hello i wanted some advice on best way to use muzzles on dogs,i have a japanese akita he wont let me put a muzzle on,if i manage to put it on he trys everything to get it off,e.g he even bangs his head against walls etc,any advice will be very appricited.thank you

It's never a bad idea to get any dog used to having a muzzle on, as you never know when it may be necessary, and if it's a familiar procedure, it will lessen the stress.

The best way is to associate the muzzle only with good things (in your case the struggling has got to be counteracted, so  it may take a little longer).  For the first few days, just leave the muzzle beside the food dish whenever the dog eats.  Then offer the muzzle out, and offer a very tasty piece of food through the muzzle - if the dog puts his nose in the muzzle, he gets the treat - if he doesn't, then he doesn't get the treat.  It's best to do this before a meal, when the dog is hungry.  Take it slowly, one step at a time, and get the dog comfortable with that step, before moving on the the next, and make sure each new progression is rewarded.  When the dog is comfortable putting his nose in to get the treat, you can start to take the straps round his head, but don't fasten them at this stage. Keep doing this for several days, as many times a day as you can manage, until finally you will be able to fasten the muzzle on.  At this stage be happy you can fasten it, then unfasten it as soon as possible, so long as the dog hasn't freaked out.  If he does, try and distract him with something really important to him, such as a really tasty food treat ;)  Keep the periods very short until he is totally relaxed about it.

What sort of muzzle are you using, and for what purpose?

You need to desensitise your dog to the muzzle in a systematic way.

This will take a couple of weeks.

Show dog muzzle, click and treat; repeat several times a day until dog wags his tail when he sees it.

Get the dog to touch the muzzle with his nose, click and treat.

Then ask for 3 bumps, C & T

Then hold muzzle as if you were going to put on dog, C & T dog if it goes anywhere near it, jackpot if he puts nose in.

Then delay click for a couple of seconds, increase duration to around 10 seconds.

Fit muzzle on very loosely, C & T

Tighten C & T

Take off

Gradually make sure the muzzle fits correctly and extend wearing time until he is happy.

You can then use it when necessary.

I assume you are using a basket type?

HTH

Agree it is a good idea to get every dog used to wearing a muzzle you just never know when you may need it. I have one particular dog that when he goes to the vets the muzzle goes too, most of the time it is not a problem but at times he is so scared I think there is a chance he could bite. And in the event of a dog being injured it could be the difference to being able to help the dog and not being able. Some people seem to be offended if it is suggested they should muzzle their dog, I think at times it is common sense, it does not matter the reason a dog bites it still does the same amount of damage and it still hurts.

hello i found the best way is firstly start walking (short walks) get him distracted on some think like his favorite toy  with the muzzel on so you are trying to take his mind of his muzzel dont throw the toy just tease so he is focused. gradualy increase  his walks hopefully in will work but it will take time. xxxxxxxxxx