Other important information

On the 31st December 2023, the XL Bully was added to the list of banned breeds of dog in England and Wales. XL Bully guardians had until 31st January 2024 to register their dog and get certificate of exemption for them. It is now a criminal offence to own or possess an XL Bully dog without a Certificate of Exemption, as well as to sell, abandon, giveaway and breed XL Bullies. All XL Bullies must be on a lead and muzzled in public places, including highways.   Other stipulations of the Exemption include: The dog must remain at the registered address. It can be kept at a different address for up to 30 days of a 12 month period. DEFRA must be notified if the registered keeper changes address. Have third party liability insurance. The dog is neutered and micropchipped. According to an update published by DEFRA in February 2024, there had been over 55,000 XL Bullies registered. Scotland followed suit in February 2024 and XL Bully guardians had until 31st July 2024 to register their dogs for a Certificate of Exemption. Finally, Ireland also decided to add the XL Bully to their list of banned breeds from 1st October 2024, giving guardians until 01st February 2025 to register their dogs for a Certificate of Exemption.   When we heard about the XL Bully Ban, we already had a design for a wide/short shaped muzzle that was aimed at pit bull type dogs (a type already banned here in the UK), knowing that these dogs had to wear a muzzle in public and knowing that aside from fantastic custom made muzzles, there was nothing ‘off-the shelf’ and readily available to buy that offered the dogs enough pant space – despite Defra’s recommendation of ‘using a muzzle that does not inhibit the dog from panting, breathing or drinking’.  We were actually planning to produce a range for small dogs but realised we quickly needed to re-visit this design and get it off the ground! A huge problem was that the market was lacking in suitable muzzles for these dogs who were about to banned. A vast majority of ‘off-the-shelf’ muzzles were too small and impeded the welfare of dogs by not offering enough room to pant, eat and drink. This was a completely new style of muzzle and unlike anything else available, so the design took several months of planning, with multiple prototypes tried on a variety of dogs. As soon as we heard about the XL Bully ban, we knew this was going to be a vital piece of equipment for thousands of dogs in the country, so we worked incredibly hard to finalise the design and begin production.   Size Harry arrived in December 2024 We had just a couple of weeks to assemble (by hand!) and ship as many as possible before the ban came into force on December 31st. Since then, the size Harry has continued to be one of our most popular muzzles, with thousands sold since December 2023 in the UK and worldwide. We are incredibly proud that we have been able to produce a muzzle for dogs who have no other safe and comfortable option. These dogs need to wear a muzzle at all times in public places, including in the car, therefore it is more important than ever that they can safely pant to regulate their body temperature, take treats, drink water and safely vomit if needed. The bright colours of our muzzles has also helped to break down the stigma and negative public perception seen aimed at muzzled dogs and these particular breeds of dogs too. We recognised that not all XL Bully dogs would fit in the size Harry – so we developed a larger size called Mitzy. This size accommodates the chunkiest of Bully heads and ensures that they can be a comfortable when muzzled. The effectiveness of banning XL Bully dogs to reduce the number of serious and fatal dog attacks is clearly questionable - but how has the ban impacted XL Bullies and their guardians? We spoke to three Muzzle Movement customers and guardians of XL Bullies to see how the ban had impacted them and their dogs. Hannah sadly lost her beloved Rottweiler, Mya, early in the year and decided to offer a loving home to an XL Bully in need. She adopted Hippo in December 2023, just in time to save him before the ban. Hannah said: “Day to day in the home the ban has had very little impact in reality, but the main impact has been wearing his muzzle both in a public place but also in the car which many people don't realise.We have to be careful about taking Hippo on holiday with us or holidaying ourselves as he only allowed a maximum of 30 days away from his registered address. We also have to be careful about where we take him in general as many dog training facilities, businesses and off-lead exercise fields have restrictions and don't allow XL bullies in due to insurance restrictions.I would say a nice positive is we have had many people approach us or see us out and about and see what a sweet boy Hippo is and that he is nothing like what the media/governments has portrayed him to be.”   Suzzie adopted Freddie as a puppy from a rescue organisation. She said: “The ban has consumed my bully's life. There's not a second where his behaviour doesn't get judged, whether we are out and about on a walk, or just at home! If he barks at anything we are so conscious that the neighbours could literally just call him in and he would be seized.But I would say there's a hugeeee positive to the ban, it has meant I have had to strengthen the bond I have with my dog. He’s had a lot more attention than I would say my other dogs have had and this ban has been around for most of my bully's life. So really he doesn’t know much different. I was already muzzle training my dog before the ban was even spoken about on the news. Because I have other dogs in my household too who also wear muzzles just not because of the way they look! So a muzzle was always going to feature in my dogs life but not to the extent we have to now with following the regulations to stay safe.”   Here at The Muzzle Movement, we know that muzzled dogs can still live fulfilled lives – but a lot of guardians only had a matter of weeks to get their dogs used to wearing a muzzle. Many struggled (understandably) and some dogs were even unable to be walked due to not being muzzle trained or fully comfortable wearing their muzzle.  We received so many emails from guardians all over the country who found that their dogs were much more comfortable in The Muzzle Movement muzzles compared to smaller, less appropriate muzzles that they had tried previously. Once a dog is not feeling restricted and is comfortable, muzzle training can become so much easier.   We asked Hannah how Hippo had taken to muzzle training and how he finds being muzzled now.  “Due to the lack of XL bully sized muzzles available on the market we struggled with Hippo initially. His muzzle was too long and hardly provided him with any pant room which meant that throughout the whole of spring/summer 2024 we had to be very careful about walking him, in even mildly warm weather, and often had to do activities in the home/garden instead.Since getting his Muzzle Movement Muzzle we made sure to introduce it with lots of treats and training so that he is able to voluntarily have the muzzle put on and he has taken to it so well, comfortable walking in it for longer periods of time, and is loving the pant room and in particular the treat hole!” Suzzie was well prepared and had been pro-active in her approach to muzzle training. She already had a Beagle who needed to be muzzled and saw the benefit of putting work into muzzle training early. She said: “I was training my bully since he was 9 weeks old when I picked him up from the rescue centre. I find it a fantastic training activity and from training my other dogs to wear muzzles I knew that it would be easier training from a little puppy than starting later on, and good job I did because the ban came in so quick and we weren't sure about my bully fitting type, he was pretty much ready for the ban when it came. Although by the time the ban came in, we were finding it increasingly hard to find muzzles that actually fit his squishy chops. My dog loves his muzzle, and so do I. And I think that helped. We spent every day muzzle training up to the ban, and we still do! I think my bully sees his muzzle and knows he's going to go somewhere fantastic and be with his humans and have a great time. He has some sad days where his muzzle has been rubbing on his nose and caused some sores, but we have found that the new padded nose band has help to protect his sensitive skin. But that’s the reality of HAVING to wear a muzzle literally THE WHOLE TIME you are out of the house even if you don’t see a single other person or animal, and then even sometimes in the house. It’s a lot. But we do love our accessories now, that's the way we look at it, it just means we must think outside the box to get the most out of him whilst he's muzzled.”   