Why is it important to muzzle train your dog? If your dog hasn’t been conditioned to love their muzzle, they’re going to feel uncomfortable, anxious and frustrated when you put a muzzle on them. A frustrated dog, trying to claw their muzzle off, is likely to be perceived as ‘out of control’, and may actually be so. Frustrated dogs are in a state of high arousal and their owners can’t always control them; this can be dangerous, and when XL Bullies are banned in a few months time, the police will have the power to seize dogs who appear to be ‘out of control’.
Regardless of breed, temperament or history it’s a good idea to muzzle train your dog; you never know what’s around the corner, and illness or injury can make even the most placid canine snap. The PDSA and Dogs Trust both recommend muzzle training using positive reinforcement to help your dog feel confident wearing their muzzle. Don’t wait until you have to muzzle your dog to try and put a muzzle on them.
The XL Bully Ban
If you’re the owner of an XL Bully type dog (the definition of XL Bully has yet to be decided, and it’s hard to say where the line will be drawn), it’s almost certain that you’ll be required to muzzle your dog in public places by the end of the year. According to the Dangerous Dogs Act, ‘banned breeds’ who are not muzzled or who are perceived as being ‘out of control’ can be seized by the police. If your dog is seized they will be held in kennels until they can be assessed, and you won’t be able to visit them1.
If your XL Bully succeeds in removing their muzzle, you’ll be breaking the law, and your dog could be seized by the police. There’s also a risk that your dog could injure their eyes while trying to remove their muzzle, and a scratched cornea equals a hefty vets bill.
Love Your Muzzle
A dog who has been conditioned to their muzzle using positive reinforcement training will see their muzzle as a predictor of good things - treats, toys, going for a walk, and will be visibly excited when you bring their muzzle out. This process takes time, especially if your dog has had a bad experience with muzzles in the past, so it’s important for XL Bully owners to get started now.
We’re offering a 45 minute zoom session which will teach you how to use positive reinforcement training to condition your dog to love their muzzle, so both you and your dog can continue to enjoy the same quality of life that you do now.
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