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Measuring Small Dogs for a Muzzle Extra Considerations for Tiny Faces, Big Feelings & Fluffy Coats 🐶 Measuring a small dog for a muzzle can come with a few unique challenges. Tiny faces, fluffy coats, prominent eyes and sensitive handling can all make the process feel a little more complicated, but with the right approach, it can absolutely be done gently and accurately. This guide works alongside our existing muzzle measuring guides and adds extra considerations specifically for small and small-medium breeds such as Cavaliers, Cockapoos, Miniature Schnauzers, Pug crosses, Terriers, small Spaniels and similar dogs. As always, the goal is not just accurate measurements, but a dog who feels safe and comfortable throughout the process 💛 Why Measuring Small Dogs Can Be Different 🐾 Many of the same measurements still apply when fitting a small dog: • Muzzle length – from waterline to tip of nose • Width – straight across the widest points of the cheeks • Height – top to bottom of the muzzle, plus pant space However, smaller breeds often need a more delicate approach because: • Large measuring tools can feel intimidating • Hands close to the face can feel overwhelming • Millimetres make a much bigger proportional difference • Fluffy coats can dramatically affect fit • Prominent eyes or shorter faces need extra care • Some dogs may have undershot jaws that change how length should be measured Taking things slowly and making the process positive can make a huge difference. Small dogs are also often physically handled more by humans, picked up, repositioned or restrained, which can sometimes make them more sensitive to face handling or measuring equipment. Choosing the Right Measuring Tools 📏 Large rulers or bulky tape measures can feel intimidating when brought close to a tiny face. For many small dogs, softer and gentler tools are much easier to tolerate. We often recommend: • A soft sewing tape measure • A narrow flexible measuring tape • Soft craft measuring tapes designed for tailoring • A piece of string, ribbon or wool that can then be measured against a ruler afterwards 🐕 String or wool as a measure Using string or wool can be especially helpful for nervous dogs, as it feels far less intrusive than hard measuring tools near the face. ⚠️ If using a ruler • Avoid placing it directly against the face where possible • Use narrow, shorter rulers rather than large rigid ones • Keep movements slow & predictable 📏Try and stay calm The calmer and less invasive the measuring process feels, the more accurate your measurements are likely to be. Creating a Comfortable Measuring Environment 🛋️ Before measuring, think about how your dog is feeling emotionally. A relaxed dog will usually give you more accurate measurements than a worried or frozen one. Try: • Measuring in a quiet room • Using a non-slip surface • Allowing the dog to sit beside you rather than being restrained • Measuring on a sofa or lap if your dog feels safer there • Avoiding looming over your dog • Taking regular breaks • Pairing the process with treats and praise 🍖 Some dogs cope best with measurements taken gradually over multiple short sessions, and that is completely okay. Watch for Subtle Signs of Stress 👀 Small dogs can sometimes communicate discomfort very subtly.Rather than obvious struggling, you may notice: Freezing Lip licking Turning the head away Whale eye Yawning Paw lifting Moving away slowly Stiff body posture If you notice these signs, pause and give your dog a break before continuing. Measuring should never feel like something being “done” to your dog. LEARN MORE 🐕 Considering Small Dog Face Shapes  Some small breeds and mixes, including Cavaliers, American Cockers and many Pug crosses, can have prominent or sensitive eyes. Extra care should be taken when measuring around the face. Undershot Jaws & Measuring Length Many small and brachycephalic breeds can have undershot jaws, where the chin protrudes further than the nose. This is an important consideration when measuring muzzle length. Typically, muzzle length is measured from the waterline to the tip of the nose. However, for dogs with undershot jaws: • The chin may extend further than the nose • The furthest protruding point needs accommodating • Measuring only to the nose may result in a muzzle that is too short In these cases, you may need to measure to the furthest point of the chin instead. This helps ensure the muzzle has enough internal length and avoids pressure on the jaw. Helpful Tips • Avoid bringing rigid tools close to the eyes • Keep fingers away from the eye sockets where possible • Avoid pressure across the bridge of the nose • Move slowly and predictably • Use soft measuring tools whenever possible For these dogs, string or soft tape measures are often much easier and safer to work with than rulers. Tiny Dogs & Measurement Accuracy 🎯 With smaller breeds, even a few millimetres can significantly affect fit. A measurement difference that may be minor on a large breed can completely change sizing on a tiny dog.. To improve accuracy: • Measure carefully• Repeat measurements where possible• Avoid guessing• Take clear photos and videos alongside measurements 📸 Photos and videos can be incredibly helpful for assessing proportions, coat volume and facial structure alongside the numbers themselves. If you are ever unsure, our sizing support team can help review both measurements and images together EMAIL SUPPORT   Fluffy Coats, Grooming & Seasonal Changes ✂️ Coat type can dramatically affect muzzle fit in smaller dogs. This is especially common in: Cockapoos & Cavapoos Cavaliers Miniature Schnauzers Lhasa Apsos Spaniels Border Terriers Westies Other fluffy or regularly groomed breeds A fluffy or thick coat may: • Help “fill out” the muzzle • Stabilise the fit • Change how snug straps feel After Grooming or Clipping The muzzle may suddenly: • Feel looser • Move more • Sit less stably Some dogs who fit well while fluffy may benefit from a chin strap after being clipped shorter. This can help improve stability and keep the muzzle sitting correctly. When submitting measurements or fit checks, it is always helpful to mention: • Whether your dog has recently been groomed • How much coat variation they typically have • Whether they are likely to be clipped shorter soon.   Gentle Handling Matters 💛 Small dogs are often more vulnerable to feeling overwhelmed by human handling simply because of their size. Hands moving toward the face can feel much more intimidating when you are tiny.Keeping the process calm, cooperative and reward-based can help your dog feel safer and more confident.. Whenever possible: 🐾 Let your dog choose to approach   🍖 Reward frequently   ✋ Avoid physically restraining the head   💛 Keep sessions short and positive   The Muzzle Movement - Sizing Explained Guide - Downloadable Regular price FREE DOWNLOAD 🐾 Muzzle Sizing Explained - Free Downloadable Guide 🎯 Find the perfect fit with confidence Our Muzzle Sizing Explained guide walks you through every step of measuring your dog correctly for a comfortable and secure muzzle fit. Learn the three key measurements: length, height, and width. Follow along with easy-to-understand... Downloadable E guide     Final Thoughts 🐾 Measuring a small dog for a muzzle may require a few extra considerations, but gentle handling, appropriate tools and attention to individual facial structure can make the process much easier. Soft measuring tools, careful handling around prominent eyes, consideration for undershot jaws and awareness of coat changes can all have a major impact on achieving a safe and comfortable fit. And remember, you do not have to figure it all out alone. If you are unsure about measurements, proportions, coat considerations or sizing, our sizing support team is always happy to help review your measurements alongside photos and videos to guide you toward the best possible fit for your dog 🐶  

Muzzle Training For Every Dog 🐾 Dog Muzzles Are Safety Tools, Not Punishment A dog muzzle is a proactive safety tool that helps dogs safely navigate the world. Just like a lead 🦮, harness, or seatbelt 🚗, a muzzle can be used for many different reasons, most of which have nothing to do with a dog being "bad". With positive muzzle training ✨, many dogs learn to wear a muzzle comfortably and confidently. Muzzle training gives guardians more options, more flexibility, and more peace of mind throughout their dog's life. We believe every dog can benefit from muzzle training, just in case. 💛 🩺 Vet Visits & Medical Care • Examinations 🩺 • Injections 💉 • Blood draws 🧪 • Emergency treatment 🚑 • Post-surgical care 🤕 • Grooming and nail trims ✂️ • Mobility assistance 🦽 🚑 Emergencies & Injuries • In pain 😖 • Startled 😳 • Trapped 🚧 • Disorientated 😵 • Being moved after an accident 🚑 🤕 Recovery After Surgery • Licking wounds 👅 • Removing dressings 🩹 • Chewing stitches 🧵 • Interfering with medical equipment 🍂 Scavenging & Pica • Toxic substances ☠️ • Human food waste 🗑️ • Wildlife remains 🦴 • Rocks and sticks 🪨 • Harmful materials ⚠️ • Foreign objects 🚫 🐇 High Prey Drive & Predatory Behaviour • Wildlife 🦌 • Cats 🐱 • Small dogs 🐕 • Livestock 🐑 • Small animals 🐇 🎾 Over-Arousal & Inappropriate Play • Hard mouthing 😬 • Grabbing behaviours 🐾 • Frustration responses 😤 • Redirected behaviour ↪️ 👥 Aggressive Behaviour Towards People • Fear 😨 • Pain 🤕 • Trauma 💔 • Handling sensitivity 🖐️ • Resource guarding 🍖 • Frustration 😤 • Territorial behaviour 🏠 🐕‍🦺 Aggressive Behaviour Towards Other Dogs • Dog reactivity ⚡ • Fear-based responses 😨 • Resource guarding 🍖 • Multi-dog household conflict 🐕🐕 • Dog introductions 🤝 • Behaviour modification plans 📋 ✈️ Travel & Legal Requirements • Travelling on public transport 🚆 • Flying internationally ✈️ • Using ferries ⛴️ • Following local authority requirements 📜 • Living in areas with breed-specific legislation ⚖️ 🏡 Household Changes • Introducing a new baby 👶 • New pets joining the household 🐾 • Moving house 📦 • Foster placements ❤️ • Adoption decompression 🏠 • Multi-dog introductions 🐕🐕 🛡️ Responsible Risk Management • Visitors entering the home 🚪 • Veterinary appointments 🩺 • Grooming sessions ✂️ • Training classes 🎓 • Busy public spaces 🏙️ • Dog introductions 🤝 ❤️ A Dog Muzzle Is Not A Replacement For Consent A dog muzzle should never be used to force a dog into situations they cannot cope with simply because they cannot bite. Instead, a dog muzzle should be used as a safety layer 🛡️, a management tool 🧰, and a way to reduce risk while supporting training and welfare 🌱. The goal of a muzzle is not to suppress communication. 