Dutch Shepherd Forum

So I have been working with Xander on wearing a muzzle for his vet visits. I watched the leerburg video about introducing the muzzle. He did great... until I got to the point I was trying to buckle it on. He would pull his head away expecting a treat. I was getting frustrated. I tried holding the treat on the outside so he would keep his head in but he just pulled out. He was smart enough to know the treat was on the outside. Then I tried to put a tiny treat inside and buckle but he either got the treat and pulled out before I could buckle or the treat fell through. Soooooo..... I took a basting brush and basted a tiny bit of bacon grease on the inside of the tip of the muzzle. I win... the first time I think I truly outsmarted my dog. Success.... vet here we come

Notice the licking motion in the first pic. It worked. Adapt improvise, and overcome. It seems close to his eyes but is also right up against his snout. It's the first time I was able to buckle it so I will have to do some adjusting.

Oh sure, it works for now, just wait till you hear the cybermen's "Update in progress".....

Kidding, good job on a solution to a dilemma..

Congratulations and thank you! -- i have looked at the photos 3 times now and every time i laugh out loud.

YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now remember to put the muzzle on when you are just hanging around and not doing anything so he dosnt associate the muzzle with anything anxiety related.

Bacon grease for the win!!!!! Love the idea. Brilliant.

I've used Cloud Star Tricky Trainer treats for muzzle introductions because they're small enough to fit into the muzzle hole. And I can squish them flat if needed too. But I love the bacon grease idea!!!

Me and Xander went back to a puppy school class tonight for a visit. He wore his muzzle like a champ. He is getting use to it and doesn't seem to mind it all, even though we all picked on him and called him Hannibal.