The XL Bully ban has been difficult to come to terms with for a lot of people. We have personally fitted well over 100 XL Bullies here at The Muzzle Movement unit, as well as fitting more at events. Every. Single. Dog has been the sweetest, loveliest nature and many had tough starts or had come from difficult situations via rescue. We have been blown away by how their guardians have done everything in their power to make sure their dog is as happy and comfortable as possible whilst following the regulations. We have had guardians travel hundreds of miles to find a more suitable muzzle and to ensure they have the right fit for their dog. What amazing, dedicated people - your dogs are lucky to have you! On that note, we asked Hannah and Suzzie what the BEST things about their XL Bullies are. About Hippo, Hannah said: “EVERYTHING! He is such a kind, cuddly boy with so much love to give!We never planned on having an XL bully until the ban came into place and Hippo needed a home before the end of the year, but after having Hippo we would 100% have another XL bully in the future if the law ever allowed it!” About Freddie, Suzzie said: “The best thing about my boy is how happy he is all the time. He takes everything in his stride, such a confident boy with a lot of love he wants to give.” References: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ban-on-xl-bully-dogs https://www.scottishspca.org/xl-bully-updates https://deframedia.blog.gov.uk/2024/02/27/xl-bully-registrations/ https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/whats-new/upcoming-ban-on-xl-bully-dogs/  

Dog guardians all over the world are utilising muzzles for their dogs, for a variety of reasons, such as; keeping dogs, people and animals safe, reducing the risk of scavenging, dogs who nip and grab when excited or frustrated or simply in the case of an emergency. In many places, dogs are legally required to be muzzled due to laws and legislation. According to DogsBite.org [1], Here, we will take a look at the various reasons dogs may be muzzled in some countries. United Kingdom Here in the UK, thousands of dogs are muzzled at all times in public places due to breed specific legislation. 5 types of dogs are illegal in the UK, this means they cannot be sold, bred from, be abandoned or given away. These are Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, Pit Bull Terrier and XL Bully. Dogs who are deemed to be these breed or types may be taken away, and some guardians are able to apply for a Certificate of Exemption if the dog has not behaved dangerously. Exempt dogs must be kept on lead and muzzled at all times in public by law. It is also a criminal offence to allow a dog of ANY breed to be dangerously out of control in a public place. The dog doesn’t need to show aggressive behaviour or bite to be considered out of control, it can be deemed as dangerous by causing ‘fear or apprehension to a person that it may injure them’.   Guardians of these dogs may be taken to court where the magistrate will decide if the dog should be seized and destroyed or placed on a Control Order which may include being muzzled in public places. [2]   United States of America In America, the laws regarding muzzling dogs varies in different states, counties and cities. There are believed to be over 1000 cities in American with bans or restrictions on Pit Bulls, Wolf-Dog hybrids, Dogo Argetinos, Presa Canarios, Cane Corso, Rottweilers, Chow Chows, Akitas, German Shepherds, Caucasian Shepherds among others. [1] These restrictions can include the dog being on a lead and muzzles in public places.   Germany   In Germany, Dangerous Dogs are regulated by law. A dog is considered dangerous if they have shown aggression, injured people or show inclination to attack livestock/game. There are 3 breeds automatically regulated too, the Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terriers, as well as any crosses of these breeds. These dogs cannot be bred, sold or imported in/to Germany and Guardians must apply to their local authority to gain permission to have one as well as meet certain criteria. These dogs just be on a lead and muzzled in all public areas. [3]   France In France, there are some types of dogs which are considered ‘Category Dogs’. Guardians of category dogs can apply for a license to keep their dog. Category 1 dogs are deemed as attack dogs must physically resemble: American Pit Bull Terriers, Mastiffs and Tosa. These dogs are not allowed to be bred, bought, sold or given away. Category 1 dogs are not allowed in public places or on public transport. They must be muzzled and on lead on public highways and in common areas of public buildings. Category 2 dogs are deemed as guard and defensive dogs. The breeds included are American Staffordshire Terriers, Rottweilers and Tosa. Category 2 dogs must be muzzled and on a lead on public roads, common areas of public buildings, in public places, on public transport and in premises open to the public. [4] All dogs over 6kg must be muzzled and kept onlead when using most public transport in France, though the rules vary from city to city. Dogs under 6kg must be secured in a bag, carrier or basket. [5]   Australia Rules vary from state to state but generally there are dangerous dog regulations. For example, in Queensland, there are 5 prohibited breeds; Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, American pit bull terrier and Presa Canario. Any breed can also be deemed ‘dangerous or menacing’ if they have, or may, attack or act in a way that causes fear to a person or animal. Regulated dogs must wear a distinctive collar to identify them – these are red and yellow striped. Amongst other requirements, the dog must be muzzled in public places (for regulated and dangerous dogs, but not menacing dogs). [6] In some states, Greyhounds need to be muzzles and on lead in public places too, though a few states have recently removed this rule.   Italy In Italy, there is a law that all dogs must remain on lead at all times and that all dogs must be muzzled in public, however this doesn’t seem to be enforced, and guardians are encouraged to carry a muzzle with them just in case it is needed. [7]   Canada   Regulations and rules vary from city to city in Canada, but in Toronto, authorities can issue Dangerous Dog Orders for dogs who have been involved in dangerous incidents. These dogs must be muzzled at all times except on their guardian’s property. [8] In Edmonton, dogs must be muzzles when off the guardian’s property if they are deemed a ‘restricted dog’. These means the dog has had two instances of chasing, attacking or biting a person or animal with or without causing minor physical injury, or one instance causing physical injury. [9] Different provinces of Canada have breed specific legislation. Some of the breeds included are; Pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.   Ireland Ireland has breed specific legislation meaning that Staffordshire bull terriers, American pit bull terriers, English bull terriers, Bullmastiffs, Dobermanns, German shepherds, Rhodesian ridgebacks, Rottweilers, Japanese akitas, Japanese tosas and Bandogs must be kept on a lead and muzzled at all times in a public place. [10] Czech Republic In the Czech Republic, muzzle rules are particularly relevant when travelling by public transport. Prague Integrated Transport states that dogs may travel either enclosed in a suitable container or “on a leash and with a secure muzzle on.” Dogs travelling without a crate must have a safe muzzle and be kept on a short leash, including in metro areas, platforms, vestibules, escalators and lifts. Assistance, guide and certain service dogs are treated differently and are not subject to restrictions that would prevent them from carrying out their work. References:https://pid.cz/en/travel-information/traveling-with-a-dog/https://www.dpp.cz/en/travelling/public-transport-travelling/travelling-with-animals South America Across South America, muzzle legislation is usually set at a city, municipal or provincial level rather than through continent-wide rules. In Argentina, Buenos Aires introduced legislation relating to “potentially dangerous dogs,” while some provinces require dogs classified as dangerous to wear a muzzle and lead in public spaces. In Uruguay, Montevideo regulations also require potentially dangerous dogs to wear a muzzle in public. Because regulations differ significantly between regions and municipalities, dog