Muzzle for a dog. How to choose the right muzzle and train your dog to use it?

A dog muzzle
is just as important equipment as a leash or collar/harness. After all, you won’t be able to take your pet on public transport or appear in a public place without this accessory. In addition, in recent years, unfortunately, cases of dog poisoning have become more frequent. Of course, I believe that the standard that every dog owner should strive for is the ideal, automatic skill of non-pickup - when the dog ignores food lying on the ground. But given that not all dogs can boast of such self-control, sometimes the only way to keep your pet alive and healthy is to walk the dog in a muzzle.

General information

Many people think that a leash is enough to walk their pet in crowded places. Even if the animal is obedient and has not harmed anyone, some people experience fear simply by looking at it. There are various reasons for this, ranging from childhood experiences to phobias. In addition, dogs of fighting and guard breeds can simply snatch the leash from the hands of their owners. Therefore, it is better to think about purchasing a muzzle for your dog.

If you think that this accessory is the prerogative of large and formidable pets, you are very mistaken. And it’s not even that many representatives of small breeds react very aggressively to strangers. Such protection is useful if an animal can cause harm without meaning to, for example, in a veterinary clinic for vaccination.

Muzzle law

Today there are a number of laws and acts (Federal Law “On the Responsible Treatment of Animals” dated December 27, 2022, Resolution No. 974 dated July 29, 2019), which together give the following picture:

There are 12 dog breeds that are a priori considered cruel and capable of aggressive behavior. Such fanged ones must always be limited.
In certain places and during certain events (exhibition, store, transport) absolutely everyone is required to be “in check”.
Also, do not forget about the distribution of breeds into large and small. The boundary between these two concepts is weight. So, if your pet is heavier than five kilograms, do not forget to buy a muzzle.
And remember that only the owner bears full responsibility for the dog’s behavior: if he shits - remove it, causes an accident - finance repairs, rushes, bites - pay for treatment and a fine.

How to choose a muzzle for a dog?

When choosing the product in question, you should pay attention to the following things:

First of all, you should consider the size of the animal. Modifications designed for shepherds and mastiffs are not suitable for giant schnauzers and lap dogs.
The price of the accessory depends on the brand and material of manufacture. It is quite possible to choose an inexpensive model, the main thing is that it provides comfort and has the necessary strength parameters.
The product should not put too much pressure on the area around the eyes or on the dog’s nose. First, you need to try on a muzzle for the dog, and also observe whether the animal can lick, breathe, and open its mouth normally. This last point is especially important for breeds that cannot tolerate heat.

For balanced pets, one attachment behind the ears is sufficient. More active fidgets who strive to constantly pull off the mask will require a more reliable modification.

Manufacturing materials

How to choose a muzzle for a dog, taking into account existing materials? There are several versions on the market, each of which has its own pros and cons. Let's start the review with the nylon versions. This soft accessory is ideal for small breed dogs with flat or flattened faces. The advantages of this material include good strength and no compression of the nasal area.

Nylon muzzles for dogs protect your pet from drinking water from puddles, picking up scraps from the ground, and catching cold air with an open mouth. This type of mask is suitable for any season. For regions with hot summers, variations with mesh inserts are provided. There are specialized models for breeds with short jaws that are difficult to find in regular pet stores.

Purposes of using muzzles

It is advisable to purchase several muzzles of different configurations for your pet, since each of them has its own purpose:

For training. The dog is simply taught to wear it and not make any attempts to remove it. Wearing a muzzle by a dog without signs of anxiety and without taking action to get rid of it is one of the points of the general training course and protective guard service.
Formal: for leading a dog through a crowd of people, for a walk along busy streets or for traveling on public transport. The rules of keeping provide for the dog to wear a muzzle in all these conditions, regardless of the size, age and purpose of the animal.
To prevent biting. If the dog is going to have a painful or simply unpleasant procedure at the veterinarian, an aggressive dog needs a haircut, or the dog is nervous, in pain or angry, but still needs walks, a muzzle is necessary.
To prevent picking up from the ground. Many dogs love to “vacuum” on the street, picking up leftover food, excrement of other animals, and inedible and dangerous objects. This is especially true of puppies and former street strays, for whom picking has developed as the only opportunity to find food.
For daily walks. These are universal models that do not allow the dog to bite a person or animal, pick up anything from the ground and will not interfere with his normal breathing.

