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Mouth muffs, although limiting the freedom of dogs to some extent, have become an important tool for ensuring the safety of dogs and others and maintaining public order in certain specific situations.

However, we also need to ensure that the use of mouth covers is not excessive or abused, so as not to cause unnecessary trouble or harm to dogs.

Today, we will delve into the usage scenarios, selection principles, and correct wearing methods of mouth covers.

What situations are suitable for using a mouthpiece?

Dogs with a history of attacks

For dogs who have experienced attacking others or other animals before, mouth muffs are undoubtedly an effective means of minimizing potential risks. However, it is worth noting that mouth muffs are not omnipotent and cannot replace professional training. Therefore, we still need to focus on using scientific methods to help dogs establish trust and enhance their sense of security, thereby reducing their aggression.

Dogs in pain or fear

Some dogs may not be aggressive in their daily lives, but they may choose to attack to protect themselves when feeling unwell or in pain. In addition, when a dog's warning signals are ignored, it may also choose to attack as its last resort for defense. Therefore, when a dog undergoes sensitive procedures such as seeking medical attention, trimming toenails, or when it needs to move due to serious injuries, a mouth guard can play a crucial role.

Dogs that enjoy "hunting" or "picking up food"

For dogs who are keen on hunting prey or picking up garbage to eat, mouth muffs are an effective behavior correction tool. However, while implementing this measure, we should still strive to teach dogs to follow basic instructions such as "stop" to cultivate good behavioral habits.

Legal requirements

According to relevant laws and regulations such as the Animal Epidemic Prevention Law of the People's Republic of China, when taking a small taxi with a dog, the driver's consent must be obtained and the dog must be fitted with a muzzle or placed in a cage. In addition, some local regulations in cities also have more specific provisions for dogs going out. As responsible pet owners, we should consciously abide by these regulations to maintain public order and the safety of others.

Which type of mouthpiece is the best?

There are many types of mouth covers on the market, and choosing the right one for your dog is crucial.

Basket mouth covers are widely popular due to their reasonable design, which not only ensures smooth breathing for dogs, but also provides convenience when feeding snacks and drinking water.

Although sleeve mouth covers are relatively invisible, they may limit a dog's ability to dissipate heat and increase the risk of heatstroke. Therefore, this type of mouthpiece is more suitable for short-term use in medical or beauty appointments.

For specific breeds such as long nosed dogs, it may be necessary to customize an extended mouthpiece;

For short nosed dog breeds such as bulldogs, finding a suitable mouthpiece is difficult and carries significant risks, so caution should be exercised when using it.

When should I not use a mouthpiece?

Mouth covers are not a universal solution, improper use may lead to injury and other behavioral problems.

The following situations should not be addressed with mouth covers:

Punitive behavior

It is inappropriate to use mouth muffs as a punishment. Dogs find it difficult to establish a direct connection between wearing mouth covers and bad behavior, so the punishment effect is limited. On the contrary, this may cause dogs to develop a strong sense of rejection towards mouth covers, and even exhibit aggressive behavior during the wearing process. Avoid affecting the emotional bond with the dog due to momentary anger.

Control barking

Although using overly tight mouth covers can prevent dogs from barking, it can cause great discomfort and even affect their breathing. A better approach is to teach dogs instructions such as "don't bark" and solve problems in a civilized and friendly way.

Inhibit destructive behavior

Putting a gag on a dog while alone is not the fundamental solution to its destructive behavior. Correctly identifying and addressing the underlying causes of behavior, such as boredom, separation anxiety, or stress, is the responsible choice. Improve the situation by providing appropriate entertainment facilities, improving training, or adjusting the environment, rather than simply restricting their behavior.

How to make dogs adapt to mouth muffs?

It's not easy for dogs to adapt to mouth masks, as even humans feel uncomfortable wearing masks, let alone dogs.

Firstly, every time the mouthpiece is removed, the dog should be given some of its favorite snacks to establish a positive connection between the mouthpiece and the food. Subsequently, gently place the mouthpiece on the ground and encourage the dog to naturally approach it. Don't forget to give the corresponding reward whenever it approaches.

Next, guide the dog to insert its nose into the mouthpiece, but avoid forcing it. Everything should be done gradually. As dogs gradually adapt to their mouth covers, they can try increasing the time they wear them. To speed up the adaptation process, you can initially apply some dog favorite food, such as meat soup or peanut butter, inside the mouthpiece. Once the dog becomes accustomed to inserting its nose into the mouthpiece, it can begin to be secured. The fixed time should be gradually increased to give the dog enough time to adapt.

When conducting training, it is important to choose a time when the dog is emotionally happy and ensure that each training session does not exceed five minutes to prevent the dog from feeling uncomfortable. After the training, don't forget to give your dog sufficient rewards and care.

It should be emphasized that it is not recommended to put a mouth mask on a dog only when it is sick. It, which is already physically uncomfortable, may find it more difficult to receive such training.