guardians should always check local laws before travelling. References:https://buenosaires.gob.ar/gcaba_historico/tramites/registro-de-propietarios-de-perros-potencialmente-peligrosos   We have helped and supported many breeds of dogs & their Guardians with our muzzles. We ship worldwide and also have muzzle fitting affiliates based around the world. Please checkout our Affiliate map, where if you need help with sizing or fitting they maybe able to help you. Read More    Resources used for this blog. [1] https://www.scribd.com/doc/56495216/Estimated-U-S-Cities-Counties-States-and-Military-Facilities-with-Breed-Specific-Pit-Bull-Laws [2] https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a755914ed915d6faf2b24bc/dogs-guide-enforcers.pdf [3] https://www.ramstein.af.mil/About/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/303687/dog-keeping-laws-for-germany/ [4] https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F1839?lang=en#:~:text=Public%20places&text=You%20are%20also%20not%20allowed,areas%20of%20a%20public%20building. [5] https://www.frenchentree.com/living-in-france/travel/bringing-your-pet-to-france-this-summer-10-quick-answers-to-your-faqs/ [6] https://www.qld.gov.au/families/government/pets/regulated-dogs#declared [7] https://www.idealista.it/en/news/lifestyle-italy/2018/11/05/2300-taking-your-dog-italy-dog-laws-and-entry-requirements [8] https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/animals-pets/pets-in-the-city/dogs-in-the-city/dog-bites-or-attacks/ [9] https://www.edmonton.ca/residential_neighbourhoods/pets_wildlife/restricted-dogs [10] https://www.ikc.ie/dog-ownership/choosing-the-right-dog/legal-requirements/

Christmas is an exciting and enjoyable time of year, but it brings its own special stresses too, for people and dogs! With so much to think about it can be easy to overlook some potential risks to your dog.   Muzzle training can be a really helpful too as it is beneficial for dogs who love to snaffle up anything and everything in the home or out and about. It is a great option for management to use alongside training short term, as well as being a more permanent option if needed. If your dog is not muzzle trained currently, it is well worth considering as an option for the future to help during the Christmas period.     It is important to make sure you use muzzles safely, and only when your dog is happy and comfortable to wear them for longer periods. Remember – we advise that dogs are never left muzzled when unattended. Never force a muzzle onto your dog with no prior desensitisation as it could be a really unpleasant experience for them. You can find out how to introduce a muzzle or check out our muzzle training e-guide    One of our muzzles key features is the awesome treat hole at the front, which allows dogs to still receive treats even when muzzled. However we recognise that this isn’t an ideal feature for scavenger dogs! That’s why we designed our patent-pending scavenger guard, which clips onto the front of the muzzle to cover the treat hole and front panel of the muzzle. This stops dogs from being able to pick up objects which may have otherwise fit through the holes at the front.   Find out more about our Scavenger Guards.   Have a read through to see some things to be mindful of this holiday season, to make sure you and your dog can have a safe Christmas!       Dangerous FoodsNothing says Christmas like cupboards full of tasty treats and delicious festive snacks! It’s important to remember that a lot of these can be dangerous for dogs. Most guardians are already aware of the risks and take care with chocolates in the house but be extra vigilant on walks around town, in case you come across tubs of chocolates and sweets that customers can help themselves too…and maybe a cheeky pup! Chocolate contains Theobromine and many sweets contain Xylitol – both of which can cause stomach upsets at best, organ failure and can be fatal.   Don’t forget to keep your Yule Log safely out of reach and avoid placing any chocolate decorations low on the Christmas tree.   Another ingredient to look out for are raisins. Christmas snacks like mince pies, Christmas cake, Christmas Pudding and panettone all contain raisins, so ensure they are safely stored in cupboards. Even a small number of ingested raisins can be very dangerous. Don’t forget grapes are also toxic so make sure any included with your cheese boards are safely out of reach! Another consideration is cooked bones. Most dogs love to have a little treat of some Turkey on Christmas Day but cooked bones are a no-no. They can splinter when chewed and sharp shards can cause serious damage to a dogs’ mouth and digestive tract. They could also cause a blockage so make sure any bones are safely disposed of, preferably in a bin outside or that a dog cannot reach   that meaty smell could tempt most dogs to raid the bin!   If you are leaving food out on the table or sides for the family or guests to enjoy, consider limiting access for your dog with a baby gate if they are okay with that. If they are comfortable to be muzzled but enjoy a little counter surfing, this is an ideal opportunity to put the muzzle to good use and still make sure your dog can enjoy the company!   Festive PlantsIf you are planning to deck the halls with boughs of festive foliage, remember that some common Christmassy plants are toxic to dogs. Make sure they are displayed up high and check regularly for any dropped leaves or berries that you dog may have access too. Toxic plants to consider are Poinsettias, Holly berries, Mistletoe and Ivy. Usually, these plants can cause irritation to the skin or upset tummy if digested,   but always contact a veterinarian if your dog eats or comes into contact with potentially dangerous plants.   Chewing temptations If your dog is partial to having a nibble…or even taking a chunk out(!) of things, there are some considerations to take around the festive period. A beautiful Christmas tree full of bright, colourful baubles and decorations can be very tempting to a dog who sees it as a huge toy box in the lounge! Take extra care if you hang glass ornaments on the tree, as these could shatter and cause a lot of damage if chewed or eaten by dogs. Beautiful fairy lights also pose a risk of electrical burns or electrocution if they are chewed so ensure all cables and tucked safely away and consider limiting un-monitored access to the tree for your dog if they are a chew-risk, or using a muzzle if you are unable to keep a close eye on them.   Remember to never leave a muzzle dog unattended.   Tinsel can seem like a great shredding toy to many dogs who find the fuzzy, reflective stuff too tempting to leave alone! However, it may pose a risk of causing a blockage if ingested so ensure it is safely out of reach. Management around peopleChristmas is an exciting time, often resulting in excitable and loud children, changes in routines and lots of visitors in the home. Some dogs may cope just fine with all this, take it in their stride or even enjoy the extra hustle and bustle, but many can find this time of year overwhelming and unsettling.     It's a good idea to create a safe space for them if they don’t already have one. Create a little den a few weeks before, somewhere quiet that visitors or over-excited children don’t have access to. This could be an open crate or cosy corner in a room with a baby gate on. Ensure your dog has a comfy, familiar bed, some of your dogs’ favourite toys and some enrichment activities. Regularly offer them some tasty treats or chews there to build up a positive association to help them see this as a good, safe place.     Using Pet Remedy can also help dogs to feel more calm meaning they may cope better with the disruption. Did you know you can get a whopping 25% off Pet Remedy products when you use the code THEMUZZLEMOVEMENT   If your dog is unsure about being left alone and would rather be a part of the party, but may get a little excited around running kids, visiting dog or new people, using a muzzle (as long as the dog is fully muzzle trained) can be a really helpful option to keep everyone safe.     Here at the Muzzle Movement, we LOVE Christmas and we hope you now feel prepared and confident with keeping your dog safe and happy this festive season, and see the benefits of muzzle training your dog to help in the future! We have also created a whole range of seasonal muzzle goodies for you and your dog – from stickers, jumpers and tees to muzzle strapping, collars, leads and even our special mystery boxes!   Check out our Christmas range We hope you have the most magical Christmas from all at The Muzzle Movement!

