Muzzles are safety tools that can protect dogs and people, but poorly fitted or improperly introduced muzzles cause significant distress. Positive muzzle training is a welfare priority for all dogs.
A muzzle introduced through gradual positive conditioning — the dog chooses to put its nose in and is rewarded repeatedly before any fastening — is worn calmly and without distress. The same muzzle forced on a struggling, frightened dog creates an ongoing source of fear. The welfare case for proactive positive muzzle training is strong: it reduces stress at veterinary visits, prevents accidents during pain events, and in the case of breeds with legal restrictions (breed-specific legislation), may be required for the dog to leave home at all. A muzzle-trained dog is a safer, more accessible dog.