The Calgary Humane Society


Careers at the Calgary Humane Society Overview Cats
	Adopting a Cat Cat Body Language Cat Housesoiling Checklist Cat Run Instructions Cat Toys and How To Use Them Cat Types Controlling Undesirable Behaviours in Cats Destructive Scratching Detering Cats From Specific Areas Developmental Stages of Kitten Behaviour Excessive Nocturnal Activity In Cats Exercise For Cats Feline Aggression Types and Suggestions Feline Marking Behaviours Feline Redirected Aggression Introducing Your New Cat to Your Other Pets Managing Your Kitten's Rough Play Play Aggression In Cats Play With Your Cat Preventing Litter Box Issues Solving Litter Box Problems The Inside Story Your Cat: Indoors or Out? Your Talkative Cat
Dogs
	Aggressive Behaviour, Part 1 Aggressive Behaviour, Part 2 And Baby Makes Four... Barking Calming Signals Children and Dogs Cognitive Dysfunction Controlling Jumping Controlling Pulling and Lunging Crate Games Crate Training Your Dog Deaf Dog Training Destructive Chewing Developmental Stages of Puppy Behaviour Digging Dogs Dog Interactions Dog Toys and How to Use Them Dog Training Classes Dog Training Equipment Excitable and Disobedient Dogs Exercise For Dogs Fearful or Shy Dogs Food Bowl Exercises Head Collars Housetraining Your Adult Dog How To Handle a Dog Fight Inside or Out? Introducing Your New Dog to Your Resident Dog Kong Recipes and Information Leash Induced Aggression Microwaved Beef Liver Training Treats Muzzles Nothing In Life Is Free Puppy Nipping and Rough Play Relationship Building Separation Anxiety Step In Harness and Double Ended Leash Submissive and Excitement Urination The Best Dog For You Training Tether Understanding Dog Aggression
General
	Bibliography Fears, Phobias and Anxieties Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pet Helpful Websites and Calgary Contacts Plants That Are Dangerous To Your Pet Preparing Your Pet for Baby's Arrival Successful Cleaning to Remove Pet Odors and Stains Unusual Eating Habits in Dogs and Cats

Muzzles

Muzzles can help dogs with aggression issues by increasing their safety and the safety of others. They can also help owner/handler to be less anxious therefore decreasing the dog’s stress.

Two types of muzzles that can be very helpful are basket muzzles and nylon muzzles. Basket muzzles are made to enclose your dog’s muzzle without restricting your dog’s ability to open his/her mouth. This is important to note. If your dog is going to wear a muzzle for long periods of time or during exercise they need to use a basket muzzle so that they can pant and drink. Dogs can also receive and eat treats with this type of muzzle on.

The nylon muzzle wraps around your dog’s muzzle and restricts your dog’s ability to open his/her mouth. This muzzle is only good for selective use for short periods of time.

Muzzles can be purchased at most pet supply stores and should be properly fitted for each dog. It is very important that your dog feel as comfortable as possible, wearing his/her muzzle. For the first week you should play the On/Off game. With some really tasty, small, soft treats you are going to put the muzzle on, give a treat and take the muzzle off and give a treat. On / treat / off / treat… The idea is to reward the dog BEFORE he starts to fuss or worry about the muzzle. Do this several times a day for 5-10 repetitions each time.

On day 4 you will also be putting the muzzle on your dog EVERY TIME you start out on a walk. We want him/her to associate the muzzle with positive life rewards (food, going for a walk). WARNING! If your dog is wearing a nylon muzzle he/she cannot pant in this type of muzzle so only put it on for the first 5-10 minutes of the walk, ask for a sit, remove the muzzle and carry on.

With basket muzzles, you can smear peanut butter or cream cheese on the bottom/nose end of the muzzle to help the dog adjust to it. The dog will associate tasty food with the muzzle. A good thing!

**NEVER LEAVE A MUZZLE ON AN UNSUPERVISED DOG**

If a muzzle is part of your dog’s life you will want to treat your dog at least once per day for having his/her muzzle on. It is worthwhile to have a dog comfortable wearing a muzzle as you never know when you are going to need one. Even Lassie might think about biting if she is very afraid or injured. A muzzle keeps everyone safe, including the dog wearing it.