Frequently Asked Questions

Please see below for a list of common questions about muzzles, and the answers to those questions.

While I am not fond of using the term bite-proof (due to legal reasons only), the muzzles have been shown both through my own experience and customer feedback to effectively stop bites, even from very strong dogs.

In terms of flexibility, the treat hole will not take away any flexibility from the front of the muzzle. The only thing to be aware of is that it is still a 1” diameter hole on the front (smaller on small muzzles); if you think your pup may be able to get a nip in through that, you must use your own judgment as to whether you’d like the treat hole added.

Mia’s Muzzles ships worldwide! Once you fill in your address, you will be given one or more shipping options to choose from, along with the price.

With overwhelming support that is only growing, turnaround time is approximately 6-8 weeks before shipping. Should you need your order before then, there is now the option to choose Rush Order and have your muzzle completed and shipped in 1-2 weeks.

Unfortunately I cannot make any guarantees on completion and delivery times. If you need it by a certain date please reach out and I can give you an estimated time based on current orders of when I believe it may be completed!

That will depend on the size of your dog and what options you choose! Pricing can be found on the order page.

You know your dog best! If your dog is frequently in a situation where a bite might occur, I would highly recommend it. If they are under your supervision and it is mainly for those “what if” scenarios, you may be fine without it, IF you are there to step in whenever needed. The muzzle is still what I call bite-resistant without the guard and will still stop some bites AS LONG as there is not serious contact between them and whatever they’re biting. Check out the videos at the bottom of the Muzzle Options page for a demonstration of the two options!

Yes! Water will flow in through the holes and they can drink as they would normally. See below my dog Armin drinking with his vinyl muzzle on.

Short answer, no, they shouldn’t. There are plenty of ventilation holes to allow good airflow in and out of the muzzle. However, as with any hot day (or any day in general), it is important to closely monitor your dog for signs of heat stress….muzzled or not!

Unfortunately as the muzzles are all custom made, they are non-returnable and non-refundable. As I do not have your dog with me to try it out on, it is crucial that the measurements are accurate. However, wherever possible, I am more than happy to work with you to make any modifications to the muzzle which may result in a better fit.

Unfortunately not. Any material that is too flexible can be bent inward into the dog’s mouth and they can still bite down on or through it. It is important that if you are needing your muzzle to protect from biting that you choose the appropriate type of muzzle.

It takes getting used to for both yourself and the dog, but once everyone’s caught on, it’s easy! As my dog is a scavenger, he does not have a treat hole and has instead learned to catch treats as I drop them through the nose holes (see below). I find that supporting the muzzle from the bottom to keep it stable while giving the treat helps as well.

In necessary situations, a dog can wear a muzzle the majority of the day without issue, as long as they can pant properly and still drink; however it is important to note that they should never be left unsupervised while wearing one.

Things we want the muzzle to prevent: biting, scavenging, nipping

Things we don’t want the muzzle to prevent: breathing, panting, yawning, barking, sniffing, drinking, sleeping, and basically any other natural behaviour the dog might want to do.

If the dog can’t open their mouth properly, not only will they be uncomfortable and frustrated, they can also be at risk of overheating if they are not able to open their mouth enough. It is therefore vital that a muzzle does not impede their being able to FULLY pant.

This was the first vinyl muzzle I bought, which ended up being way too long (it is cut down in this picture) and as you can see, not nearly enough room for a full pant compared to his custom muzzle.

Potentially! I am totally open to suggestions if you want something specific and will do my best to make it happen.

If they don’t fit, they can be. If they fit properly, they can allow a dog and their owner freedom that would never otherwise be possible, so are actually the exact opposite of cruel.

A muzzle can be used for many situations from safe introductions to other dogs or people, for vet visits where even a gentle dog can become reactive, or to prevent a life-threatening ingestion of something they shouldn’t have eaten.

Once accustomed, the dog does not see wearing a muzzle any differently than they would wearing a collar, harness, or any other accessory.

Every dog is different, and thus adaptation time to wearing a muzzle will vary. It is best to start as early as possible and not to rush the process. Positive training and association is important- you want your dog to see wearing the muzzle as they would wear any other accessory.

If you do not yet have a muzzle, start by conditioning your dog to put their nose through something such as a yoghurt container with the bottom cut out. Use a cue word such as “muzzle!” and when the dog places their nose through, give them the reward. Build up on this until the dog is comfortable with putting their nose in on cue.

Next step is to adjust the dog to having the muzzle fastened on them. It can help to first fasten the muzzle around the neck instead of on the face to start, and gradually work up to fastening on the face. This process can take a while and should last only a few minutes. Build up wear time based on the dog’s comfort levels.

After the dog is comfortable sitting with the muzzle on, they need to adjust to walking with it. I found this part was easier to accomplish outside in the yard rather than inside where my dog initially felt more confined. After putting the muzzle on, encourage your dog to follow you (on leash if they need more encouragement). I would walk ten feet or so and as soon as my dog successfully came to me, gave lots of praise and treats. Gradually we built up to wearing it on short walks and then for longer periods of time.

If a dog is pawing at a muzzle and trying to get it off, one of two things could be happening. Either the muzzle is not fitting properly and is uncomfortable, or they are not yet fully acclimated to wearing it and training needs to be taken slower.

Got another question? Feel free to contact us!