Halter

A popular configuration is called a halti or loop. This type can be used exclusively for short-term fixation of the dog’s jaws; in addition, for safety reasons and to ensure proper safety, it is advisable that the owner be nearby.

Advantages:

low price;
simple design;
light weight.

The disadvantages include poor fixation and difficulty in putting on the accessory correctly.

Leather options

Leather muzzles for dogs are available in two versions: blind models that cover the mouth tightly, and striped versions that resemble a basket. The first modifications are not intended for hot weather, long exercises and training. This is due to the fact that the animal cannot stick out its tongue and breathe actively, so it quickly becomes exhausted. Among the advantages are reliable protection against possible bites and the presence of special ventilation holes.

The striped model guarantees optimal comfort for your pet, allowing him to drink. In it, collies, Labradors or terriers will not feel pressure on their nose, unlike their deaf counterpart.

Metal muzzle

The model is designed for large animals with sufficient physical strength and provides the maximum level of protection against unexpected aggression. The advantages include:

excellent ventilation;
hypoallergenic;
easy care;
good fixation of the jaws - the animal will not be able to bite or pick up leftover food from the ground;
you can give your dog water during a walk;
long service life.

Our online store has reliable metal muzzles for pit bulls, Rottweilers, and bull terriers:

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Metal dog muzzle with leather insert M57 Rottweiler (1 piece)

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Metal dog muzzle Comfort doused M10 No. 10 bull terrier female (1 piece)

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Metal dog muzzle Comfort doused M10 No. 21 pit bull male (1 piece)

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Quick view

Metal dog muzzle Comfort M9 No. 21 pit bull male (1 piece)

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to order

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Flaws:

in winter, metal can cause injury to an animal if it comes into contact with the tongue or nose;
the use of metal makes the product heavier;
There are no models for small breeds.

Choosing ammunition

How to choose a muzzle for a dog? What to look for? These are the questions dog breeders ask. Here are some useful tips.

Consider your pet's personality. Fighting breeds need a high-quality, strong muzzle. While small, kind dogs will make do with cloth ones.
Number of fastenings. Choose the ammunition with fewer fastenings. Otherwise, you may get confused while dressing.
The muzzle must be the correct size and fit snugly. And the animal should feel comfortable in it.

So, how to choose the right size muzzle for a dog is the main question that every dog breeder should consider.

Taking measurements

How to choose the right muzzle for a dog? The first step is to take measurements of the animal in order to purchase ammunition that is suitable in size. So, you need to measure:

muzzle length (from tip of nose to forehead)
coverage (the largest place is selected and the circumference is measured, the mouth must be closed)
distance from the back of the head to the eye line
neck circumference
width of the widest part of the muzzle
muzzle height (with mouth closed)

Correctly taken measurements should correspond to this formula:

Two muzzle widths + two heights = or > muzzle girth
For small dogs

How to choose a muzzle for a small breed dog? Yes, the “kids” also need ammunition. But for them it is better to choose models made of nylon or plastic. It will prevent the dog from eating anything from the ground. Also, for breeds such as Chihuahua or Toy Terrier, purchase cat muzzles. But it should be borne in mind that in such ammunition it will be difficult, if not impossible, for the pet to drink or even lick its lips.

Metal "masks"

A metal dog muzzle is a mesh basket that covers the fashion up to eye level. This grille provides reliable protection for passers-by from bites, and also protects against attacks from aggressive fighting breeds. Some modifications have special leather pads that prevent the frame from rubbing the animal’s nose and the area around the eyes. Even without the absence of a protective insert, the metal version is well suited for representatives of thick-haired breeds. Dobermans and Rottweilers will be more comfortable with leather or fabric padding.

