![]() Finally, the basket style muzzle allows a dog to drink water while wearing the muzzle, also important if the muzzle is to be used as a management tool for longer periods of time. ![]() Using a more potent reinforcer, such as food, in these situations can often make the difference between success and failure in a behavior plan. In many circumstances of serious aggression that cannot be resolved by eliminating the aggressive potential, a muzzle becomes the primary tool for preventing aggression, keeping people and dogs safe, and in some cases, the only way the dog can remain in her home.Ĭertain brands of muzzle also allow for treats to be given through the front of the muzzle, and this also is very important when working with a muzzle in a behavior modification plan, because we need to be able to provide positive reinforcement for calm and tolerant behavior, and praise and petting can be low on the scale of motivators when a dog is facing a situation that he is interpreting as aversive, threatening, or challenging. Any muzzle is designed to prevent a dog bite, but the basket muzzle has the added advantage that the dog can open her mouth and pant while wearing it, which is essential if she is to wear the muzzle for more than a few minutes, so that she can safely regulate her body temperature. One piece of equipment that can be especially helpful to animal behaviorists working with families whose dogs exhibit ongoing, unpredictable, or reliable aggression is the basket muzzle. ![]() These cases are, of course, highly stressful and often very challenging to address, and families find themselves torn because these same animals that sometimes bite are also sometimes still affectionate, playful, and loving as well. I have worked with families who are afraid of their pets because they know that another bite could be just around the corner, or families who have to rehome or euthanize a pet because the animal cannot live safely in their home environment. I have worked with dogs, for example, who have killed other animals, including cats and other dogs, and have hospitalized people with their bites. In some cases, the aggression is quite serious. I often work with dogs who have a history of aggression toward other dogs or people in the form of barking, growling, lunging, snapping, or biting.
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