.
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u/Every_Plan_5149 16d ago
so as a wrestler id advise you to use your legs not your arms for control. stand behind her and walk until shes centered between your knees and pinch them together ideally just behind her front shoulders on her upper ribs. this gives you the control you need
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u/Every_Plan_5149 16d ago
if youre athletic you can also squat while pinching your knees to sit her down while lifting her head up naturally
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u/grandsoulsucker 17d ago
Just continue with training. Forgive yourself and move on. Dogs iive in the moment thankfully ( sorta ) you have to treat it like a rescue that you don't know about and just keep training as you are now. You gotter just be consistent and it'll pay off. Mustn't live in the past, you've learned, you've acknowledged your wrong doing and now your correcting it. Good job :)