🐾 The goal is to create safer situations where dogs can continue to learn, recover, and navigate the world successfully. 🐾 Muzzle Training For Every Dog, Just In Case Muzzle training benefits dogs of every breed, size, and age. Preparation Safety Welfare Choice Responsible management Reduced stress A properly fitted dog muzzle allows dogs to Pant 🌬️ Drink 💧 Sniff 👃 Take treats 🍖 Participate in life safely and comfortably. The best time to muzzle train a dog is before you ever need it. 💛 Made In The UK 🇬🇧 Our dog muzzles are proudly made in the UK and hand assembled with care by our team. We're committed to creating high-quality dog muzzles that prioritise welfare, thoughtful design, and long-lasting durability from start to finish. Trusted By Professionals Worldwide 🩺 Designed by experienced trainers and canine behaviourists, our muzzles are trusted by veterinary professionals, Kids Around Dogs, the Holistic Grooming Academy, and dog professionals across the world. Every detail is carefully considered to support canine body language, emotional wellbeing, comfort, and safety.

(Small Dog Behaviour, Safety & Welfare Guide) When people think about dog muzzles, they often picture large, powerful dogs. But this perception leaves a significant gap, not just in understanding, but in welfare. Small dogs have just as much need for appropriate, well-fitting muzzles, yet they’ve long been overlooked in both product design and public conversation. With the launch of our first muzzle sizes designed specifically for smaller dogs, we want to shine a light on why this matters, grounded not just in experience, but in evidence. Size Jimmy Dog Muzzle One of the biggest challenges for small dog guardians is simply finding equipment that fits. The market has historically catered to medium and large breeds, leaving small dogs, especially those with varied head shapes, underserved. So many small dogs, with big needs, have had such limited options! Size Mia Dog Muzzle Small dogs aren’t just “scaled-down” versions of bigger dogs. From short, wide faces to longer, narrower snouts, these differences require entirely different muzzle shapes. Without this consideration, fit, comfort, and safety are compromised. 🦴 The Myth of the “Harmless” Small Dog Small dogs are often not taken seriously when it comes to behaviour. Research shows they are frequently perceived as “more aggressive, excitable, anxious and fearful” than larger dogs (Arhant et al., 2010). But this perception doesn’t exist in a vacuum, it’s influenced by how they are handled and trained 📊 Smaller Size, Higher Risk: What the Research Shows In fact, smaller size is consistently linked with increased fear and aggression-related behaviours. Studies have found that as body size decreases, the likelihood of fearfulness and biting behaviour increases (Martínez et al., 2011; McGreevy et al., 2013). 🐕 Fear in Small Dogs: Misunderstood, Not Misbehaved Small dogs are also more likely to show fear of strangers and other dogs (Puurunen et al., 2020). This isn’t because small dogs are “worse” behaved, it’s because their needs are often misunderstood or unmet. ⚠️ When Behaviour Is Dismissed Instead of Respected Many people will laugh at a growling Chihuahua or even harass or goad them even more, rather than respecting their boundaries and considering the behaviour as the dogs asking for space and potentially escalating to biting. 📉 Inconsistent Training and Its Impact on Behaviour At the same time, small dogs are often trained and exercised less, and may receive less consistent behavioural guidance (Puurunen et al., 2020). This combination of less engagement, more inconsistency, and inappropriate training methods, can exacerbate behavioural challenges. ⚖️When Autonomy Is Taken Away Small dogs are far more likely to be physically managed by being picked up, restrained, or removed from situations, rather than supported through them. While this may seem protective, it can actually increase stress and reduce a dog’s ability to cope. It also removes their autonomy and ability to communicate. A muzzle offers an alternative. It allows a dog to remain in their environment, move freely, and be included if they are comfortable to do so, without escalating risk. Instead of being physically restrained, they can safely work through their big feelings with appropriate positive training and environmental management. 🐕 Health & Welfare Factors in Small Dogs Small dogs are also disproportionately affected by certain health issues, including dental disease and chronic pain conditions, which can influence behaviour and tolerance. Additionally, research shows that smaller, lighter dogs are more likely to display fear responses to stimuli such as noise and unfamiliar objects (Stone et al., 2016), and that shorter dogs may show more defensive aggression (Stone et al., 2016). Pain, fear, and stress all lower a dog’s threshold. In these contexts, a muzzle can make necessary care like veterinary treatment or grooming safer and less distressing if used alongside confidence building. ⚠️ Bite Risk and Misconceptions There’s a common belief that small dogs pose less risk, but the reality is more nuanced. Small dogs are actually overrepresented in certain bite statistics. For example, lower body weight has been associated with increased likelihood of biting (Guy et al., 2001), and aggression directed toward humans has been found to increase as dog size decreases (Martínez et al., 2011). Some small breeds (such as Dachshunds and Chihuahuas) have been reported to show higher rates of serious aggression toward both owners and strangers (Duffy et al., 2008). Importantly, bites from small dogs can still cause significant injury, particularly to young children. In fact, smaller dogs have been associated with frequent and sometimes more severe bite patterns in children under five(Arhant et al., 2010). At the same time, larger dogs are far more likely to be euthanised following aggression, highlighting a disparity in how risk is perceived and managed (Arhant et al., 2010). ✂️ When Do Small Dogs Need a Muzzle? Small dogs are often placed in situations where a muzzle could make a meaningful difference but this is rarely considered. Grooming: Small dogs are groomed far more frequently than many larger breeds. For dogs who are fearful, in pain, or sensitive to handling, a muzzle can reduce stress and risk for both the dog and the groomer. Remember, a muzzle shouldn’t be used to force a dog in a situation they are uncomfortable with and should be used alongside positive behaviour modification plans. Veterinary care: Fearful or painful dogs may react defensively. A muzzle allows procedures to be carried out safely and more calmly for essential treatment or emergencies. Travel and public transport: In many countries, muzzle laws apply to all dogs, regardless of size particularly on public transport. Small dogs are not exempt, and guardians need suitable options that actually fit when taking their dogs on holiday. In these scenarios, a muzzle isn’t a last resort but it’s a proactive welfare tool. 🧠 Muzzles as a Welfare Tool (Not a Last Resort) Muzzles are not about restriction - they’re about enabling safer, more positive experiences. 📊 Reduce pressure on guardians Reduce pressure on guardians worried about keeping others safe 🐕 Allow safer social exposure Allow dogs to stay in situations rather than being removed ⚠️ Support behaviour modification Support training and behaviour modification 📉 Enable necessary care Enable necessary care without escalation 🛠️ Choosing the Right Muzzle for a Small Dog Not all muzzles are suitable for small breeds 🐾 A Good Muzzle for Small Dogs should: A good muzzle for small dogs should: • Allow panting and drinking • Secure & Reliable Fit • Beable to reward with treats • Be lightweight and comfortable Because small dogs have unique anatomy, standard designs often don’t workwhich is why breed-appropriate sizing matters. TAKE THE SIZE QUIZ 🐶 Designed Specifically for Small Dogs The lack of suitable small dog muzzles has been a long-standing issue. That’s why we’ve developed our first range of muzzles designed specifically for smaller dogs, taking into account: • Varied head shapes • Comfort and safety • Real behavioural needs Because every dog, regardless of size deserves: • To feel safe • To be understood • To have access to appropriate equipment SHOP SMALL SIZE DOG MUZZLES 🐕 How to Introduce a Muzzle to your Dog A gentle, step-by-step guide to dog muzzle training. We want our dogs to see their muzzles as something positive, safe, and enjoyable, just like their lead or treat cupboard! We can build that same joyful association with the muzzle through reward-based muzzle training, pairing it with things your dog already loves, like treats, games, and playtime.. Does your dog get excited when you grab the lead or head toward the treat jar?  