Episode 99. How – and why! – to Muzzle Train Your Dog with Clara Hewson of The Muzzle Movement

Did you know there are many reasons why a dog could be wearing a muzzle?  I like to think that the presence of a muzzle isn’t the sign of a bad dog – but of a good pet parent!

While working with some of the UK’s most challenging dogs in rescue at Dogs Trust, Clara Hewson spent years advising pet parents on the benefits of training their dog to wear a muzzle. But Clara had never experienced one of her own dogs needing to be muzzled in public – until she adopted Tolly.  And Clara became shocked by the stigma she & Tolly began to experience.

So Clara took to social media with the goal to change public perception of dogs wearing a “face fence.” She created The Muzzle Movement, a community where pet parents are supported, encouraged and receive education (from one of the UK’s top dog trainers!).

Clara was searching for the “perfect” muzzle design – one that gave Tolly enough room to pant and receive treats – and when she couldn’t find it, she decided she would create it herself.  Now you can shop at The Muzzle Movement to find muzzles that are safe, secure and fun to accessorize.

Clara shares with us the exact steps to start muzzle training your dog.  And it starts way before you even think about placing the muzzle on your dog!  We also learn about a recent breed-specific law impacting the UK’s XL Bully dogs (aka pit  bull dogs).

Clara & I discuss:

  • Her childhood experiences with dogs;

  • How she became interested in a career as a dog trainer;

  • Working with some of the UK’s most reactive dogs;

  • How she met Tolly;

  • When she realized that Tolly had some behavior challenges;

  • Experiencing the stigma of having your dog wear a muzzle in public;

  • Taking to social media to create The Muzzle Movement;

  • Why Clara started trying to design her own muzzles;

  • How the UK’s breed-specific laws about XL Bully dogs is affecting pet parents;

  • Many reasons that dogs may need to wear a muzzle;

  • Erin’s recent experience with Nessie at the vet;

  • How to choose a  muzzle;

  • Steps to muzzle training your dog;

  • Tips for measuring your dog for a well-fitting muzzle;

  • Tolly’s legacy

Find Clara & The Muzzle Movement:

Links Discussed:

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