Barks Blog

BARKS presents session details from PPG’s 2020 Summit and Workshops in Phoenix, Arizona
*Early bird discount available if you register before January 31, 2020!

Session Details:
Presenter: Dr. Deborah Jones
Session Title: The Magic of Muzzles
Session Type: Lecture/Lab (1 Hour)

For many people, a dog wearing a muzzle can be a scary and upsetting sight. The stereotype is that a muzzled dog must be dangerous. Our goal is to shift that perspective and see muzzle wearing become the accepted norm in many different settings.

It is true that, for some dogs in some situations, muzzles are necessary for the safety of those around them. Using muzzles when you must perform required and possibly painful veterinary or husbandry procedures makes everyone feel safer and less nervous. Muzzles may also be necessary in situations where it is recognized that a dog may unintentionally become over aroused or reactive, and we need to keep everyone comfortable and safe. In addition, muzzles are a great tool to use while we, as trainers, work on teaching appropriate social behavior. Finally, when introducing new dogs to new humans or other dogs, or when working with dogs in new or unusual settings, they can be a good option for providing comfort and safety.

The early steps of muzzle training are easy to include in daily care for most rescue and shelter situations. It takes very little time and there are huge advantages to adding it to the dog’s daily routine. One benefit that many folks don’t realize is that for the dogs themselves. If taught in a way that focuses on consent, choice, and positive reinforcement, muzzle training is actually a powerful form of empowerment and enrichment. It is all in the way that we structure our training approach. By allowing our dogs to be partners in the training process, we are increasing their feelings of confidence and security, a win-win situation.

Learning Objectives:

• Understanding the importance of muzzles in a variety of settings (veterinary, social, shelter).
• The value of cooperation in training muzzle wearing.
• Easy foundation skills for muzzle training (classical conditioning and chin rest).
• A fun muzzle training starter game (muzzle cups).
• A breakdown of the steps involved in muzzle training.

PPG Summit 2020 will take place in Phoenix, Arizona and offer two unique programs:

Program 1: The Four-Day Summit
Program 2: The Four-Day Summit + Daily Off-Site Workshops at the Arizona Humane Society

Dates: Friday, September 18 – Tuesday, September 22, 2020

Event theme: Collaborative Care and Enrichment – Creating Partnerships for Positive Results

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