That’s a positive association at work, your dog has learned that those cues mean something fun is coming. READ MORE ABOUT INTRODUCING A DOG MUZZLE ❓ FAQs About Small Dog Muzzles Do small dogs need muzzles? Yes. Small dogs can experience fear, stress, and behavioural challenges just like larger dogs. A muzzle can support safety and training. Are muzzles safe for small dogs? When properly fitted and introduced positively, small dog muzzles are safe and humane. Will a muzzle stop my small dog’s behaviour? No. A muzzle is a management aid not a solution. It should be used alongside training and behaviour support. Can small dogs wear muzzles on public transport? Yes. In many places, muzzles are required regardless of dog size, so having a properly fitted option is essential. MORE HELPFUL BLOGS   References Arhant, C., Bubna-Littitz, H., Bartels, A., Futschik, A. and Troxler, J. (2010). Behaviour of smaller and larger dogs: Effects of training methods, inconsistency of owner behaviour and level of engagement in activities with the dog. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 123(3–4), pp. 131–142. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2010.01.003 Puurunen, J., Hakanen, E., Salonen, M., Mikkola, S., Sulkama, S., Araujo, C., Lohi, H. (2020). Inadequate socialisation, inactivity, and urban living environment are associated with social fearfulness in pet dogs. Scientific Reports, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-60546-w Guy, N.C., Luescher, U.A., Dohoo, S.E., Spangler, E., Miller, J.B., Dohoo, I.R. and Bate, L.A. (2001). Risk factors for dog bites to owners in a general veterinary caseload. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 74(1), pp. 29–42. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0168-1591(01)00154-X Overall, K.L. and Love, M. (2001). Dog bites to humans—demography, epidemiology, injury, and risk. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 218(12), pp. 1923–1934. Duffy, D.L., Hsu, Y. and Serpell, J.A. (2008). Breed differences in canine aggression. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 114(3–4), pp. 441–460. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2008.04.006 Martínez, Á.G., Santamarina Pernas, G., Diéguez Casalta, F.J., Suárez Rey, M.L. and De la Cruz Palomino, L.F. (2011). Risk factors associated with behavioral problems in dogs. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 6(4), pp. 225–231. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2011.01.006 McGreevy, P.D., Georgevsky, D., Carrasco, J., Valenzuela, M., Duffy, D.L. and Serpell, J.A. (2013). Dog behavior co-varies with height, bodyweight and skull shape. PLOS ONE, 8(12). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0080529 Stone, H.R., McGreevy, P.D., Starling, M.J. and Forkman, B. (2016). Associations between domestic-dog morphology and behaviour scores in the Dog Mentality Assessment. PLOS ONE, 11(2). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0149403

Dates are released in the first week of each month, for the following month Our fitting days are a great opportunity for you to see and try our muzzles to see if any of the sizes may fit your dog. You can pay for and take away several sizes on the day, choose your colours and we will make it for you there and then! Don't worry if your dog has never worn a muzzle before, we will make it a positive, fun experience for your dog! The team includes experienced and accredited trainers/behaviourists so muzzle fitting of the dogs will be made fun, with lots of food, positive reinforcement and we have a good understanding of dog body language. Book Here The appointments are for 30 minutes and there will be no other dogs in the same room at that time. We will be using treats so please let us know in advance if your dog has any allergies or dietary issues. You will complete a form when booking to allow us get a few details about your dog and permission to use the photos/videos taken of your dog on our social media, website and in marketing materials. We are taking a small booking fee for fittings of £5 per appointment. This fee is non-refundable for cancellations. The fee cannot be refunded if we are unable to find a muzzle suitable for your dog. In addition to this, we have collated a useful map for you to find a muzzle fitting near you, run by independent dog professionals! These force-free professionals all have an affiliate membership with The Muzzle Movement, as well as a selection of muzzles for you to try on! The Muzzle Movement 2026 Fitting Day Rewinds Following on from a brilliant 2025, here's what's happened at HQ so far this year. January January Fitting Day Fantastic fitting day at The Muzzle Movement! Thank you to everyone who joined us and trusted us to help find the perfect muzzle fit for their dogs. Read more Our fitting days give dogs and their guardians the chance to try different muzzle sizes, choose their favourite colours, and get expert fitting advice from our experienced team. From first-time muzzle wearers to seasoned pros, every dog is supported with positive reinforcement, plenty of treats, and a stress-free experience. Interested in booking your own fitting session? We hold regular fitting days at our Leicestershire workshop and at selected events throughout the year. February February Fitting Day Our fitting days give dogs and their guardians the chance to try different muzzle sizes, choose their favourite colours, and get expert fitting advice from our experienced team. Read more From first-time muzzle wearers to seasoned pros, every dog is supported with positive reinforcement, plenty of treats, and a stress-free experience. Interested in booking your own fitting session? We hold regular fitting days at our Leicestershire workshop and at selected events throughout the year. March March Fitting Day From first-time muzzle wearers to seasoned pros, every dog is supported with positive reinforcement, plenty of treats, and a stress-free experience. Read more Interested in booking your own fitting session? We hold regular fitting days at our Leicestershire workshop and at selected events throughout the year. April April Fitting Day Interested in booking your own fitting session? We hold regular fitting days at our Leicestershire workshop and at selected events throughout the year. Read more 📅 Book your fitting here: https://calendly.com/muzzles/muzzle-f... May May Fitting Day Interested in booking your own fitting session? We hold regular fitting days at our Leicestershire workshop and at selected events throughout the year. Read more 📅 Book your fitting here: https://calendly.com/muzzles/muzzle-f... June June Fitting Day 📅 Book your fitting here: https://calendly.com/muzzles/muzzle-f... Read more Our fitting days give dogs and their guardians the chance to try different muzzle sizes, choose their favourite colours, and get expert fitting advice from our experienced team. July July Fitting Day It doesn’t matter if your dog isn’t muzzle trained yet, is nervous, or needs extra space and a completely hands-off fitting, we’ll take things at your dog’s pace and accommodate you both in every way we can. Read more In July, we welcomed 15 dogs and their guardians who travelled to us for a professional muzzle fitting. Whether your dog needs a muzzle for walks, scavenging, playtime, vet visits or any other reason, we’re always happy to help find an ethical, comfortable and well-fitting option. The Muzzle Movement 2025 Fitting Day Rewinds A year of wagging tails, careful adjustments and hard-won trust, twelve months of Muzzle Fitting Days at HQ, one video from each. January January Fitting Day Highlights Take a peek behind the scenes with our video highlights from the 2025 Muzzle Fitting Days! From happy dogs finding their perfect fit to helpful tips from our expert team. Read more Our team is ready to welcome you and your canine clients to experience firsthand how our muzzles combine comfort, safety, and style. Whether you're new to muzzle fitting or a seasoned pro, there's something for everyone. January Our Second Fitting Day in January We had an amazing day fitting our customizable dog muzzles on some truly gorgeous dogs, with some travelling over two hours to see us! Read more Our muzzles can be adjusted, widened by boiling or narrowed with a cable tie for the perfect fit. That's why correct sizing is key. Read our full adjustment guide → February An Incredible February at HQ Hosting not one but two more fitting days! So many amazing dogs (and their devoted guardians) walked away with perfectly fitted muzzles. Read more The stunning range of biothane strapping colours made each fit even more striking. If HQ is a bit too far, our Affiliate Fitters and Trade Partners are now on the map. Find a fitter near you → March First Fitting Day of March — Pancakes & Paws We were thrilled to welcome wonderful visitors who travelled to see our fitting experts, Annie and Meg, meeting breeds we hadn't seen at HQ before. Read more Of course, the dogs loved their pancakes too. Look out for Finn, our first dog of the day, he's showing at Crufts! March Second Fitting Day of March A fantastic selection of breeds joined us, and we managed to find a muzzle for life for all but one, little Fox Face proved a tricky fit. Read more Her guardian's glowing review made