We are here for the spooky vibes (we even have a Halloween range!, the cosy décor and the beautiful dog walks – but we know there can be lots of dangers for dogs who scavenge. Muzzle Training Can be so beneficial for dogs who love to snaffle up anything and everything in the home or out and about. It is a great management tool to use alongside training short term, as well as being a more permanent option if needed. (Please note: we never recommend leaving any dog muzzled whilst unattended). One of our muzzles key features is the awesome treat hole at the front, which allows dogs to still receive treats even when muzzled – however we recognised that this isn’t and ideal feature for scavenger dogs! That’s why we designed out patent-pending scavenger guard, which clips onto the front of the muzzle to cover the treat hole and front panel of the muzzle. This stops dogs from being able to pick up objects which may have otherwise fit through the holes at the front. Find out more about our Scavenger Guards HERE. If you have a dog who scavenges and would like to look at the option of muzzling them to keep them safe – remember that you need to invest the time into muzzle training your dog thoroughly to ensure they are happy and comfortable to wear the muzzle. Never force a muzzle onto your dog with no prior desensitisation as it could be a really unpleasant experience for them. You can find out how to introduce a muzzle HERE or check out our muzzle training e-guide HERE   Let’s take a look at some of the common dangers that dogs may come across in Autumn. Acorns: Acorns can easily be snaffled up by dogs and can cause an upset stomach from the Tannic Acid they contain. If a dog was to eat a lot of acorns, there is the potential for them to get liver or kidney failure. Some dogs may also swallow them whole which could be a choking hazard or cause a blockage further down the digestive system.  Anti-freeze and grit: With frozen windscreens becoming a common sight in the morning, people begin to reach for the anti-freeze. This is easily spilt and unfortunately has a very sweet smell and taste which can be tempting for dogs to lick. It can also be hard for guardians to spot on the floor. Ethylene Glycol is a toxin which can cause serious damage to a dogs’ organs even when consumed in small quantities. It can be fatal for dogs so is a serious danger and veterinary treatment should be sought immediately if you think your dog has been exposed. Similarly, some types of road grit can contain anti-freeze, posing a serious danger to dogs. Along with this, road-grit is often primarily salt-based. Too much salt intake can cause issues with dehydration and electrolyte imbalances in dogs so ensure your dog doesn’t have access to lick grit and make sure to wash their paws after each walk.  Chocolates and sweets: Spooky season is upon us and not only does that bring kids in costumes, apple bobbing and ghoulish decorations but of course it also brings plenty of sweet treats for those trick-or-treaters! Most guardians are already careful with chocolates in the house but be extra vigilant on walks during the week of Halloween, in case you come across dropped chocolates and sweets from excited children, or buckets and bowls of the yummy stuff left out for trick-or-treaters. Chocolate contains Theobromine and many sweets contain Xylitol – both of which can cause stomach upsets at best, organ failure and can be fatal.  Conkers: Nothing says Autumn like collecting beautiful, shiny Conkers! However, they can pose some dangers to our scavenger dogs! Conkers contain a toxin called Aesculin which can cause upset tummies, and when eaten in larger quantities can affect the organs and even be fatal. If swallowed whole, they can also be a choking risk and could cause a blockage in the dogs’ digestive system.    Fallen Fruit: You may come across fallen fruit and berries in Autumn. Many dogs enjoy a piece of apple or some blueberries at home but allowing a dog to forage in windfall fruit is not a safe practice. Fallen fruit is often mouldy or fermenting which can cause stomach upsets in dogs and may be more serious if lots are eaten. The fruit may contain stones or pips which can also be poisonous. Fruit stones can be a choking hazard and a blockage risk too. Many berries are also toxic to dogs such as Juniper berries, Holly berries, Elderberries and Nightshade, to name a few.  Fireworks: Fireworks season is dreaded by many guardians whose dogs find the noise frightening, but another concern for guardians of scavengers are the litter and debris from exploded fireworks. The shells and packaging of the fireworks can fall in gardens and you may come across it on walks too. The debris may be sharp and could contain harmful chemicals, making it a risk to dogs who ingest it.  Fungi: The damp conditions of Autumn are perfect for all kinds of mushrooms, toadstools and fungi to grow. They are often a tempting snack for snuffling dogs too – and whilst some are completely harmless, there are some varieties which can be very dangerous and its often hard to tell them apart. Effects of eating unsafe fungi can range from an upset tummy, right though to distressing hallucinations, organ damage and even death.   Hedgehogs: Hedgehogs are starting to hibernate at this time of year and may be hidden in hedgerows or fallen leaves making them hard to spot - but dogs can sniff them out! This is obviously a risk to the poor, resting Hedgehog but is also an almost guaranteed spike in the snoot for your dog!  Rodent Poison: As the colder temperatures creep in, so do the small furries looking for somewhere warm and dry to live! Autumn can bring an increase of rats and mice being seen in or near homes, sheds and garages which may prompt people to put out rodent poison. This isn’t always done safely, and rats have been known to carry and drop poison on their way back to their nests. Rats and mice who have died due to poison ingestion may also pose a poison risk to anything that eats them. Unsurprisingly, rodent poison can have fatal effects on dogs who eat it. Commonly used kinds of rodent poisons contain Anticoagulants resulting in internal bleeding. Slugs and snails: Whilst slugs and snails can pose a risk year-round, the damp weather often means they are out in the open more and they commonly lay their eggs in late Summer/early Autumn. Slugs, snails and their larvae can carry a parasite called Lungworm which can cause breathing problems, heart issues and if left untreated, can be fatal. It is important that if you suspect your dog has eaten anything listed above to immediately contact your vet for advice and treatment. Autumn can be a worrying time for guardians of scavengers, but being armed with the knowledge of what could be dangerous and taking steps to try to avoid the ingestion of them means you can enjoy those beautiful frosty mornings, crunchy golden leaves and misty skies! Using a muzzle with a scavenger guard can give you peace of mind this Autumn. The information in this article has been independently reviewed and approved by a veterinary surgeon registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, as of October 2024.

