![]() But as much as we plan and try to protect our precious pooches, the truth is that dogs are unpredictable and may respond defensively if they feel afraid, threatened, or in pain. The emotionally protective practices employed through Fear Free help to keep animals calm and comfortable throughout care and prevent them from feeling a need to escalate to a bite. Your dog will let you know when he’s comfortable and ready to move forward, and by using the above tips, you’ll be engaging in clearer conversation with him.Just like people, dogs want to feel safe and happy. Train the dog in front of you, and be kind to yourself. Otherwise you will erode your hard work overriding the negative associations and implementing positive ones.ĭon’t worry if your dog’s muzzle training is progressing slower than you think is normal. Give your dog a fresh start, and avoid using the muzzle for scary experiences until he is ready.Adjust the environment and training set up with the tips above so that he feels safe. If he isn’t approaching for food, he isn’t comfortable. If your dog chooses not to approach the muzzle, it’s OK.Remember, the goal isn’t pressuring your dog to be OK with the muzzle it’s creating an environment where your dog feels safe enough to explore and eat food around the muzzle. Drop it a good distance away from his safe space (his crate, bed, etc), so that he can retreat if he needs. Make sure your dog has plenty of space to gain distance from the muzzle.If your dog is hesitant to approach the muzzle, place the food three to five feet away from the muzzle, gradually placing the food closer as your dog becomes more comfortable.Wait for your dog to explore the muzzle and eat the food on his own time, instead of pressuring him to explore before he’s ready. If your dog is suspicious of being forced to wear the muzzle when it appears, place the muzzle on the ground, drop food, and then leave the room.Along with patience, here are some tips to help your dog overcome fear of the muzzle: Dogs remember scary events, and remember them well, so it takes time to erode those negative associations. Your dog simply needs more time to realize that the appearance of the muzzle will not be a tip-off to something scary. If you are struggling getting past this initial step, don’t panic. After repetitions at random intervals, the dog will learn that the muzzle predicts food, a signal that it’s time to move to the next step in the training plan. The first step in the muzzle training plan is desensitization and counterconditioning: The muzzle appears, the trainer drops food, and once the dog eats the food, the muzzle disappears. ![]() While going slow is important to ensure any dog is completely comfortable with the muzzle training process, it’s imperative for dogs who have existing negative associations to focus solely on changing those emotions before moving forward in the training plan. It also happens when a dog has severe fear or anxiety. This happens if dogs have been forced to wear a muzzle, or only wear muzzles during unpleasant activities like the veterinarian. ![]() I’ve encountered many clients whose dogs have such a negative association with a muzzle that they either leave the room when they see it, or are too afraid to approach it for food.
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