What are there

Today, pet stores provide a wide selection of equipment for dogs of various sizes and types, made from different materials (metal, leather, leatherette, plastic, tarpaulin, nylon, etc.). We propose to consider the pros and cons of each of the most popular types.

Leather

Blind and mesh muzzles are made from leather and leatherette. The former allow you to reliably fix the animal’s mouth without causing significant discomfort to it. However, this type is not suitable for long-term wearing, especially in the hot summer period -

This can trigger heat stroke because the dog's thermoregulation will be disrupted due to insufficient breathing. But in damp and cold weather it can be a good option for short and not too active walks.

Most often it is used during training. It is important to know that when choosing this type, you should select the size of ammunition as accurately as possible.

A mesh leather muzzle is a universal option - it can be used for going to the veterinarian, for walks, for participating in exhibitions, and is suitable for large and medium-sized breeds. But for training it is better to choose a different type. It can be worn in any weather and season.

Accessories for dogs are as important as food, clothing and shoes - taking a dog outside without a collar, harness, muzzle and leash is unsafe.

This is one of the most convenient models, as it allows the four-legged to breathe freely, drink water, and does not squeeze or rub the muzzle. However, when wearing it, there is a risk of being bitten. This option is also slightly more expensive than others. One of the disadvantages is the occurrence of rust on metal fasteners.

Did you know? The title of the largest dog in the world is held by the Great Dane Zeus. The length of his body when standing on his hind legs is 2.13 m, from the withers to the limbs - 111.8 m.

Metal

Metal basket muzzles allow you to reliably protect others from dog bites, since they perfectly fix the muzzle and at the same time are very durable. This type is chosen for large dogs and fighting breeds. It can be worn in spring and summer.

This ammunition has a number of advantages - wear resistance, providing the animal with freedom of breathing, long-term operation. The downside is that in cold weather the animal’s tongue can stick to the iron mesh.

Metal mesh muzzles are ideal for large dog breeds: African Boerboel, Newfoundland, Shorthaired Pointer, Alaskan Malamute and Shepherd.

Plastic

The plastic type is an option for hunting, hounds, and medium-sized breeds that actively take part in competitions and exhibitions. It is very light, easy to put on and take off, it does not create discomfort for the animal, and it is inexpensive. The dog quickly gets used to it.

However, this option is short-lived and is not suitable for wearing in winter, as it can deteriorate under the influence of low temperatures.

Nylon

Nylon options do a good job of fixing the four-legged muzzle. They are lightweight, easy to put on and take off, so the dog usually accepts them normally.

They are chosen for average animals that do not show aggression. They are not suitable for large and aggressive animals, since they provide little protection against bites.

One of the varieties of nylon muzzles is ammunition made from nylon loops. This device is not reliable. It is suitable for transporting dogs over short distances and for short visits to a crowded place.

Nylon muzzle

According to dog handlers, nylon is a suitable option for the dog’s comfort and the safety of others. Manufacturers offer several methods of fixation, for example, a plastic fastex fastener, which a non-aggressive animal cannot unfasten or remove.

Advantages:

light weight - the accessory can be worn by miniature and decorative breeds without fear that the product will interfere, rub or distract from a walk;
practicality - the product is easy to clean from dirt and can be washed;
durability - the material ensures long-term operation if used correctly.

Flaws:

insufficient air access, which makes it impossible to wear the accessory for a long time;
It is not advisable to wear the product in hot weather;
insufficient reliability - an aggressive dog can easily get rid of an inconvenient accessory;
even with such ammunition, the dog will pick up food and garbage from the ground.

Dog handlers recommend nylon products for small or medium-sized dogs; wear them during visits to the veterinarian, haircuts, bathing and other procedures that the animals do not like.

Plastic structures and bridle

Plastic types of muzzles for dogs have the same configuration as their metal counterparts (mesh or basket). The pet's muzzle is in relative freedom; it can stick out its tongue during intense breathing and lick its lips. The disadvantages of such models include a low level of resistance to wear and the need for regular cleaning. In addition, plastic is prone to cracks and rubs the animal’s nose.

