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Force-Free Promise
Discover The Muzzle Movement's Force-Free Promise: Committed to ethical training, partnering with like-minded professionals, and supporting force-free rescues and vets.
We are incredibly proud to have a team of experts including professional dog trainers and behaviourists at The Muzzle Movement.
We have over 70 years combined experience in rescue, as well as a Masters in Clinical Animal Behaviour, Level 4 diplomas in Behaviour and accreditations with APDT, IMDT and ABTC within our team.
We are educated and experienced in this field and we understand the impacts of different training methods. In our personal and professional lives, we are committed to using force-free, science-based, kind and effective training methods and we are committed to promoting these methods as a company.
We are educated and experienced in this field and we understand the impacts of different training methods. In our personal and professional lives, we are committed to using force-free, science-based, kind and effective training methods and we are committed to promoting these methods as a company.
What is force-free training?
We define force-free training as not using fear, force, pain, punishment or intimidation to train a dog.
We use positive reinforcement-based training methods and encourage the use of counter conditioning/desensitisation as well as environmental management in behaviour modification. The basic principle is rewarding our dogs when they do something we like and showing them what we’d like them to do instead if they do something we don’t like. It requires consistency from everyone in the household, patience and plenty of toys, treats or whatever your dog loves!
Positive, force-free training is great for so many reasons; it is scientifically proven to be a kind and effective method of animal training, it boosts dogs’ confidence, encourages them to think and actually learn, it gives them the option of choice and it builds trust between dogs and their guardians and makes training fun rather than scary! Positive reinforcement training works for ALL breeds, ages, background and temperament of dog. In fact, positive reinforcement is the chosen method of training for most zoos, so if it works for teaching a tiger to stand for a blood sample, it will work for dogs with even the toughest reputations! No breed needs a ‘firm hand’.
We are against the use of aversive training tools such as shock collars, prong or choke collars, grot collars, spray bottles, air cans and slip leads (used as a training tool), as well as the use of physical or intimidating corrections as a training method.
We use positive reinforcement-based training methods and encourage the use of counter conditioning/desensitisation as well as environmental management in behaviour modification. The basic principle is rewarding our dogs when they do something we like and showing them what we’d like them to do instead if they do something we don’t like. It requires consistency from everyone in the household, patience and plenty of toys, treats or whatever your dog loves!
Positive, force-free training is great for so many reasons; it is scientifically proven to be a kind and effective method of animal training, it boosts dogs’ confidence, encourages them to think and actually learn, it gives them the option of choice and it builds trust between dogs and their guardians and makes training fun rather than scary! Positive reinforcement training works for ALL breeds, ages, background and temperament of dog. In fact, positive reinforcement is the chosen method of training for most zoos, so if it works for teaching a tiger to stand for a blood sample, it will work for dogs with even the toughest reputations! No breed needs a ‘firm hand’.
We are against the use of aversive training tools such as shock collars, prong or choke collars, grot collars, spray bottles, air cans and slip leads (used as a training tool), as well as the use of physical or intimidating corrections as a training method.
What is the problem with punishments?
Punishment, and the tools used to deliver it, by nature must be unpleasant and aversive for the dog to be effective. This can cause fear, confusion, pain, fright, a lack of trust and breaks down relationship between dog and guardian and if there is a kinder option – why wouldn’t we want to use that? Punishment only tells a dog what we DON’T want. This leaves the dog with infinite choices and behaviours to try - confusing for the dog and frustrating for the guardian. It’d make much more sense to show our dogs what we do want instead.
Most behaviour comes from an emotion and punishment may stop or ‘suppress’ the behaviour, but the emotion remains the same. We have very little control over what our dogs associate punishment with. At best, punishment can be confusing for a dog, at worst it can be very dangerous as these methods can cause dogs to develop fearful associations and ultimately a risk of aggression.
If there are training methods available to us which are kind, fair and effective, why would we want to use methods which result in a dog doing as they are asked through fear of retribution, rather than understanding?
Most behaviour comes from an emotion and punishment may stop or ‘suppress’ the behaviour, but the emotion remains the same. We have very little control over what our dogs associate punishment with. At best, punishment can be confusing for a dog, at worst it can be very dangerous as these methods can cause dogs to develop fearful associations and ultimately a risk of aggression.
If there are training methods available to us which are kind, fair and effective, why would we want to use methods which result in a dog doing as they are asked through fear of retribution, rather than understanding?
What does this mean for me, as a dog guardian or professional?
We believe ANY dog should have access to well-fit, comfortable and safe muzzles. We are happy for ANY dog to wear a TMM muzzle, not matter how their guardian or handler chooses to train them and anyone is welcome and encouraged to purchase or use our muzzles!
However, as a company, we have made the decision to only work alongside individuals and organisations who align with our beliefs and ethics. By 'work alongside', we mean business relationships such as affiliates, stockists or associates.
Muzzles have traditionally only been available from companies who also make or sell aversive training product. We know, as passionately force-free consumers ourselves, that we prefer to support companies whose ethics align with our own personal beliefs. This hasn’t always been an option before now and we are the first muzzle company to stand proud in our dedication to using and promoting positive-based training methods.
Muzzles have traditionally only been available from companies who also make or sell aversive training product. We know, as passionately force-free consumers ourselves, that we prefer to support companies whose ethics align with our own personal beliefs. This hasn’t always been an option before now and we are the first muzzle company to stand proud in our dedication to using and promoting positive-based training methods.
Memberships
The Muzzle Movement is a proud corporate ambassador of the Pet Professional Guild
Meaning we support their guiding principles and join them on ‘a mutual quest to educate, engage, and empower the pet-owning public with the science-based reality that no aversive methods are ever needed to train and care for their fur or feathered family members’.
To be a corporate partner of the Pet Professional Guild, we commit to a strict force-free code of conduct.
The Muzzle Movement are delighted to be a supporting company of the UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter.
This shows our support of the UK Dog Charter’s ethos and aims.The Charter is ‘a collaboration of many of the UK’s leading behaviour and training membership organisations who for the first time have come together cooperatively under the Charter umbrella to work in unison for the benefit of dogs, dog owners and guardians, and the wider profession’.
By supporting the UK Dog Charter, we are committed to not using, supplying or promoting aversive equipment and methodology.
Testimonials
Miss Frecks new muzzle
I love these muzzles freckles has 3 of them now. They have plenty of pant/yawn room and are lightweight ❤️ and can match colours with her collars 😁
Cheryl Lomax
Harry
Since the ban our boy hasnt been out for walks because he hatted muzzles ! From the moment we put the Harty muzzle on he has been out enjoying walks every day .
sarah billson
Excellent service and product
Cant say thanks enough how helpful staff were when trying to order the right size. They went back and forth on emails to help me. And turns out size Harry was perfect for Rocco! Thank you so much!
hayley chadwick
Glad I invested
Amazing muzzle this is the first one he doesn't try to remove
Loads of pant room and can eat and drink properly
Highly recommendJane Barber