our day regardless. The real Pippa herself popped in to try on our Pippa-size prototype, making the day extra special. See our new sizes → April April's Joyful Day of Muzzle Magic An unforgettable fitting day filled with wagging tails, happy faces, and an incredible variety of dogs and their devoted guardians. Read more We shared training tips, swapped stories, and yes, there was even cake. A joyful celebration of connection and care. April Double the Dogs, Double the Joy A huge thank you to Aimee and her mum, who brought along Diesel and Daisy, and surprised the team with cake for Meg and Annie! Read more A fabulous midweek treat for the whole Muzzle Movement team. A day full of tail wags, laughter, and perfect fits, exactly what we love. May Behind the Scenes: May's Fitting Days So many visitors travelled to HQ for our two May fitting days, from customers bringing in existing muzzles for a size check. Read more Others sought the expert reassurance of Annie, Meg, and Robyn. Whether confirming the right size or adding an extra strap for security, every visitor left with confidence. June A Celebration of Connection and Comfort From wiggly puppies to wise seniors, nervous first-timers to seasoned pros, each dog brought something special. Read more With gentle guidance and plenty of positive reinforcement, we helped every dog turn curiosity into comfort. These days reflect our mission: welfare-first, stigma-free solutions for every dog and lifestyle. Summer Summer Fitting Days — 2–3 Hours, No Problem This summer we stayed extra mindful of the heat, only hosting fittings when safe and comfortable for dogs and guardians alike. Read more Even so, people continued to travel 2–3 hours for a personal fitting, confidence checks, destination-country prep, and brand-new friends alike. However you arrive, we're here to champion you and your dog. October Miles Travelled, Trust Shared Two full days, 19 dogs and their guardians, many travelling considerable distances to see us. Read more Meg and Annie met an incredible mix, from a Romanian rescue to Cockapoos, Border Collies, Staffy crosses and Alaskan Malamutes. Some dogs even tried the up-and-coming Size Jimmy prototype, due for release in 2026. November Two Days, 28 Dogs, Countless Wins Across two fully booked days, we welcomed 28 dogs and their guardians, each with their own story. Read more Every dog left with a well-fitted muzzle and a clearer path forward. From first-time introductions to refining fit for seasoned wearers, it's about confidence, education, and changing how muzzles are experienced. December A Kind End to a Busy Year With Size Pippa muzzles arriving at HQ, the team were busy packing orders, but still held one fitting day. Read more 10 dogs and their guardians joined Kasey, our newest team member, alongside Annie. With Christmas gifts for every dog and plenty of reassurance, it felt less like an appointment and more like a celebration, a lovely way to close out our 2025 fitting days. Thank you to every dog and guardian who joined us in 2025.

🐶 Muzzle Fit Troubleshooting: How to Fix Common Dog Muzzle Fit Issues Finding the perfect muzzle fit for your dog isn’t always easy. Even with the right measurements, sometimes things don’t feel quite right. If you’ve ever thought, “Why doesn’t my dog’s muzzle fit properly?” or “Why does my dog keep getting the muzzle off?” this guide is for you. Let’s walk through the most common dog muzzle fitting problems and how to fix them, one wag at a time.     📖 Related Reading: Gentle Muzzle Measuring Guide Before you measure or fit your dog's muzzle, we highly recommend reading our newest blog for a gentle, low-stress approach: ➡️ Introducing Measuring Tools to Your Dog – A Gentle Guide to Muzzle Fittingwww.themuzzlemovement.com/blogs/muzzle-fit/introducing-measuring-tools-to-your-dog-a-gentle-guide-to-muzzle-fitting     ❓ My Dog Keeps Getting the Muzzle Off If your dog is pawing at the muzzle, rubbing it on the floor, or slipping it off completely, consider these three key factors: ✅ 1. Does the Muzzle Fit Properly? A poor fit can cause discomfort and frustration. Make sure the muzzle: Isn’t digging into your dog’s cheeks Isn’t too long or too short Has enough pant room to allow your dog to breathe, yawn, and drink ➡️ See our guide on What makes a Good Dog Muzzle Fit  ✅ 2. Is Your Dog Muzzle-Trained? Without gradual desensitisation, your dog may resist wearing the muzzle. Take time to: Build a positive association with the muzzle Use treats and praise Progress slowly in short, reward-filled sessions ➡️ Take a look at our Ultimate Dog Muzzle Training Guide here or you can check out The Complete Muzzle Training Course. This course is comprehensive and detailed, and whilst we will give you the tools to make this happen, you do need to commit to putting in the time and effort to make it work. It’s self-paced, so there is no need to rush through and it’s important to work through at your dogs’ pace, but as with all things, the more time and effort you put in, the more progress you will make. Ready to muzzle train? ✅ 3. Do You Need Extra Security Straps? If the fit is right but your dog is still managing to remove the muzzle, try these accessories: Head Strap – Prevents the muzzle from sliding down Chin Strap or Chin Loop – Helps stop the muzzle from popping up and over the nose Muzzle Stop – Attaches the neck strap to your dog’s collar for extra stability ➡️ Learn more about our muzzle accessories 🧷 Quick Guide: Which Strap Fixes What? Problem Suggested Strap Muzzle slips down like a necklace Head Strap Muzzle pops off over the nose Chin Loop / Chin Strap Dog has small or cropped ears Chin Strap or Muzzle Stop   😣 The Muzzle Is Too Tight or Too Loose on the Cheeks 🛠️ Too Tight? Our muzzles can usually be stretched up to 1cm extra width on the back of the muzzle. Many customers have been able to achieve more stretch (up to 2/2.5cm) but we can't promise this and they may return to only 1cm wider over time. To achieve the 1cm extra width, muzzles must be placed in boiling water for two minutes and stretched AT LEAST an extra 2cm than the standard width of the muzzle. The muzzle must be thoroughly cooled (a minimum of 4 hours) before being removed from the pan/bowl/wood that this stretching it, and may stay at 2cm wider for around 24 hours, before settling at around 1cm wider than the standard width. Muzzles can be narrowed by between 0.5cm (smaller sizes like Rex and Neli), up to 1cm for medium sizes and up to around 1.3cm for larger sizes (Sunny, Harry, Mitzy). 🛠️ Too Loose? Boil and reshape to slightly narrow the cheek area for a better fit ➡️ Watch our Muzzle Adjustment Guide📧 Or send photos/videos to support@themuzzlemovement.com   ❓The Muzzle Matches My Dog’s Measurements, But It Still Doesn’t Fit Even with correct measurements, your dog’s face shape might not suit the standard muzzle model. Possible reasons: The muzzle size matches, but the shape doesn’t Your dog’s cheekbones or snout angle may be a unique fit 📸 Send us photos or videos showing the fit - we’ll advise as best we can. support@themuzzlemovement.com 🛠️ If needed, a custom muzzle from a specialist might be your best option.   💤 The Muzzle Pushes Into My Dog’s Eyes When They Lie Down Our muzzles offer generous pant space to allow your dog to eat, drink, pant, and yawn safely. When lying down, the muzzle may shift upward over their eyes. This is normal and not harmful. Most dogs adapt by resting with their head tilted. 😕 The Muzzle Wobbles Around on My Dog’s Face This may suggest: The muzzle is slightly too large It lacks stability underneath ✅ Add a chin strap to help anchor it more securely under the chin. 📏 The Muzzle Is Too Long for My Dog If the muzzle: Pushes into your dog’s eyes Prevents access to treats through the treat hole Check: Is the back width too narrow, causing the muzzle to sit too far forward? Fixes: Boil and stretch to widen the cheek area Flip the noseband so the excess faces inward, away from the eyes ➡️ See our muzzle adjustment tutorial📧 Still unsure? Send us a video for feedback.     🐽 The Muzzle Is Too Short for My Dog If your dog’s nose touches or is squashed at the front: Upgrade to a 38mm extended noseband (standard is 25mm) ➡️ Shop replacement nosebands     🦴 The Muzzle Bumps Against My Dog’s Neck This is more common with deep pant-space models like the Taz or Mitzy, especially if: Your dog is at the lower end of the muzzle’s size range They have a short neck or deep chest 📸 Every dog is different! Send us a video so we can help.     💌 Need Help Troubleshooting Your Dog’s Muzzle Fit? At The Muzzle Movement, we understand every dog is unique. If you’re unsure about fit, sizing, or adjustments: 📷 Send us clear, straight-on photos or videos📧 Email: support@themuzzlemovement.com👃 Include your dog’s measurements and how you measured     📝 One-Fit Review Policy To give each dog the care they deserve, we offer one sizing review per dog. Please ensure: You provide full and final measurements You include clear photos showing how you measured Waiting until you have everything ready helps us avoid duplicates and respond faster. 🐾 💡 We’re a small team, and it can take up to 3 working days for us to reply. Future support will be offered as post-purchase advice only.We cannot offer a new review based on updated or changed measurements.     ✅ Final Tip: Every Dog Is Unique Even with correct measurements, some dogs simply don’t suit standard muzzle shapes. That’s okay! With the right combination of tools, training, and a little patience, you’ll find a fit that keeps your dog comfortable, safe, and confident.  