Why we should't be using muzzles to stop dogs from chewing We know that muzzles have a range of fantastic uses for dogs, from keeping dogs, people and animals safe, to preventing dangerous scavenging. A common use for a muzzle which we see is to prevent dogs from inappropriate chewing, however using a muzzle for this purpose doesn't get to the driver behind the behaviour - it just stops the dog from physically being able to chew. In this blog, you will find a comprehensive overview exploring the implications of using a muzzle to prevent a dog chewing.  When a dog starts destroying household items that are expensive or hold sentimental value, it is often considered inappropriate. But this may be dependent upon the humans expectations, as some may not be concerned about the occasional spontaneous shoe explosion. However, chewing becomes of particular concern when the items can harm them, such as electrical cords, toxic plants, or sharp objects. This behaviour is increasingly concerning if the dog is or is likely to ingest the items that it chews.   In addition, if a dog repetitively chews objects to the point where it interferes with their daily routine, such as eating, playing, sleeping, or interacting with people, it may be indicative of compromised welfare. Some dogs may develop destructive chewing habits because of feelings of stress or boredom.   A dog chewing inappropriate items can sometimes be indicative of an underlying medical condition. There are several medical conditions that can lead to increased chewing behaviour in dogs, such as dental problems, gastrointestinal issues, nutritional deficiencies, and allergies.   When a dogs chewing is considered inappropriate It is important to consult with a qualified, ethical professional such as a veterinarian and/or Behaviourist to rule out any potential medical causes for the behaviour and to develop an appropriate treatment plan.  Muzzles are a great tool to help aid training in many contexts, such as dog interactions or vet trips. Muzzle use is appropriate if the guardian is going to be present, the muzzle is well fitting, and the dog is properly conditioned to wearing a muzzle in advance. Many will choose to utilise a muzzle as they continue to progress through a training plan, which can include prevention of ingesting dangerous items, or to prevent chewing, when supervised, in the short term - alongside a comprehensive plan written by an ethical canine professional.  However, muzzles should not be used to inhibit a dog from performing a natural normal behaviour – unless that behaviour is putting the animal at risk, and then the muzzle would only be appropriate as part of a wider training programme and the dog never left unattended.   Inappropriate Chewing, such as when the dog is home alone, is likely an attempt to feel better. By placing a muzzle on the dog, it will prevent them from being able to chew, but it won’t stop the dogs need to chew.   If the dog is using chewing as a coping mechanism for feelings of frustration, anxiety or boredom and we don’t provide them with that outlet, there is a risk that the dog will find other inappropriate coping mechanisms and it is likely that once the muzzled is removed, the chewing will continue or may even cause the chewing to escalate further. Medical Considerations There are a wide variety of compelling reasons as to why we shouldn’t muzzle a dog to prevent chewing, but particularly without a guardian present.   For example, the dog may start to panic, attempt to remove the muzzle, or begin chewing the muzzle itself. Without a guardian to remove the muzzle, this could potentially lead to the dog injuring themselves.   This could involve them using their paw to try and remove the muzzle, which may lead to them getting a claw caught and causing damage to their claw, paw, and mouth.  The dog could move their head around excessively to remove the muzzle. This could lead to a strain in the neck and back area if this took place for extended periods of time.  They could rub their muzzle against objects, getting the muzzle caught which could in serious cases lead to strangulation. In less serious cases could result in facial irritation, hot spots, or sores.   The dog may chew and ingest parts of the muzzle itself which could have medical implications.   The risks of using a muzzle to prevent chewing increase further if the muzzle is poorly fit and doesn’t allow the dog to perform vital behaviours such as chewing, drinking, and eating.   And finally, a dog could be chewing excessively due to pain or discomfort. Ignoring this might lead to further medical implications as well as continued compromised welfare.  Behavioural Considerations Placing a muzzle onto a dog to prevent chewing is ignoring why a dog is chewing, and there are many potential motivating factors to consider.   If a dog is chewing when a guardian leaves the home, chewing may be an attempt to reduce stress and help relieve anxiety, which could result in further distress if the dog is then muzzled an unable to self sooth. In addition, the dog may learn that the muzzle is a pre-curser to being left unattended which is likely to cause negative associations with the muzzle rendering it unusable in the future alongside not helping to change the way that the dog is feeling when they are left.  If dogs are chewing due to feeling under-stimulated or bored and we muzzle them, we are limiting their access to appropriate outlets, which could lead to increased boredom and potentially even barking as their physical and mental needs continue to be unmet.  Chewing can be a displacement behaviour if a dog is feeling frustrated. Placing a muzzle on a dog who is chewing due to feelings of frustration is likely to cause further frustration, because they are no longer able to access something they needed to help regulate their emotions. Which may result in other frustration related behaviours such as barking, jumping, restlessness, pawing, scratching or even continued and more vigorous attempts to chew – either with the muzzle on, or once the muzzle comes off.   We also may inadvertently cause a dog to feel frustrated when they weren’t previously by adding a muzzle and their expectations of being able to pick up, chew or carry objects no longer being met. Or alternatively frustration caused by a new lack of autonomy, due to feeling stuck or trapped in a muzzle that they themselves cannot remove.   Some dog’s love to chew and explore with their mouths more than others and find it fun. Age should be taken into consideration, and it is normal for puppies and adolescent dogs to use their mouth to explore the world. By preventing exploratory behaviour or not providing alterative safe outlets, we are thwarting learning opportunities and potentially missing indicators that our dogs are feeling unfulfilled.  If a muzzle is not properly conditioned and fit, or the dog feels that there is no way out of their current situation (in this case, out of the muzzle) they may not feel they are able to perform normal dog behaviours. As a result, the dog may experience ‘learned helplessness’ where they no longer attempt to perform normal behaviours, which could result in the dog not feeling comfortable enough to move, drink or eat.   Alternatively, behaviours may be temporarily suppressed, but reoccur later either in the same form such as increased intensity of chewing once the muzzle is removed, or in other inappropriate ways such as chewing is perceived as no longer available and therefore begin jumping, grabbing, and mouthing once the muzzle is removed.   Additionally, dogs may or may see a muzzle being placed on as punishment, especially if there has been no previous muzzle training and the muzzle only appears when chewing starts. The consequences of a dog feeling uncomfortable in a muzzle particularly if it is continuously forced upon them, is that they will become fearful and avoidant of the muzzle. There may be increased sensitivity around the head and neck area. Which may lead to further issues if the dog were to need their ears, eyes, neck area to be examined and receive future medical treatment such as eye or ear drops, kennel cough vaccines or oral health checks. Fear or dislike of the muzzle may also impact your ability to use a muzzle again in other contexts which could mean you are unable to get one on in a legitimate situation such as a medical emergency.   And finally, arguably most importantly, inappropriate muzzle use could result in a breakdown in the relationship between dog and guardian, which can result in more challenging behaviours to navigate moving forwards.  AUSTRALIA Pet Professional Guild Australia IAABC *LIMA based approach, please research to check trainers with this accreditation are force-free* APDT Australia IMDT Australia EUROPE / SOUTH AFRICA IAABC *LIMA based approach, please research to check trainers with this accreditation are force-free* CABTi / COAPE UK ABTC APBC APDT UK IMDT PACT FABC CABTi / COAPE VSPDT / VSA-CDT PPG British Isles USA CCPDT *LIMA based approach, please research to check trainers with this accreditation are force-free* Fear Free VSPDT / VSA-CDT KPA-CDT PPG US Additionally, if you have concerns that there might be an underlying medical cause, or even if you feel there is a possibility, consult a with a veterinarian to determine if there is any physical pain or discomfort that might require treatment.   Your trainer or behaviourist may also advise you to:  Dog-proof your home: to avoid rehearsal of chewing inappropriate or dangerous items. For some dogs this is easier than others. For example, a prolific shoe chewer might benefit simply from the shoes being removed from the hallway, whereas a dog that’s chewing skirting boards or doors may need a more extensive behaviour modification programme – which should always be carried out with a force free behaviourists support.  