Muzzle training!
Today we took a step forward by being able to put the head straps on without her becoming stressed & trying to get it off. She kept it on for a whole minute! When we first tried her muzzle on when fitting it at the pet store she was heavily overstimulated and it was probably a lot for her due to her environment, but she’s starting to adapt which is nice. I think it will be at least 4 weeks before she can wear it outside comfortably without trying to remove it but she will get there.
Muzzle training, to me as well as many other responsible dog owners out there, is a very important stage for all dogs because you don’t know when you’ll need it. Whether it’s a vet trip, a crowded place, scavenging or BSL, muzzle training will help your dog be able to adapt to these situations should they ever be something you face.
The reason Nova has a muzzle is because she scavenges. Yes, we’re training her to not do so but the muzzle will help prevent her accidentally eating anything harmful. Where I live people throw food all over the floor & we have vermin for that reason, so I would hate for her to eat a poisoned rat or a infected bird, it could be fatal for her. Should she ever become reactive she will already be trained to wear a muzzle too. Should they ever ban her breed, she’s already adapted to the muzzle then.
Please be kind to muzzled dogs. Muzzled does not automatically mean they’re a bite risk BUT you should always give that person space regardless as a sign of respect. You shouldn’t judge or automatically assume they’re a bad owner. It just means they love their dog enough to protect them at all costs.