When it comes to choosing the perfect-fitting dog muzzle, accurate measurements are key. But before grabbing your tape measure, it’s essential to help your dog feel safe and relaxed around these unfamiliar tools. This guide will walk you through how to measure your dog for a muzzle using both traditional and alternative methods, all designed to be dog-friendly, low-stress, and positive.   🧰 What Tools Will You Need to Measure Your Dog for a Muzzle? To get the most accurate fit, gather the following ✅ Soft Measuring Tape (preferred for flexibility and comfort) ✅ Flexible or Flat Ruler ✅ High-value Treats (essential for positive reinforcement!) Optional or alternative tools for sensitive dogs: 🥣 Clean, empty large yoghurt pot (great for nose targeting) 📏 Cutting mat with printed measurements (ideal for visual, contact-free measuring) 🐶 Step-by-Step: How to Introduce Measuring Tools to Your Dog 1. Let Your Dog Explore the Measuring Tools Lay the tape measure or ruler on the ground and let your dog sniff and check it out. Pro tip: Pair curiosity with treats and happy praise! 2. Associate the Tools with Positive Experiences Hold the tools near your dog, but don’t use them just yet. Reward calm behaviour with treats, affection, or play. This helps build a positive association with muzzle measuring tools. 3. Desensitise Gently and Gradually Start by touching your dog with the tool on low-sensitivity areas like their back or shoulders. Work slowly toward the face and muzzle, rewarding along the way. 4. Keep It Short and Sweet Limit each session to about 5 minutes. Always stop while your dog is still comfortable and engaged, even if you haven’t completed the full measurement yet. 🐾 Dog-Friendly Alternatives to Traditional Measuring Tools Alternative #1: Yoghurt Pot Nose Targeting For dogs who are nervous about rulers or tape measures, a yoghurt pot can provide a pressure-free, fun alternative. How to Use: Use a clean, empty large yoghurt pot that fits over your dog’s snout. Place a treat or a smear of peanut butter inside the bottom of the pot. Let your dog voluntarily place their nose inside. With repetition, your dog will learn to target the pot confidently. How to Estimate Muzzle Size: Mark where the snout reaches inside the pot. Measure the pot’s opening for snout width. Use these reference points to estimate snout length and width. Remember, we need the widest points of the cheeks for the width measurement, so you’ll need to estimate that based on the width of the pot opening. 🐕 This hands-off approach is great for dogs sensitive to physical contact on the face. Alternative #2: Cutting Board Chin Rest Another clever trick is to use a cutting board or measuring mat with a printed ruler or grid. How to Use: Place a cutting mat or board with printed measurements on a surface level with your dog’s head (a stool, low table, or bench works well). Encourage your dog to rest their chin on the board using treats. Once your dog is comfortable, gently note where their nose starts and ends on the measurement grid. You may find it easier to set up a tripod for your phone to record a video, which you can then look back on and pause to take the measurements. Why This Works: No rulers or tape touching the dog. The chin rest position is calming and stationary, making it easier to get consistent measurements. Great for visual learners - what you see is what you get! 📸 Capture the Perfect Measurement Whether you're using traditional tools or alternative methods, recording the session can be incredibly helpful. Photos and videos: Lets you double-check accuracy Provide visual references of your dog’s face shape Can be shared with our expert team for fitting support 🎥 Tip: Aim for straight-on photos (not angled), showing the full face, snout length, and width. 💡 Bonus Tips for a Calm Measuring Session 👥 Ask a helper to assist – one person measures, the other rewards 🎉 Make it a game – treat frequently, keep it fun! ⏳ Go at your dog’s pace – no pressure 📷 Set up your phone on a tripod to film hands-free. Ensuring to capture the measurements clearly, the full face of the dog and images taken straight on, not from an angle. These can be used to review afterwards or sent to us for a second opinion. Measuring Small Dogs for a Muzzle Extra Considerations for Tiny Faces, Big Feelings & Fluffy Coats 🐶 Measuring a small dog for a muzzle can come with a few unique challenges. Tiny faces, fluffy coats, prominent eyes and sensitive handling can all make the process feel a little more complicated, but with the right approach, it can absolutely be done gently and accurately. READ MORE HERE   🐕 Ready to Choose the Right Dog Muzzle? Once you’ve taken your measurements (or best estimates), you’re ready to explore muzzle options that are both safe and comfortable for your dog.  Visit our Dog Muzzle Sizing Guide to match your measurements with the right muzzle style.   Still unsure? Email your photos, videos, and measurements to support@themuzzlemovement.com – our sizing experts are happy to help. If you would like more guidance on how to measure the length, height and width, our blog on what makes a well fitting muzzle will help.   Follow the instructions carefully: Accurate measurements are essential for the right fit. Check your measurements twice: Incorrect measurements can lead to the wrong size being recommended by the quiz. Use the sizing chart or quiz for guidance: This will help ensure you select the perfect muzzle for your dog. If you're struggling or need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us at support@themuzzlemovement.com.    One-Fit-Review Policy Please ensure you have provided your dog's measurements and any photos showing how you measured. This helps us support you quickly and accurately. To help us give every dog the time and care they deserve, we usually offer one sizing recommendation per dog. If you're unsure, please wait until you have your final measurements and photos ready before contacting us, this helps avoid duplicate reviews and means we can support everyone faster 🐾 We are a small team working extra hard to ensure your muzzles arrive as quickly as possible. It can take us up to 3 working days to reply to your query. Any future assistance we offer will be as post-purchase support only. We won’t be able to offer a new sizing review based on updated or changed measurements.    