Make sure their needs are met: a dog that feels unfulfilled is more likely to express unwanted or undesirable behaviours. Ensure that they have had adequate mental and physical stimulation, considering age, breed and individual preferences. Some dogs might need more exercise, others might need more human contact time, whereas others might need more sleep.  Increase Enrichment: outlets for chewing behaviour (such as long-lasting chews / boxes / variety of toys / interactive food toys that are appropriate for the dog's size and breed). But please note, when giving the dog enrichment this should be done with the guardian present initially to ensure that it is both safe and enjoyable for the dog and the guardian should assess which enrichment the dog loves to do. Enrichment should be easy for the dog to do initially; it should not be too difficult as this could lead to frustration.  Look for triggers: a really great way to get a head start with your trainer or behaviourist is by being able to track and recognise triggers for inappropriate chewing. Such as people walking by a window or someone leaving the home and where possible these triggers should be reduced or removed completely initially and re-introduced later with the support of your force free professional.   Limit alone time: particularly in the case of dogs that exhibit separation related behaviour, or we believe chewing to be associated with distress when left unattended, we may need to reduce or remove time spent alone in the short term. A dog walker sitter or walker could be useful and helpful to help break the day up for the dog while you are working with your trainer.   Teaching skills such as drop and leave: two useful skills that might help you better manage what you dog is chewing and prevent accidental ingestion due to humans applying pressure to drop or leave an item causing the dog to swallow in order to not loose it.That said, there are some very extreme cases where muzzles may be used to prevent chewing – so we also ask that you remain non-judgemental if someone says that they do. There are some serious, challenging, complex reasons that a guardian or trainer may resort to muzzling in an attempt to prevent chewing, but this should only be done upon the recommendation of a qualified ethical professional.    For example, if a dog’s life if in danger, such as chewing which results in self-injurious behaviour, the dog is recovering from a surgery to remove a foreign object and a second surgery is not possible, a dog has a severe medical condition or a dog that has a history of ingesting poisonous or hazardous items.  And even in these few extreme circumstances, the dog should still have a guardian present, and the muzzle be appropriately introduced and well fit. 

The Best Muzzle Options for XL Bully Types: A Comprehensive Guide At the Muzzle Movement we adore all bull breeds. In fact, Atlas, an honourable member of our MM team is an 11 month old large bull breed cross, and if you follow us on instagram, you'll know he is quite a cheeky chap! This ban is devastating for many dog guardians all over the UK, us included, as although Atlas isn't an XL bully, he may still fall under the broad type the government have defined.  We are heart-broken for anyone who loves or cares for an XL bully type in any capacity, and want to help guide you through appropriate muzzle options so you can make an informed decision. However, we would like to remind you that many dogs have and do wear muzzles full time, and still love happy, fulfilled, joyful lives.  All XL bully types will be required to wear a muzzle when out in public after the 31st of December 2023. This means that you need to introduce the concept of a muzzle to your dog way in advance of the date they are required to wear one. Muzzle training takes time, some dogs become quickly accustomed and comfortable wearing them for long periods relatively quickly. Whereas others who are particularly sensitive to novel objects and sounds, have had an aversive history with muzzles or have sensitivity around the face or neck, may need longer to feel comfortable enough to wear a muzzle outside of the home.  We have an inexpensive muzzle training guide available here, so you can get started from home. And we can recommend local trainers to help you should you need more in-person support.  In this blog post, we will explore the various muzzle options available for XL Bullies, highlighting their benefits and emphasising why it is essential to start muzzle training your XL Bully type as soon as possible.  We believe the best way to combat the association that Xl bully types, or any other muzzled dogs, are 'scary' or 'threatening' is to pick the most playful, fun, non-threatening muzzles.  When gentle, loving dogs are forced to wear muzzles by law, the best form of protest is pink, floral, fun muzzles.  The Muzzle Movement Muzzles   The Muzzle Movement doesn't make custom sized muzzles, instead we have standard sizes and determine which muzzle is suitable by measuring your dog's head and comparing it to our pre-existing range. We are a small start up, that is always introducing new sizes and designs, however we do have one size that may be suitable for XL bully types, called 'Harry'. Atlas is wearing a prototype of this new size in the image above. Harry was designed with bully breeds in mind, and ensures they are provided with adequate pant room, easy treat delivery, the ability to drink as normal and we help to combat this silly ban, by providing you with lots of fun and playful colours, to help minimise the 'scary-ness' of muzzled dogs.   However, this size won't be suitable for ALL bull breeds. As we all know, there is huge variations between different bully types. We have some Xl bully guardians using the size 'Sunny' to train with, since Size Harry didn't begin shipping until December. This size is however going to be too long to use outside of training sessions for most XL bully types. We also have new sizes coming in 2024 that may be more suitable - so sign up to our mailing list to be notified!  Take our muzzle measurement quiz here to see what size muzzle you need for your XL Bully Type.  In the meantime, here are some more brands to consider! Please note, not all brands mentioned below align with our commitment to kind, ethical training methods. We would prefer to only recommend other force free brands, but we also want you to get the best muzzle for your dog so will mention other brands that promote aversive tools, methods and practices and let you make an informed decision.  Custom fit muzzles  For XL Bully types with unique head shapes, custom-fit muzzles are worth considering. These muzzles are specifically tailored to your dog's measurements, so should fit those extra large heads. The muzzle in this image is a custom Vinyl muzzle, there are many custom Vinyl makers but here are a few you might want to check out, if your pup falls outside of our size Harrys recommended range.  https://www.pawfectfit.uk/ https://trust-your-dog.com/en-gb Another custom option is Biothane muzzles, which are fun, colourful and flexible, making them a nice alternative particularly for dogs that are required to wear a muzzle due to BSL and don't need muzzles to help mitigate risk or reduce the likelihood of a bite.  Here are a few you might want to check out, if your pup falls outside of our size Harrys recommended range.  https://minkymuzzles.co.uk/ https://bumas-muzzle.com/en/ However, custom muzzles can be expensive due to them being hand-made to measure, so here are some other pre-made alternatives! Wire baskets  Although perhaps further perpetuating the myth that muzzled dogs look (or are) scary, wire basket muzzles can be affordable and still have a large size range.  Please note though, most wire basket brands don't account for pant room when recommending muzzle sizes - you need to make sure you include pant room when selecting a muzzle, and don't base your selections on the breeds the muzzles are named after - this is not an accurate way to know if a muzzle is right for your dog! Get more info on how to select a well fitting muzzle for your dog here. https://www.fordogtrainers.co.uk/ https://www.ljpetsuk.co.uk/ Lightweight plastic  Looking for a cheap, inexpensive training muzzle then you might want to consider a lightweight plastic muzzle! These muzzles might not provide some dogs with room to pant fully, but they are cheap and quick to get so make a great starting point for those who want to get stuck in now, or cant afford anything further just now. https://www.themuzzleshop.com https://companyofanimals.com/uk/brand-product/baskerville-ultra-muzzle/ Please remember - if your budget is small, there is no need to rush and invest in your perfect muzzle straight away. We can all only do what we can with the resources available. If you need to get a temporary muzzle for now, you can always upgrade your muzzle again after the 31st of December.  This type of muzzle is not suitable for long term wear.Soft muzzles, made from materials like nylon or mesh, are designed to be used for short periods. They are not suitable for any dog to wear for longer than 5 minuets, due to restricting the dogs ability to open their mouths and pant comfortably.  We would not recommend even training with a muzzle like in the image above. Thank you for taking the time to read through, the upcoming XL Bully muzzle ban in the UK is upsetting for everyone, but we hope that in amongst this terrible situation a light can be shone on all muzzled dogs and their responsible humans. Showing everyone that a muzzle is not a 'life sentence'. Many dogs can and do live happy, fulfilling lives wearing muzzles.

