Why You Should Stop Judging Muzzled Dogs
Yes, muzzles help prevent dogs from biting others, but they also prevent Fido from eating or drinking things they shouldn’t, such as rocks, bugs, or smaller animals. However, muzzles are the most misunderstood dog training tool on the market. In the past, they were primarily marketed toward aggressive, mean dogs, whereas now, they are utilized for many dog training problems. Many pet owners joined a new social media movement toward changing the stigma around dog muzzles using the hashtag #MuzzleUpProject. This article discusses the new campaign and features two of our favorite muzzled furry friends!
#MuzzleUpProject
The Muzzle Up Project is an advocacy, education, and training program designed to change the negative feelings towards muzzling. #MUP was founded in 2013 by Maureen Backman, a private dog trainer, who set out to alter the misconceptions about her client’s pets and all pets using a muzzle. The project states on its website, “A well-fitted basket muzzle allows your pet to take treats, drink, and pant comfortably – but not bite.” muzzled dogs are not bad dogs. Reasons pets may require a muzzle are: they eat rocks, socks, and other non-food items, or they’re nervous about other dogs around them.
Monarch
Monarch the Siberian Husky received over a million likes on Tik Tok from her owner’s muzzle explanation! This husky needs her muzzle to prevent her from eating every item in sight, especially rocks, which are detrimental to Fido’s digestive health. Lauren, Monarch’s owner, utilizes social media to promote positive stigmas around her pets using the muzzle. She highlights how Monarch can still do normal dog activities with the muzzle on.
Panini
Like Monarch, Panini is another #MuzzleUp pet that uses her platform to promote muzzle benefits and debunk muzzle myths! She educates other pet parents on how to train with muzzles and how to coax aggressive dogs. For instance, in this popular Instagram Reel, Panini’s owner shows how she can still drink from puddles, receive treats, and explore the world around her (without eating everything she sniffs!).
Check out these related articles for more dog training tips!
How to Safely and Correctly Use a Dog Muzzle