We cannot believe the rollercoaster that The Muzzle Movement has been on and we are so proud of EVERYTHING we have achieved so far November 2019  Clara adopts Tolly    Tolly is the reason The Muzzle Movement exists, my love for him and my frustration with peoples response to his muzzle lead me to quit my senior position in the UKs largest rescue.. and spend all of my time advocating for muzzled dogs and their guardians. Wild right! So what makes this pointer cross so special? I adopted Tolly from my place of work at the time - Dogs Trust, he was 7 years old and his life up to the day he came home with me included being exposed to domestic abuse. As a consequence, he would use aggressive behaviour when approached by unfamiliar people. Particularly men, in black jackets to be precise! Tolly also would use aggressive behaviour when approached by unfamiliar dogs, despite living happily with my other two pre-existing dogs. As you can imagine, this made him somewhat of a liability when out of the house! He had also bitten a member of the public. For the first time in my life, I was on the receiving end of the muzzle stigma! And my eyes were wide open! I realised that in order to change the public perception of muzzled dogs, I would need to create a muzzle that didn't just look nice but it met the needs of the dogs wearing them. I knew the arguments against muzzles now, 'they're cruel' 'you wouldn't tape a childs mouth shut' and those people weren't always wrong! We do have a responsibility to make sure that the muzzles our dogs are wearing, are ethical. That dogs can pant comfortably, drink easily and be reinforced freely! But are there actually muzzles out there that can both appear to be less scary AND be comfortable and ethical? Well.. the answer was not really! So, me and Tolly set off on a mission! First stop, Change the publics perception of muzzled dogs. Easy right? READ MORE   September 2021 Following her own experience, Clara sets up The Muzzle Movement Instagram page, to be a safe space for muzzled dog guardians, to share information, advice and muzzle advocacy. @the.muzzle.movement   October 2021 Clara realises that the kind of muzzle she was looking for, for Tolly, didn’t exist.  She begins to design what she is looking for and has it 3D printed for Tolly. The followers of The Muzzle Movement show interest in being able to buy something similar so the idea of creating a new muzzle properly develops! Clara also designs some advocacy apparel and stickers. November 2021 The first Muzzle Movement prototypes are unveiled on Instagram and earn an excited and positive reception! December 2021 The plan to launch The Muzzle Movement muzzles and accessories via Kickstarter begins. There is a long journey of planning and preparing ahead! January 2022 The Muzzle Movement Biothane Accessories are revealed, including collars, leads, long lines, safety straps and grab handles. 14th April 2022 The Kickstarter launches for sizes Sunny, Tolly & Neli.   15thApril 2022 Tragically, Tolly has to be put to sleep the day after the Kickstarter launch, due to an inoperable tumour in his spine. Clara is understandably devastated but resolves to continue this journey and make The Muzzle Movement Tolly’s legacy. 14th May 2022 The Kickstarter ends, having raised an incredible £46,101. 1008 muzzles are sold, with 117 customers choosing to add matching gear plus 246 stickers sold! June 2022 Clara has poured her heart and soul into The Muzzle Movement, balancing her full-time job while making an incredible 1,008 muzzles and fulfilling the Kickstarter orders—all from the humble beginnings of her spare room. Partner George was by her side every step of the way, lending his hands and energy to ensure every order was crafted and shipped with care. Together, Clara and George worked tirelessly, often clocking 70–80 hours a week to meet the overwhelming demand. The sheer volume of orders that came flooding in was both exhilarating and humbling, showing just how much the community believed in their mission. This dedication, passion, and relentless drive is what turned their vision into a reality, ensuring that every muzzle made it into the hands of dog guardians around the world. It’s a testament to the belief that with hard work, commitment, and a little teamwork, even the biggest challenges can be overcome. July 2022 Pre-orders, outside of Kickstarter, open to the general public. Annie joins part time helping to write a muzzle training guide and doing customer support.   January 2023 In the first 6 months of pre-orders 429 muzzles are ordered! A standard hole punch arrives meaning that straps are no longer punched a single hole at a time!  Size Rex launches as pre-order. April 2023 Bex joins the team helping to build muzzles and answer customer queries. Clara quits her job and becomes The Muzzle Movement CEO full time! We finally outgrow the spare room and move to our own unit! Size Taz & Size Harry is in the early stages of design as Clara recognised there was no muzzle off-the-shelf which is suitable for bull breeds. August 2023 Our beautiful new website launches and our order process streamlines!  Size Taz & Harry launches for pre-order. Becky joins part time helping with customer service and muzzle making September 2023 Bex becomes the first full time employee! Size Rex arrives and all of the pre-orders are hand assembled and shipped. We launch our first ever Limited Edition Halloween Collection with UV printed Biothane. Our brand new Affiliates scheme launches for force-free professionals. Ashley signed up to our affiliate scheme in September 2023. In her first 6 months of being an affiliate, Ashley has referred a whopping 89 orders & has earned almost £800 store credit in commission!   October 2023 We launch our Canine Professional Bundles, with each of our sizes and additional nosebands. These are aimed at trainers, rescues, vets etc. November 2023 After the success of our Halloween collection, we released a Limited Ed Christmas Collection. We also held our first ever fitting day, aimed at XL Bullies to try on our prototypes and help with the design process. Size Mitzy is designed. Rowan joins the team part time helping to build muzzles.   We had a fantastic time at the Hope Rescue event, reconnecting with many old friends and welcoming new ones into The Muzzle Movement community. It was heartwarming to see so many familiar faces and to assist new members with their muzzle fitting appointments, ensuring their dogs have the perfect fit for safety and comfort. Our brand-new stand with updated POS materials was a hit, and our photo booth provided a fun way for attendees to capture memories of the day. During our visit, we also had the opportunity to test the very first small dog prototypes on some incredibly sweet dogs who made wonderful models for the afternoon. Overall, the event was a great success, filled with support, engagement, and a shared love for our muzzled dogs. December 2023 Becky quits her job and joins the team full time as a Design and Development officer! Tabby joins us part-time to help with painting and manufacturing. We travel to Banbury to attend a muzzle fitting day organised by Sophie White, Veterinary Behaviourist. At the end of the month, size Harry arrives and we manage to ship an incredible 777 orders shipped, as well as receiving 910 orders. Size Mitzy continues to be developed.   December was a whirlwind of dedication and determination for Clara, George, and the entire team at The Muzzle Movement. It was a month defined by incredible milestones and non-stop hard work. As the month unfolded, we were thrilled to welcome the arrival of Size Harry, a long-anticipated addition to our muzzle range. This was a pivotal moment for us, and it sparked an overwhelming response from our community. By the end of December, we had achieved something truly remarkable: an incredible 777 orders shipped! Alongside this, we received a staggering 910 new orders—an amazing show of support and trust from our customers. These numbers reflect not just the demand but the belief in our mission to provide dogs with muzzles that prioritize comfort and safety.   In the midst of this, Size Mitzy continued its development journey, with improvements and refinements being made to ensure it meets the high standards we strive for in every product. The XL Bully ban also brought urgency and responsibility, as many dog guardians looked to us for reliable solutions. We worked around the clock—literally all hours of the day and night—to ensure we could meet the surge in demand and get muzzles out to those who needed them most.   December wasn't just about meeting orders; it was about stepping up for our community during a critical time. Every package shipped and every muzzle crafted carried with it our dedication to dogs and their guardians, making it a month we’ll never forget.     January 2024 Annie quits her own business and joins the team full time as Community Education and Engagement Officer. Size Taz is in full production.  We get our very own 3D printer to help us with our design process! February 2024 Clara’s partner George leaves his career as a Chef and joins the team full time! Rowan leaves her own business and takes up her role full time too!   March 2024 The Muzzle Movement team attend our FIRST EVER event and we jump in the deep end with – CRUFTS! We have the most incredible week and reach hundreds of guardians! We are so proud to be the first EVER stand dedicated to muzzle positivity in Crufts history! April 2024 We move to our larger unit and Meg J joins the team full time as a Customisation Officer.   We feature some muzzle articles in Dogs Today magazine for the next four months and we have our first professional photoshoot with some amazing dogs and guardians.   May 2024 We attend the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes Conference, as well as our first DogFest at Ragley Hall. Clara works on designing our new scavenger guards. (Patent-Pending) We launch a new muzzle fitters map on our website, showing force-free professionals who have our range of muzzles and offer fittings for the public.   June 2024 We have a really busy couple of months with just a week between several events! We attend BVA Live where Clara is invited to speak about muzzle use in Veterinary settings and we also exhibit at DogFest Tatton Park. We launch our new padded nosebands. July 2024 Our patent-pending scavenger guards launch for pre-order!   Bev joins our team as Marketing Executive! August 2024 Another busy events months sees up visiting Wales to attend the Hope Rescue Open Day before we head off up to Scotland to do a tour of some SSPCA centres!   Here we are able to discuss muzzling and muzzle fit with the staff, as well as fit 34 individual dogs for their own muzzles! Before heading home, we drive across to the North East Dog Festival where Clara presents a talk on muzzled dogs. We also launch some gorgeous new Biothane colours.   September 2024 Our last DogFest of the year is at Knebworth House. We launch our 2nd Halloween collection and we take delivery of the most exciting machine EVER!   Our custom designed, automated strap cutting machine was hand built for us and our needs! The first batch of Size Mitzy arrives and we ship 450 of the earliest pre-orders in just 4 days. We join the UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter as a supporting company, as well as becoming Corporate Ambassadors of Pet Professional Guild. October 2024 Robyn joins our team full time to work on customer service and customisation. Clara attends the PetQuip awards and wins not one, but two prestigious awards! Clara wins Rising Star and The Muzzle Movement wins the Most Promising New Business Awards. We have an exciting visitor in Dr Scott, the Rescue Vet, to the unit to learn all about muzzles, what we do and how muzzles help in rescue.   We have a special day to test our top-secret size Galaxy prototypes – a design we have been working on for months to get it just right and to fill a huge gap in the market. We also sponsor and attend the Pet Professional Guild Summit.   November 2024 We hold a special fitting day for Staffy types to try on our new size Pippa/Patrick prototypes. We sponsor and attend the Animal Behaviour Kent ‘When Dogs Bite Conference’ and our 2nd Christmas collection launches.   Clara attends the Pet Industry Federation and wins the New Business of the Year Award.  We hold our first ever Black Friday sale and beat our own record by shipping 178 muzzles in one day! December 2024 We ship our 2nd batch of Mitzy pre-orders and launch a selection of colours of size Mitzy as in stock on the website This is the largest ‘off-the-shelf’ muzzle available to purchase in the world!     Unsung Heroes 2024 & Philippa Robinson Dog Welfare Award We attended the Unsung Heroes 2024 & Philippa Robinson Dog Welfare Award at the Houses of Parliament. It’s humbling to be recognised alongside so many dedicated individuals who strive every day to make a positive impact on dogs lives. As for the evening itself, it was filled with incredible speakers. Many congratulations to Dr Dan O’Neil, who was awarded the Philippa Robinson Dog Welfare Award for his outstanding work in this sector. It was a truly amazing event, brilliantly hosted by Dr Marc Abraham OBE.   We are chuffed to announce our new corporate partnership with The Pet Professional Guild (PPG). By joining forces with the PPG, whose ethics and professional standards so closely mirror our own, we’re strengthening our dedication to championing positive, cruelty free practices within the dog industry.   In the past year, we’ve: 🐾 Fitted over 100 XL Bullies in person, ensuring the perfect fit. 🐾 Shipped thousands of muzzles across the UK and worldwide, helping countless dogs live more comfortably. 🐾 Worked with guardians facing tight deadlines to get their dogs muzzle ready in time for the ban. One unexpected positive? The bright, colourful designs of our muzzles have helped shift public perception. Muzzled dogs aren’t scary… they’re loved, cared for, and have guardians willing to fight for them. Every single dog we’ve met this year has been sweet and loving, breaking the stereotypes perpetuated by the media. Guardians have gone to incredible lengths… travelling miles, navigating judgement, and doing whatever it takes to ensure their dogs are happy and safe. To all the guardians out there: You are not alone, and we’ll continue to support you every step of the way.   ALL OF THAT in such a short frame of time! We cannot believe the rollercoaster that The Muzzle Movement has been on and we are so proud of EVERYTHING we have achieved so far…but we are just getting started! We have big plans for 2025 including: Fulfilling all Mitzy pre-orders and fully stocking all colours on the website! Attending our second Crufts in March, plus several more events Finalising the designs and launching sizes Galaxy, Mia, Pippa, Patrick & Jimmy! Releasing a comprehensive online muzzle training course Launching our hugely anticipated wholesale option plus rescue discounts!    