"Bite Proof" Muzzles    As muzzle brands, we are working alongside dogs that may pose a significant risk to themselves, or to others. Which means the stakes are high if you believe that a muzzle is ‘bite proof’, only to later learn that your dog can still bite. So, it is our point of view that muzzle brands (or those that recommend those brands as ‘bite proof’) should not be declaring muzzles to be ‘bite proof’ because they think a muzzle is strong, or they have had feedback from customers that dogs have attempted unsuccessfully to bite through their muzzle, in order to get more sales.     What does ‘bite proof’ even mean? ‘Bite proof’ is made up, with no dictionary definition, no outlined parameters and therefore no minimum standard. So in theory, any brand could call themselves ‘bite proof’ because there is no criteria for them to meet. There is no muzzle equivalent to the car harness’s crash test, or a leash tension meter. Let start by breaking down ‘Bite proof’ into its most simple terms. The word proof was originally used in the sense of a test of something—such as a test of quality, worth, truth, etc. However, it is now often interpreted as meaning the same thing as evidence. Bite is defined by the oxford dictionary as ‘to use your teeth to cut into or through something’ So – when we add bite and proof together, what do we really mean? Do we mean to say that we have evidence? – if so, what evidence  or ‘proof’ is considered suitable? Something we will cover later in this blog. For now lets focus on how we are going to define ‘bite’, despite the oxford dictionary definition, little research has investigated what people mean by “dog bite”, especially in light of frequently used language such as “nip” and “play bite” (Oxley et al, 2019) The Ian Dumbar dog bite scale (2016) defines a level 1 bite as aggressive behaviour but no skin-contact by teeth, a level 2 bite is considered skin contact by teeth but no skin puncture. Ian Dumbar found that levels 1 and 2 compromise well over 99% of dog incidents. But if we can’t all universally agree on weather we feel that level 1 or 2 are even considered a bite, then how can we know what we mean when we are looking for a ‘bite proof’ muzzle. For example, Oxley et al (2019) found that there was conflict surrounding weather a dog making contact with just a persons clothing was considered a bite. Furthermore, 81% of people considered a dog bite to be the teeth making contact and resulting in bruising, with or without skin puncture.  That means 19% of people asked didn’t believe a dog had bitten, unless there is skin puncture. Opinions also differed according to the perceived intent, for example if the bite occurred during play 45% of people felt that this would not be considered as a bite. And if a dog ‘did not intend’ (How do we know a dogs intent?) to bite a person, 41% agreed that this would not be considered a bite. For some people, bites which occurred during play are not considered “real” bites, whereas others stated that it was a bite regardless of whether the dog was playing. Westgarth and Watkins (2015) found that some people even contradicted themselves during interviews, giving different definitions of a dog bite when speaking about different events. While there is evidence that with increasing injury severity, there is increased consensus on what is considered a bite, definitions were more debateable where no injury occurred, or injuries were mild. Therefore, ‘Bite proof’ is a term that’s open for interpretation, its subjective and means different things to different people based on past experiences, learning, perceived intent, context, size of the dog and so much more! If we don’t have a clear, universal understanding of what is considered a bite. We cannot clearly state that a muzzle is or is not ‘bite proof’. A CHALLENGE FOR YOU... ...and once you have your definition of what you consider bite proof, drop it in the blog post comments!  Putting the proof in ‘bite proof’ Ok, now we have looked at the word bite, lets revisit the ‘proof’. As I mentioned, there is no standardised definition, or test that can be done to test ‘bite proof’-ness. A handful of customers feeding back that their dog was unable to bite through a muzzle, is not a representative sample. A demonstration of how non-flexible a muzzle is, is not representative of a dog bite, or longevity over time. A muzzle being made of a specific material is not representative of all muzzles – there is more than just the muzzles material that make them strong (or weak), a muzzles weakest points are the joints, the more separate parts and pieces joined together, the more room for error.   Tensile strength testing A muzzle company could tensile strength test, which is something we have explored extensively, and the issues raised below are all issues raised by plastics professionals that have led us to believe that even if we were to tensile strength test, we would be unfairly misleading you and miss-representing muzzle strength to gain sales, something we don’t feel is ethical or moral. Tensile strength testing will tell you the strength of the plastic (or metal), when stretched outwards or crushed from top to bottom - which may help you visualise how strong our plastic muzzles are! Which we agree, might make a flashy viral video and result in an increase in sales. But what it won’t tell you, is how that plastic holds under the force of a dog bite, which is what is important to you and to us. Because a dog bite is a pretty specific mechanism, without recreating a dogs mouth/jaws and putting it inside the muzzle, we wouldn’t be able to test how the front portion of the muzzle would withstand being pushed outwardly and clamped from the inside.   Replicating a dog bite We could make a mechanical dog jaw – again something we have discussed and explored extensively. However, there is still much research to be done exploring the bite force of different breeds and the multitude of factors that can impact bite force such as skull shape (Case 2013), Body weight (Ellis et al 2009), length of snout or even the task they have been bred for (Brassard et al 2020). Therefore, it would be nearly impossible to calculate what bite force to put the muzzle under and what breed that would represent. Even if we could devise a strength test with a mechanical jaw that we felt was representative of a dog bite, we would have to perform that test on each one of our sizes, with a huge variety of different pressures and different sized mechanical jaws at a huge cost, that may still not represent a live bite. This also wouldn’t be able to account for muzzle fit, what if someone had a large breed in one of our muzzles that was slightly too small, or a smaller dog in a muzzle slightly too large.. how would fit impact the strength of the muzzle? Something we can’t simulate with a mechanical jaw. We have also considered using real dogs, trained for bite work. Again, this would make an excellent viral video for social media and would atleast show that the muzzle could withstand a bite, from those individuals, in that context! However, would that be representative of a ‘normal’ dog in a situation where they felt their life was under threat? We don’t know. There is no research exploring bite force of dogs in ‘live’ bite situations, because its unethical to put dogs under real threat. However, what