Muzzle training is often misunderstood, leading to people believing that a muzzled dog is dangerous or difficult. In reality, muzzles are an important tool that can help dogs feel more comfortable and safe in certain situations.
Sadly, dogs that wear muzzles can take longer to find homes, something Dogs Trust Kenilworth hopes to change by sharing the benefits of muzzle training and the various reasons a dog might wear one. These reasons include:
- To ensure safety when a dog is frightened, unwell, or in pain. Fear and discomfort can affect a dog's behaviour, and a muzzle allows a vet or owner to provide treatment quickly and safely in an emergency.
- To prevent dogs from eating things that could be harmful. Some dogs have strict dietary requirements, while others are prone to picking up and swallowing things they shouldn't. A muzzle can be an essential tool to help keep them safe.
- To support responsible ownership and ensure the safety of dogs and those around them. Some dogs may have a high prey drive, a history of chasing, or may become overwhelmed in certain situations. A muzzle allows them to enjoy walks and interactions safely.
One of the muzzle-trained dogs currently waiting for their forever homes is Bowie, the two-year-old Shar Pei Cross.
Bowie is a fun-loving, characterful dog who makes the Dogs Trust team laugh with his silly and goofy personality. Bowie wears his muzzle for vet visits and seeing other dogs, where he can get in a bit of a pickle, as he doesn't quite know how to best interact with them.
Through lots of patience and training, Bowie has been able to make lots of doggy friends, and he has been sharing his walks, socialising off-lead, and playing. Thanks to his muzzle training, Bowie is now more confident and is learning many more skills to help him adapt to life in the big, wide world.
Emma Jane Thomas, Manager of Dogs Trust Kenilworth, said: "Dogs are muzzled for a range of reasons, and doesn't necessarily mean they are aggressive as some may assume. There are a variety of different dog breeds in our care who wear muzzles, and our staff put in lots of work behind the scenes to ensure muzzle training is a positive and fun experience for the dogs in our care."
"It can be useful for all dogs to be comfortable wearing a muzzle as you never know when it might come in handy. Dogs can learn to happily wear a muzzle in the same way that they learn to wear a collar. They can still enjoy their walks, pant freely, drink water and have treats. I hope by highlighting some of our fabulous current residents who wear a muzzle, we can help people understand that wearing one is normal for many dogs and isn't anything to be concerned about."
Dogs Trust Kenilworth wants to spread the message that muzzle training is a sign of responsible dog ownership, not a reflection of a dog's temperament. The rehoming centre hopes that by spreading awareness, more people will open their hearts and homes to these wonderful dogs who are ready to become loving companions.
To find out more information about muzzle training, please visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/muzzles, and if you'd like to learn more about the dogs available for rehoming at Dogs Trust Kenilworth, please visit the website at www.dogstrust.org.uk/kenilworth.