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/  

As part of our 12 Days of Christmas, we’re donating muzzles to rescue centres. But this isn’t just about the here and now.   The holiday season is all about giving—and this year, we’re thrilled to share how we’re spreading some love to rescue centres in our community. 💕   Our muzzles follow the dogs as they find their forever homes, offering support to their new guardians and ensuring the dogs feel safe and confident. 💗   Think about it—when a rescue dog walks into a new chapter of life, their muzzle becomes a gift for life, making sure they’re ready for whatever comes next. 🌟   We couldn’t do this without you! Your ongoing support fuels our ability to make these donations, helping us empower more dogs and their guardians.   Want to see the difference we’re making together? From all of us at The Muzzle Movement, thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we’re building a world where dogs can thrive. 🌻 Clara & The Muzzle Movement Team  Checkout our winners of our 12 days of Christmas Giveaway & your Voucher gifting. Carla Lane Animals in Need Rebel Rescuee South Korea SGT Peppers Friends New Collar Collection Nations Animal Rescue Trust WoodGreen Pets Charity Lanta Animal Welfare Friends of Rain Rescue Rescue Hotel Dogs Trust Hope Rescue Jerry Green Dog Rescue  

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!

Los perros confían en poder jadear para regular su temperatura corporal, si el jadeo de un perro está restringido, puede provocar un sobrecalentamiento. Además, el jadeo puede estar asociado con el estrés o, a veces, incluso con condiciones médicas. Por lo tanto, cuando un perro no puede jadear adecuadamente, nos estamos perdiendo un lenguaje corporal importante que podría ayudarnos a comprender mejor lo que nuestros perros están experimentando. Los bozales restrictivos pueden provocar un aumento del estrés y asociaciones negativas con los bozales en el futuro, por lo que es importante que consideremos primero el espacio para los pantalones. No todos los perros necesitan poder jadear por completo en todos los contextos, como si se usan bajo supervisión en casa, un viaje corto en automóvil, una caminata muy corta o una visita al veterinario. Sin embargo, si un perro está haciendo ejercicio o en una situación de mucho estrés, los bozales pequeños pueden ser peligrosos. Este es el pantalón más grande de tu perro. Por lo general, después de hacer ejercicio, jugar o cuando hace calor. Es importante que facilitemos un pantalón completo cuando los perros son: Correr, caminar o hacer ejercicio Tiempo de juego o mucha energía En situaciones de alto estrés en clima caliente Si se usa durante períodos prolongados Siempre se recomienda un pantalón completo para perros con dificultades respiratorias. El hocico puede parecer demasiado grande cuando la boca del perro está cerrada, ¡pero eso es normal! Pero demasiado grande es probable que sea incómodo y restrinja el movimiento.  Este es el pantalón regular o diario de su perro, generalmente en una caminata informal o cuando experimenta un estrés leve. Se podría utilizar un bozal que facilite un pantalón parcial: Cuando se usa por períodos cortos, como de la casa al automóvil o para ir al baño Sujeción en los veterinarios, cortes de uñas o peluqueros En el hogar, si el estrés es bajo y se controla de cerca. Es importante recordar que aún es preferible poder jadear por completo, particularmente en situaciones de alto estrés. Debajo, el perro jadea parcialmente, pero tiene la capacidad de jadear por completo si es necesario. Los bozales que no permiten que los perros jadeen también se denominan bozales de oclusión y solo deben usarse cuando; Aconsejado por su veterinario, como recuperarse de una cirugía de mandíbula Durante no más de 5 minutos al cortar o arreglar las uñas En una emergencia cuando no hay otras alternativas adecuadas Si un perro no puede abrir la boca, tampoco puede beber, comer y jadear. Ningún perro con bozal debe dejarse desatendido, pero los perros que usan bozal de oclusión deben ser monitoreados de cerca. Aunque la longitud es una medida más relajada y la mayoría de los perros pueden manejar bozales ligeramente largos, si los bozales son significativamente más largos corremos el riesgo de perjudicar su visión. Los perros pueden ver sus propias narices, por lo que si un hocico se extiende mucho más allá de la punta de la nariz, ¡puede cambiar su campo de visión! Además, los perros saben qué tan larga es su nariz, al agregar longitud adicional aumentamos el riesgo de que nuestros perros golpeen su hocico contra algo, esto puede ser extremadamente aversivo para algunos. ¡Por fin los perros pueden oler hasta 100.000 veces mejor que un humano! Y la capacidad de relacionarse con su entorno es una parte integral de una buena calidad de vida. Los bozales largos evitan que los perros olfateen intensamente, por supuesto que aún pueden oler, pero no es tan natural y pueden empujar el hocico para olfatear más intensamente, lo que probablemente provoque frotamiento, irritación ocular e incluso puede ser aversivo para algunas personas. Lo ideal es que el hocico quede a 0,25"-5" de la nariz y a 0,5" de los ojos. ¡Aunque cada perro es un individuo! El ancho también puede ser una medida bastante relajada al dimensionar un bozal, es probable que demasiado angosto sea incómodo, pero un poco de ancho generalmente no es un problema y puede ser necesario para obtener suficiente longitud o espacio para los pantalones. Siempre puede asegurarlo con una correa adicional para la cabeza, una correa para la barbilla o un tope para el bozal, pero un bozal demasiado ancho podría moverse en la cara de un perro y causar rozaduras e incomodidad. También podría empujar hacia arriba en sus ojos o chocar contra su cara mientras se mueven. Recordar.. ¡Es muy poco probable que sin invertir en un bozal de tamaño personalizado, todas las medidas sean perfectas! ¡Un poco demasiado largo o ancho es mejor que demasiado corto o angosto! Para obtener más información sobre cómo medir un bozal, consulte nuestra 'Guía de medición'.

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.