A type such as a loop or “bridle” is suitable for good-natured and balanced pets. A strap made of fabric or leather is designed to restrain the dog's jaws and is fixed at the back of the head. Such models are well suited for walking animals that experience stress from other analogues.

Leather accessory

Ammunition made from genuine leather is in greatest demand among breeders; outwardly it looks like a dense interweaving of leather strips that restrains the opening of the mouth. Among the advantages of this configuration it should be noted:

light weight;
neat design;
strength;
durability;
the material does not rub or press;
sufficient ventilation of the product is ensured.

Features of the product made from artificial material:

despite the outward similarity of dermantine and genuine leather and the low cost of the first material, the artificial substitute quickly becomes unusable and can cause allergies;
creases may form on the product;
the material is prone to drying out and cracking.

Accessories made from genuine leather are expensive, which is justified by their quality - durability, hypoallergenicity, and a service life of several years.

How to choose a dog muzzle size?

It must be remembered that the pet should not experience discomfort in the chosen model. In this regard, before going for this accessory, you must consider the following measures:

length (the distance from the eyes to the nose and the back of the head is taken into account;
muzzle circumference (measured at a level slightly below the eye line);
muzzle width.

Depending on the brand, sizing charts may vary. Therefore, these parameters will help you avoid making mistakes when choosing.

It is worth noting that small breeds (pugs, chihuahuas) will require special muzzle designs. Experts recommend modifications made from nylon. Such protective masks prevent your four-legged friend from picking up any nasty things from the ground. As an alternative, cat masks are suitable for some dog breeds. However, the animal will not be able to lick or drink water in them.

Trying is inevitable

No matter how careful the measurements are, the best way to choose is to try them on. Often, having tried on a muzzle you like in a regular pet store, you can rewrite its name and size and order a similar model in an online store, which usually offers a wider range of products and the price of goods is much lower. But whatever the choice and no matter how hard the store consultant tries to help you with it, remember that your dog’s parameters are unique and choosing the right size is not as easy as it seems at first glance.

Useful tips

If the measurements are taken correctly, your pet will not experience any discomfort even in a wire “mask”. Nevertheless, it is better to once again check all the indicators that ensure the safe operation of the accessory. You should make sure that the muzzle does not pinch the animal and that the straps are not fastened too tightly. If, after walking, deep marks from the mesh are visible on the dog’s face, you need to loosen the fastening of the product or buy another model. You should not torture the animal by forcing it to wear a tight and tight “mask”, which will negatively affect the health and character of the pet.

Knowing how to choose a muzzle for a dog without a dog, you need to learn how to properly train the animal to put on the accessory in question. This can be done at home or in another quiet environment where there is a minimum amount of external stimuli.

At the first stage, it is recommended to put your four-legged friend’s favorite treat in the purchased product. After he eats it, be sure to praise and pet your pet. Repeat this exercise several times. After 3-4 days, try throwing a strap or strap over the animal’s head, giving it “snacks” through the holes of the “mask”. After the dog has eaten all the pieces of food offered, remove the accessory. Such activities will allow you to quickly get used to the new “image” and neutralize the stress from previously unusual actions.

Let's summarize

Now you know how to choose a muzzle for your dog based on size and other parameters. In conclusion, I would like to note that in the Russian Federation, walking dogs over 0.4 meters at the withers and weighing more than 5 kg without a muzzle faces a fine of up to five thousand rubles. In addition, even the most loyal pets can show aggression in a certain environment, and various “goodies” of unknown origin, picked up from the ground, lead to poisoning. Don't ignore these points. Worry about the safety of people around you and the safety of your four-legged friend!

Small tricks

When choosing ammunition, take into account the size of the animal - for small dogs, an option with a small number of fastenings is suitable. But for larger ones, you need to choose something more reliable.

The “mask” should not prevent the animal from breathing with its mouth open.

How to choose a muzzle is a question that should concern the owner of any large breed. After all, firstly, there are fines for walking pets over 5 kg without special equipment; and secondly, a muzzle is the animal’s protection; with it, he will certainly not pick up something inedible from the ground. But this is the most important thing!