Dog Muzzle Training Made Easy: How to Build Comfort & Confidence Step-by-Step
- Mattison Simpson
- Apr 9
- 4 min read
When most people picture a dog muzzle, they imagine a tool used only in emergencies or with "dangerous dogs."
But here’s the truth: a dog muzzle can be one of the most compassionate, practical tools you ever train your dog to wear.
Whether it’s for vet visits, grooming appointments, travel, or unexpected stressful situations—muzzle training ensures you and your dog are prepared. And when done right, it doesn’t have to be scary or overwhelming.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through a simple, step-by-step approach to dog muzzle training using positive reinforcement, so your dog builds lasting comfort and confidence. Let’s get started!
Why Train Your Dog to Wear a Muzzle?
Even if you don’t anticipate needing one regularly, a dog muzzle can provide peace of mind and reduce stress during:
Veterinary exams or emergencies
Grooming sessions
Travel or boarding
Reactivity or anxiety in public spaces
By introducing a muzzle gradually and positively, you’re giving your dog the gift of preparation. They’ll know what to expect—and associate it with good things.
Choosing the Right Muzzle: The Basket Muzzle
Not all muzzles are created equal. For training purposes, a basket muzzle is ideal. It allows your dog to:
Pant (essential for cooling down)
Drink water
Take treats
This means you can use rewards throughout the process—making it feel like a game instead of a restraint.
Best Budget Option: The Baskerville Muzzle
If you’re just getting started, the Baskerville muzzle* is a great, affordable choice.
It’s widely available, adjustable, and perfect for introducing your dog to the idea of muzzle wearing without breaking the bank.
Step One: Build a Positive Association
The first step in dog muzzle training isn’t putting the muzzle on—it’s simply helping your dog feel good about being near it.
Let your dog sniff or look at the muzzle
Mark with a "yes" and reward for any calm, curious behavior
Repeat until your dog is comfortable being around the muzzle
Takeaway: This stage is about building familiarity and creating a foundation of trust.
Step two: Introduce Nose Targeting
Once your dog is relaxed around the muzzle, you can start encouraging them to place their nose inside it.
Hold the muzzle steady with the straps pushed back
Place a treat at the opening so your dog reaches in slightly
Mark and reward every attempt, no matter how small
Gradually increase the time they keep their nose inside. This step is key for showing them the muzzle leads to rewards.
Optional cue: Use a verbal cue like "muzzle up" to request the behavior.
step three: Add the Straps Using “Open Bar, Closed Bar”
When your dog is happily placing their nose in the muzzle, it’s time to introduce the straps.
Let your dog hear the sound of the buckle first (reward for staying calm)
Begin to gently rest the straps around their neck without fastening
Use open bar, closed bar technique:
Open bar: Give a continuous stream of treats while the straps are clipped
Closed bar: Stop the treats immediately when the muzzle is removed
Repeat this process until your dog shows excitement when they see the muzzle.
step four: Secure the Muzzle with Reinforcement
Now you’re ready to secure the muzzle fully—with your dog’s enthusiastic consent.
Use a treat pouch or food tube through the muzzle opening
Secure the straps loosely at first
Reward frequently while the muzzle is on
Gradually tighten the fit as your dog shows comfort
Tip: Always be the one to remove the muzzle, rather than letting your dog do it themselves.
step five: Add Movement and Practice in Real Life
The final stage of dog muzzle training is real-world practice.
Begin by asking for simple cues (like "sit") with the muzzle on
Practice movement: take a few steps, reward, then remove
Slowly increase distractions and locations—like walking around the yard, visiting a friend’s house, or even your vet’s waiting room
This step helps generalize your dog’s comfort so they can succeed anywhere.
A Muzzle Doesn’t Mean You’ve Failed—It Means You’re Prepared
Training your dog to wear a muzzle is not about expecting the worst—it’s about being ready for whatever life throws your way.
When introduced with compassion, patience, and clear communication, a dog muzzle becomes just another piece of gear your dog is happy to wear.
If you’re ready to go deeper, my FREE on-demand Muzzle Training Course offers step-by-step video support, printable guides, and troubleshooting help. You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Looking for your next step?
→ Book a free consult call — Let’s talk about your dog, what’s going on, and where you want to go. Whether it’s 1:1 training or finding the right resource, we’ll figure it out together.
→ Join me on Patreon — For just $5/month, you get access to hundreds of training and behavior videos, curated by a certified trainer who gets it.
About Mattison Skoog-Simpson
Mattison Skoog-Simpson is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) and Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) who helps overwhelmed dog guardians create calmer, more connected lives with their sensitive or complex dogs. She’s the founder of Freed by Training, a values-driven dog behavior practice rooted in science, compassion, and second chances.
Mattison’s approach is shaped by her own transformative journey, which began in a prison dog training program. Today, she’s known for helping people feel capable, supported, and confident as they navigate behavior challenges using humane, relationship-based methods.
Through her virtual programs, courses, podcasts, and writing, Mattison is on a mission to make ethical, sustainable training more accessible—and to prove that both dogs and their humans are capable of lasting change.
Learn more at freedbytraining.com or follow her on Instagram @freedbytraining.
*This article contains affiliate links. I may earn an affiliate commission if you purchase something through my affiliate link or promo code.
Comments