How our Muzzles are made This is the first of a series of blog posts showing you the behind the scenes process, how we got to where we are and what steps we have learnt along the way!  This time we are going to walk you through our design to manufacture process from start to finish! Remember the muzzle movement is only just 2 years old, prior to this we had never ran a business before! Let alone launched an entirely new, ground breaking product!  We had to learn everything as we went, we don't have any angel investors, or silent partners. We are a tiny team, but we have got big dreams!! We start with measurements based on a 'type' of dog we would like to create a size for, this is usually based on customer feedback but sometimes because we feel this is a size that is likely to be popular. We begin creating a 3D model of this size, at this early stage we aren't worried too much about the 'aesthetics' we are really focused on making sure that this muzzle is going to be functional and fit the dogs that we wanted it to.  Sometimes this is easy, if we are releasing a size that is closely based on a pre-existing size but with some changes like additional pant room.  Other times, this is very challenging, because we are designing our muzzles from scratch, we aren't using another muzzle companies measurements or style, because we want to create something that is uniquely designed with the wearer in mind.  Stage 2. Print a Prototype Once we have an initial design we are happy with, we get this model 3D printed. Before we ever try this size on a dog, we look for obvious flaws in design like if the nose band will sit as intended, if there are any large gaps or holes that need to be made smaller, if there are any bars that are going to impact the dogs comfort and we go back to the drawing board and make any edits required!   We usually work our way through a couple of prototypes at this stage, without yet even trying them on the intended faces!  Stage 3. Rope in the Rescues Once we are happy with the basic shape and fit of the nose band, we will search through our contacts in rescue looking for dogs that fit within our anticipated range!  We then ask our friends to get us some video footage of the desired dogs doing some fun muzzle training. We try and make sure we get a variety of different dogs that we think are likely to fall within this new sizes recommended range. Some of these dogs are completely muzzle trained, others have never seen a muzzle before.  We would never ask anyone to put a muzzle on a dog, unless the dog was pre-conditioned to a muzzle and comfortable with the process. These prototype sessions are usually good fun for both the dog and the handler!  This stage can take weeks, as we are working with rescues, and due to having worked in rescue ourselves we know the time pressures that come with this type of environment!  We also ask our rescue friends for any feedback, such as was the treat hole in the right position and we usually ask for photos to better understand any feedback provided. Stage 4. Anyalysis We analyse the video footage, looking specifically at how the muzzle fits on the different dogs faces.   What we are look for at this stage is: - Do these dogs have enough room to pant? - Is the treat hole in the right postion? -does the muzzle fit well on the dogs cheeks? - Is the muzzle the right length? - is there anything that is obstructing the vision? - are there any areas where we think the holes are to big? - does the nose band sit correctly on the dogs face? - are there any other fit related concerns?  Usually there is lots of work that needs to be done! We will often go back to the 3D drawing and make lots of edits, before reprinting and starting the process over again, trying it on the same dogs a second time if we can, but hopefully by this stage they have gone home! So often it is a new lot of dogs!  These 4 stages can take months, usually we have a minimum of 5 different prototypes printed, before we release anything publicly!  Stage 5. Finalise before Launch Okay now we are confident we are on the final prototype, we do a few  things simultaneously!  1) We go back to our rescue friends and ask them to gather as much high quality video footage and photos as possible, and we start to explore family and friends who might have dogs that fit within this size range. The aim here is to begin gathering content to use to show you this size on social media.  2) we get the final measurements, including with the two different widths of nose band, and we upload these measurements to our pre-order store so people can pre order this size based on measurements alone (which should be all you need, as you cannot size based on breed!)    3) We do a size comparison on our instagram highlights, showing this size compared to our other pre-existing sizes, this is saved into our 'new size information' highlight. and finally 4) we add the final touches to the 3D model, such as branding, size name, bevel any edges, and make sure we are happy with how to muzzle looks aesthetically.  Stage 6. Raise the Funds The muzzle now begins the fund raising phase! Manufacturing an injection moulded muzzle is extremely expensive. The tooling for the injection mould costs around £18,000-£30,000 (per size!).  In order to raise these funds, we save money from the sales of our current sizes, but we also raise funds through pre orders. We set a target, which is usually the amount of muzzles we need to sell of this size, in order to be able to start manufacturing, to allow people to order their desired size, without being charged until the manufacturing process begins.   During this period of fund raising we are in discussions with our manufacturers to make sure that the predicted quotes don't change. As sometimes, it can take months from when we initially release a size for pre-order, to beginning manufacturing. And during this time there can sometimes be additional costs incurred such as the price of materials changing.  Stage 7. Target Reached We have hit our target and no have the funds we need, so we pay our manufacturers 50% upfront and start building the injection mould.  This is an extremely lengthy process and takes approximately 12-16 weeks, depending on the time of year and what other projects they have happening at the same time.  Throughout that 12-16 week period, we continue to gather footage of prototypes on dogs and promote across social media in order to raise the funds for the second payment which is due in order to begin making the moulds themselves.    Stage 8. Final Samples The injection mould tooling is finished! We now get what is called a final sample, which instead of a 3D print, is an injection moulded sample of our final product. this is the last opportunity we have to make any additional changes - and even then the changes that we can make at this stage are extremely limited and usually incur an additional fee. We use this sample to ensure that we have an accurate understanding of what the strapping and nose bands need to be and once we are happy we pay the second instalment and we proceed with making the moulds!    Stage 9. Action Sations! At this stage, it's all things go! We have lots to do, and very little time to do it!  Usually we have sold a huge number of muzzles in advance of the moulds arriving with us at our warehouse. Which means we have hundreds of different biothane parts to make!  So whilst we are busy making all the nose bands and straps, a stage that we can't do until we have had the final sample and are certain that all measurements are correct and final. This usually means that we have to rope in additional hands, like temporary workers, friends and family.  We also update all of the people that have pre-ordered this size, because ship date is now almost upon us! which means everyone needs to confirm their address hasn't changed and that they don't want to make any last min changes to their order.  Sneak Peek behind the scenes... At the same time, the manufacturers are injection moulding hundreds of muzzles!  Our muzzles are made from Polyethylene, which is a commonly used plastic that can be used for anything from food and drink containers to replacement knee joints! Each time the manufacturer switches the plastic colour, the machine has to be flushed clean. Which means that we have a minimum order we have to meet, we can't simply order 30 or 40 pastel pink, we have to make sure it's cost effective for both us and for them! This is usually costly, because although we have usually sold lots of muzzles at this point, we are normally ordering even more than we have sold.     Stage 10. Building & Shipping Now we have all of the biothane parts ready, the muzzles are delivered to our unit in the hundreds or thousands!  We now have the mammoth task of attaching all of the strapping, which is all done in house at our own unit. The reason we do this ourselves, is to give you the choice to pick everything from hardware colour, to biothane colour, to fastening type.  If we were to outsource this we would loose the ability to remain flexible and you wouldn't have the ability to design and choose your perfect colour scheme! Plus it's the best bit anyway! Making your muzzles by hand brings us so much joy! We have a number of different machines that help us save time, keep an eye our for a future blog where we can share the lessons we have learned along the way! 

Discuta las implicaciones de afirmar que es a prueba de mordeduras, haciendo referencia a diferentes presiones bucales de perros (¡Kengal con 720 PSI!)

¡Hay un par de opciones para garantizar que su nuevo collar sea ideal para su perro! El 'ajuste perfecto' depende de las preferencias personales, algunos tutores (¡y perros!) prefieren un collar más holgado, mientras que los perros que caminan con una correa atada al collar necesitarían un ajuste más seguro del que no pudieran salirse. Independientemente del uso, ningún collar debe estar demasiado apretado y recomendamos poder colocar dos dedos entre el cuello del perro y el collar para garantizar que sea cómodo. Ofrecemos 2 anchos de collar, 1" (25 mm de ancho) son adecuados para razas medianas-gigantes, o algunas razas más pequeñas con cuellos largos (whippets, etc.) y 5/8" (16 mm de ancho) son adecuados para razas pequeñas-medianas, o algunas razas grandes que no caminan con collar pero tienen uno para fines de identificación. Para verificar la longitud del collar que necesita, puede medir el collar existente de su perro (desabrochado o desabrochado y acostado) si tienen uno que le quede bien, y pedirnos uno que sea del mismo tamaño. (Imagen del cuello de clip rápido que se mide) Si prefiere medir a su perro directamente, aquí tiene nuestros mejores consejos. Las medidas de nuestros collares son las longitudes reales del collar, desabrochado y plano, desde la hebilla hasta el orificio más pequeño y el orificio más grande, respectivamente. Por lo tanto, deberá agregar un par de centímetros a la medida del cuello "ajustado" para permitir un ajuste cómodo.