How to choose a muzzle for a pug?

Pugs are a completely non-aggressive breed of dogs, so many breeders have a question: do they need a muzzle when walking in the yard, if they do not attack a person and can only bark.

Most breeders agree that a muzzle for a pug is not needed, but if you rely on social rules for walking the animal, then such an accessory should be in the arsenal. In adulthood, even such a small dog looks quite massive from the side, so it can scare both a child and an adult.

A muzzle will not hurt if you have a man in your yard who has a phobia and is afraid of dogs. In this case, the presence of an accessory on an attractive face will help to avoid unnecessary problems in the future. Moreover, this breed is friendly by nature and may express a desire to meet a stranger.

In addition, the muzzle helps protect the dog, as most of them like to pick up rot and other objects from the ground.

The entire range of dog muzzles can be divided into several types.

• Police or training. Used for pet training. What is remarkable about this type of muzzle is its durability and safety. The product is made of leather in the form of a dense basket on the face to protect the dog's mouth when it tries to attack or bring down the enemy. Since the skin is soft and supple, the blows are not so painful, and a similar design allows you to breathe often and not to suffocate.Pugs rarely get such a muzzle, because it does not quite fit their type of muzzle.
• Designer. Quite often, this option is similar to the previous one, but it lacks some elements. The considered type of muzzles is suitable in order to keep only from a bite. Its design provides for wide gaps through which more air passes, you can give a treat.
• Jafco. A durable plastic product that has a solid construction. The advantages include light weight and a good fit on the face. They do not rub the skin; they are put on sale in different colors. The dog will not be able to bite with such an accessory.
• Occlusal. Made of mesh or nylon. Can completely cover the dog’s face, of the advantages - softness. It occupies a minimum of space in the bag, because when folded it is only a small piece of fabric. The described muzzles have their drawbacks, for example, they do not allow the dog to breathe normally after exercise. They are recommended only for visiting a veterinarian.
• Silicone The design is different from traditional dog muzzles. Since the muzzles are made of silicone, the product can be given any shape that fits perfectly on the animal's face.

In order for the muzzle to fit perfectly on the animal, the dimensions must be respected. To do this, you need to measure the face and choose the right fit.

• First determine the length of the dog's face. To do this, you can use tissue tape to determine the distance from the line of the pet’s eyes to the tip of the nose.
• The second indicator that will be required is the circumference of the head. They begin to measure from the top of the muzzle, wrap the tape measure around the cheeks of the dog, down under the chin and back to the top of the head.
• Now you need to determine the distance from the line of eyes to the back of the animal’s head behind the ears. This will give the length of the strap that should be on the muzzle.
• And the last dimension is the circumference of the neck. To do this, you just need to wrap a tape measure around it.

An ideal option for a pug would be a muzzle made of a soft mesh with a denser skeleton, the design of which provides a small gap for the nose. Even while running, the animal will be able to breathe freely, and if desired, it can be treated to a treat.

It is also recommended that you find an accessory that will be easily adjustable. This product allows you to maintain the necessary comfort when using, even if the animal is growing. The adjustment option depends on the design of the product. Metal and leather muzzles have a fixed shape, they can only change the position of the belts.

If possible, you can buy several options, each of which will meet the needs of the animal at one time or another. The presence of a soft lining in the nose will prevent friction on the skin of the animal, respectively, will protect it from damage.

A mug for a pug can harm a dog, therefore experts advise you to pay attention to the following important points.

• Do not use the muzzle for an extended period of time. Despite the fact that some manufacturers claim that you can wear the accessory for as long as you like, this is not so.
• Never leave a dog unattended if it is muzzled. Firstly, it can get confused, secondly, the muzzle under certain conditions can tighten the nose and block breathing, thirdly, the dog will try to remove the product and seriously scratch itself.
• Before using the accessory outside the house, the animal is trained for several minutes a day with an increase in the time spent in the muzzle.One of the most common mistakes that most pug owners make is that they tighten the item too much on the face. So you can easily injure the animal, which will subsequently lead to the manifestation of aggression on the part of the dog, if you try to touch its mouth.
• It is difficult to say at first glance whether this or that muzzle is suitable for a pug, so it is better to take the animal with you. The distance between the edge of the accessory and the dog’s nose should be at least 1-1.5 cm. The mouth should also open slightly, and a finger distance should be maintained between the strap and neck.

On how to pick up a muzzle for a pug, see the next video.