Looking for a one-of-a-kind dog muzzle? How ‘bout this one here? Black in color, this dog muzzle features a realistic dog nose along with large scary teeth!

Made of non-toxic plastic and nylon, it is harmless for your pup to wear and allows him to breathe easily with his mouth open. To ensure proper fit and comfort for your pet, it is important to select the right size! To do so, simply use a measuring tape to measure the circumference of your dog's nose.

When is it Appropriate to Use a Dog Muzzle?

• Emergencies

Such as an injured dog who may bite due to severe pain or fear.

There is a risk of biting due to a threatening situation

If your dog is aggressive and has bitten another dog or a person in the past, this behavior must be addressed proactively with a     behaviorist, veterinarian, and/or trainer. However, if there is a specific occasion when you’re worried in advance that your dog may bite because he feels threatened, the temporary use of a muzzle should be considered.

• Grooming sessions

When properly desensitized (hint: it starts in puppyhood), most dogs are accepting of grooming procedures. However, some just never seem to get used to it, so a muzzle may be a safe bet, especially when the dog is not familiar with the groomer.

• When required due to breed specific legislation

Unfortunately, some states or provinces have breed specific legislation (BSL), which requires certain so-called “dangerous breeds” to wear a muzzle when not on private property. Read about the AKC’s position on BSL and what we're doing to offer alternatives.

What Should I Not Use a Muzzle For?

Do not use a dog muzzle for barking, chewing, or other ongoing behavioral problems. There are two important reasons for this:

A muzzle is only meant to be used for short periods of time, not extended ones, since most inhibit drinking, eating, and panting.

Since barking and chewing are, by their nature, ongoing issues, a muzzle is not a solution—it doesn’t replace consistent training and behavior modification. If your dog is barking excessively, there is a reason for it. Separation anxiety, boredom, sounding the alarm, territorial barking, attention seeking. Any one of these (or other) causes should be analyzed and addressed. Likewise, chewing can have numerous causes that will not go away on their own.

Also, never use a muzzle for punishment. It will not fix the underlying problem, but it will make your dog fearful and anxious when you try to muzzle him in a legitimate or emergency situation.

Measuring your dog for a muzzle

The right fit is key to using a muzzle correctly. Too loose and your dog will be able to remove it; too tight and it will inhibit his ability to breathe, pant, or drink and can cause painful chafing. It’s best to try on various sizes and get input from a knowledgeable sales associate.