Pugs are a completely non-aggressive breed of dogs, so many breeders have a question about whether they need a muzzle when walking in the yard if they do not attack a person and can only bark.
Is there a need for an accessory?
Most breeders agree that the muzzle for the pug is not needed, but if you rely on the social rules of animal walking, then this accessory should be in the arsenal. In adulthood, even such a small dog looks quite massively from the outside, so it can frighten both a child and an adult.
The muzzle will not interfere if a person with a phobia lives in your yard, and he is afraid of dogs. In this case, having an accessory on an attractive face will help avoid unnecessary problems in the future. Moreover, this breed is by nature friendly 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.
At the reception to the vet, the accessory is also useful - the behavior of the animal in a nervous environment changes for him, and the dog can bite if it hurts.
Kinds
The entire range of muzzles for dogs can be divided into several types.
- Police or training. Used for training pets. What is remarkable about this type of muzzle is its durability and safety. The product is made of leather in the form of a tight basket on the face to protect the dog’s mouth when it tries to attack or knock down the enemy. Since the skin is soft and supple, the blows are not so painful, and this design allows you to breathe often and not to choke. Pugs rarely acquire such a muzzle because it does not quite fit their type of face.
- Designer. Quite often, this option is similar to the previous one, but it lacks some elements. The type of muzzles in question is suitable for restraining only from a bite. Its design provides wide gaps through which more air passes; you can give a treat.
- Jafco. The product is made of durable plastic, which is characterized by a solid construction. Of the benefits can be identified low weight and a good fit on the muzzle. They do not rub the skin, are available for sale in different colors. A dog cannot bite with such an accessory.
- Occlusal. Made from mesh or nylon. Can completely close the dog's face, of the advantages - softness. It takes up a minimum of space in the bag, because when folded it represents only a small piece of fabric. The muzzles described have their flaws, for example, they do not allow the dog to breathe normally after physical exertion. They are recommended only to visit the vet.
- Silicone. The design is different from the traditional muzzles for dogs. Since the muzzles are made of silicone, the product can be given any shape that fits perfectly on the animal's face.
How to choose?
To muzzle perfectly sat on the animal, you must respect the size. To do this, you need to measure the face and choose the correct fit.
- First, determine the length of the dog's muzzle. To do this, you can use a fabric tape measure to determine the distance from the pet's eye line to the tip of the nose.
- The second indicator that will be needed is head circumference. Begin to measure from the top of the muzzle, wrapping the tape measure around the dog's cheeks, down under the chin and back to the top of the head.
- Now you need to determine the distance from the eye line to the back of the animal's head behind the ears. This will give the length of the belt that should be on the muzzle.
- And the last measurement is neck circumference. To do this, you just need to wrap the tape around it.
The ideal option for a pug would be a muzzle made of a soft mesh with a tighter frame, in which the design 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 to find an accessory that will be easily adjusted. Such a product allows you to maintain the necessary comfort when used, even if the animal grows. The adjustment option depends on the product design. 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 area of the nose will prevent friction against the skin of the animal, respectively, protect it from damage.
It is necessary to understand that the special form of the pug's muzzle limits the dog owner in the choice, since not every muzzle is suitable for a dog.
Terms of use
A muzzle for a pug can harm a dog, therefore Experts advise to pay attention to the following important points.
- Do not use the muzzle for a long period of time. Despite the fact that some manufacturers claim that you can wear an accessory for a long time, it is not.
- Never leave a dog unattended if it is muzzled. Firstly, it can become confused, secondly, a muzzle can, under certain conditions, tighten its nose and block its breath, thirdly, the dog will try to remove the product and seriously scratch itself.
- Before using the accessory outside the home, the animal is trained 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 to overstretch a product on its face. So you can easily injure the animal, which will lead to further manifestation of aggression on the part of the dog, if you try to touch its mouth.
- It is difficult to say at a glance whether this or that muzzle is suitable for the pug, so it’s best 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 there should be a finger between the strap and the neck.
For information on how to pick a muzzle for a pug, see the following video.