we do know that muscle volume impacts strength (Haxton, 1944) and exercise and training can improve jaw muscle function (Shirai et al, 2018) so it might be expected that the dogs trained for bite work have more powerful jaws? But what about health or age, there are simply to many variables to be able to achieve a realistic, representative sample, particularly because the number of dogs that would be comfortable with this exercise is already limited. Furthermore, this process would have to be repeated every time we released a new size, because the strength differs on muzzle size alone, and then consider the variety of breeds that fit within that muzzles size, accounting for gender, fitness, age you would be asking a huge number of dogs to attempt to bite through a muzzle – which may it itself have ethical implications. So in conclusion, no muzzle company has the ‘proof’ part of ‘bite proof’ which means claims are based on little to no evidence and not representative of the wider population. Therefore using the term ‘bite proof’ is a sales tactic, designed to draw in and convince customers to purchase on the basis of little to no evidence. Which is why we do not subscribe. From the research we have done, we are the first and only muzzle company to explore and explain the complexities of a potential ‘bite proof’ claim. This post also doesn’t dive into the legal implications, of which there are many! How muzzle use and maintenance impacts ‘Bite proof’-ness OK so perhaps you have an understanding of the concerns around ‘Bite proof’, but what about other factors you might not have considered. Think of a muzzle that you may have considered to be ‘bite proof’ and ask yourself If I consider this muzzle to be ‘bite proof’ now, is this muzzle still ‘bite proof’ in one years time? Three years time? How can we know...? Every dog’s experience whilst wearing a muzzle is likely to be wildly different. One dog might wear a muzzle during dog interactions including frequent, repetitive muzzle punches, one might avoid dogs all together. One dog might still attempt to pick up items, resulting in occasional muzzle smashes against the floor whilst another dog may never push their muzzle into the ground, even to sniff. One dog might have never attempted to bite through their muzzle, while another may have made multiple unsuccessful attempts – Is the muzzle that has had multiple attempted bites, muzzle punches, or ground smashes now compromised? Should we consider muzzles in the same way we do bike helmets? That once they have been damaged or undergone trauma, they need to be replaced in order to maintain ‘bite proof’-ness and therefore safety?     So even if a muzzle brand proclaims a muzzle is bite proof, what happens to that ‘bite proof’-ness over time? At what point is it no longer ‘bite proof’, and more importantly, does the muzzle brand define these parameters? Is it clear at what point your muzzle is no longer going to prevent a bite? Further considerations besides muzzle use, include how the muzzle is maintained. We know that plastics and metals can be impacted by a variety of different things, such as temperature or the products used to clean and maintain them. If a muzzle is considered ‘bite proof’ at point of purchase, then what are the recommended guidelines provided by the company to maintain its structural integrity? Avoid certain temperatures? Wash in certain products? If these aren’t clearly outlined then over time the muzzle will loose ‘bite proof’-ness, which should be clearly explained to the customer to avoid someone having a serious incident by falsely believing that their muzzle will prevent a bite forever. Another consideration is when muzzles are being modified, reshaped, bent or boiled. No muzzle company knows the impact that this has on the products strength. Its generally understood that when modifying a muzzle, the responsibility is no-longer with the manufacturer should the product then fail. But if brands that claim bite proof, are also suggesting you reshape or remodel, or a modification company has changed the model and resold on but still claim ‘bite-proof’ then at the very least the implications of doing such on the products integrity should be clearly stated. Further more, what about the fastenings? The muzzle itself might remain strong over time, but what about the strapping – leather can wear and tear, some cheap rivets can rust or decay, metal fastenings can be compromised by sand or salt water. Weakened hardware or strapping will impact the muzzles ability to withstand a bite scenario, so at what point are any of these components no longer considered appropriate to prevent a bite?      And finally, there is always going to be the possibility that in an emergency, a dog is able to get their muzzle off, or an element breaks or fails. We wouldn’t call a bike helmet ‘brain injury proof’ because things can still go wrong. Injury depends on the circumstances with a wide range of variables impacting the likelihood of a brain injury.   We should never be relying solely on a muzzle to prevent a bite. A muzzle is one of many forms of management, and should be used alongside other forms such as a lead, awareness gear, baby gates, consent based handling or by simply advocating for our dogs space. Emergencies happen and there are muzzles that are appropriate for higher risk dogs that may be considered more likely to prevent serious injury and we will have a follow up blog post discussing them.    In conclusion, here at The Muzzle Movement, we don’t believe muzzles can be responsibly described as ‘bite proof’. Our muzzles are designed to be strong, sturdy, and secure, our hardware and baskets are warrantied for life, and our muzzles have prevented dog bites. But that still does not meet what we believe to be the minimum standard of evidence to be able to say our muzzles are (or aren’t!) ‘bite proof’.       We are interested in your thoughts! So let us know in the comments!   References Brassard, C., Merlin, M., Guintard, C., Monchâtre-Leroy, E., Barrat, J., Bausmayer, N., Bausmayer, S., Bausmayer, A., Beyer, M., Varlet, A. and Houssin, C., 2020. Bite force and its relationship to jaw shape in domestic dogs. Journal of Experimental Biology, 223(16), p.jeb224352. Case L. P. (2013)The Dog: Its Behavior, Nutrition, and Health John Wiley & Sons Dunbar, I., 2016. Dr. Ian Dunbar's Dog Bite Scale (Official Authorized Version). Ellis, J.L., Thomason, J., Kebreab, E., Zubair, K. and France, J., 2009. Cranial dimensions and forces of biting in the domestic dog. Journal of Anatomy, 214(3), pp.362-373. Haxton, H.A., 1944. Absolute muscle force in the ankle flexors of man. The Journal of physiology, 103(3), p.267. Oxley, J.A., Christley, R. and Westgarth, C., 2019. What is a dog bite? Perceptions of UK dog bite victims. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 29, pp.40-44. Shirai, M., Kawai, N., Hichijo, N., Watanabe, M., Mori, H., Mitsui, S.N., Yasue, A. and Tanaka, E., 2018. Effects of gum chewing exercise on maximum bite force according to facial morphology. Clinical and Experimental Dental Research, 4(2), pp.48-51. Westgarth, C. and Watkins, F., 2015. A qualitative investigation of the perceptions of female dog-bite victims and implications for the prevention of dog bites. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 10(6), pp.479-488.