Why do I train my dogs to wear a muzzle?

I often get asked by those that have meet my 2 year old Rottweiler Zooka, "Why have you trained him to wear a muzzle, i didn't think he was aggressive"? For a lot of you reading this, it may seem a strange thing to train a well socialised dog to do & wear.
My answer to this is simple.
If a dog is in acute pain due to an injury for example: after being hit by a car, ALL dogs may often bite.
I can only imagine the distress I would be going through witnessing my dog in such suffering, not to mention what my dog would be going through. If & when i was able to get him to the Vets for medical care, Vets may end up muzzling a dog in this situation purely as a safety precaution as they preform their emergency examination.
It is at this point where Muzzle training can make all the difference. Imagine the level of stress for all parties concerned during this vital & crucial examination of your beloved dog. If your dog has been trained to accept a muzzle by believing wearing a muzzle equals a high reward (i.e. food), then that is one huge stress removed from an already upsetting situation.
Muzzle training your dog is a contingency plan, or as i like to call it an "air bag" - something you never wish to use, but will always be grateful it was there if things go wrong.
Given the above example, if your dog had not been previously conditioned to wearing a muzzle, this would only add a completely avoidable stress to an already bad situation, not only for your dog but for you & the Veterinary staff also.

Zooka knows that if he puts his muzzle on (yes he pushes his nose into it) that good things will happen, he may get feed as i often smear peanut butter at the end of the muzzle for him to lick at, or after I’ve taken the muzzle off, I’ll play a great game of Tug-o-war with him. All of Zookas muzzle training is done in a fun manner & most definitely not as a punishment.

With the hope that I will never have to use this particular aspect of training, but I will always be grateful that my dog has it.

You should also be aware of the different types of muzzles on the market, the nylon muzzles will NOT prevent a dog from biting you. Full basket muzzles are best as they don't restrict breathing, your dog can eat & drink whilst wearing one & they will prevent a dog from being able to bite you. Feel free to contact The K9 Company for further information.

www.thek9company.com.au