The 5 Best Basket Muzzles For Dogs Of Every Size
If you have a reactive or unpredictable pet, you may need to consider using a basket muzzle. The best basket muzzles help keep reactive dogs under control while allowing your dog to eat, drink, and pant comfortably.
The best basket muzzles allow you to bring your dog into the world without risking anyone’s safety. And unlike most other designs, they don’t get in the way of your pup eating, drinking, or panting. That makes them the ideal choice for those that need to wear one often or for hours at a time. Then again, if you only need to use something occasionally for grooming, you may want to check out these comfortable muzzles instead.
In general, professionals recommend using muzzles for anxious, reactive, or overstimulated pets and any other time you think your dog may become overwhelmed or triggered by other animals or human interaction. And if you have a large dog that tends to jump or pull, we also recommend using a training pouch for an afternoon of fun.
Best Basket Muzzles For Dogs To Consider
There are many different training techniques and tools that can help you teach your dog to remain calm as you take a walk, visit the vet, or wander in the wilderness. But no matter what else you try, a good basket muzzle is essential. It keeps teeth safely behind a barrier without limiting your pet’s movements. However, not all of them are created equally. To ensure the one you choose does its job well without causing your pup any pain or discomfort, it’s important to focus on each option’s size, material, and shape.
Let’s check out our top pick, the OmniPet Leather Brothers Italian Basket Muzzle, to give you an idea of how to choose one for your dog. It comes in several sizes, each with an adjustable leather head strap, to help you find one to fit any breed. Meanwhile, a hard open basket prevents them from maneuvering their mouth or teeth through the spacious gaps, so they can’t nip anyone or anything.
While the OmniPet is an excellent choice, we’ve found that the single head strap design is not always enough for wide-set pups or those determined to break through. So if you have a powerful pet that tends to fight new things, the Baskerville Ultra Dog Muzzle may be your best bet. It has more attachment points, and the comfortable basket and straps keep it secure without any pain. But you don’t have to worry. It’s still open enough to allow drinking and panting. If neither of these seem to fit your needs, check out the rest below.
OmniPet Leather Brothers Italian Basket Dog Muzzle
The OmniPet Leather Brothers Italian Basket Dog Muzzle is designed with a unique attention to detail. It has a leather head strap you can adjust for comfort around the ears. And unlike similar competitors, there’s no uncomfortable center strip sitting between the eyes, which means many pets that refuse other muzzles may accept this one with less protest. Meanwhile, the flexible polyethylene basket can be resized and shaped in hot water for a custom fit around the snout. When added to the vast size range, you get a basket muzzle that easily fits nearly every dog.
Pros:
- Easy to get on and off using the single strap
- Fits small dogs with thin snouts better than most brands
- Lightweight enough for all-day comfort
- Leather padding prevents discomfort and friction on your dog’s skin
Cons:
- Easier for dogs to get off than options with two or three straps
- Takes a bit of effort to resize
BronzeDog Metal Mask Dog Muzzle
If you own a Bully breed, Staffordshire Terrier, Amstaff, or another wide-set breed, the BronzeDog Metal Mask Dog Muzzle has you covered. Four adjustable straps make it easy to find the right fit while keeping it as secure as possible. From there, the stainless steel basket encircles their snout to prevent biting and other dangerous behaviors. But you don’t have to worry about pain or irritation. It’s got padding in all of the areas that could cause friction.
Pros:
- Easily adjusted and sized to your dog
- Nearly impossible for your dog to pull off
- Thin wire basket design ensures your pup can pant, drink, and breathe comfortably
- Fits Pitbulls and Bully breeds better than most options
Cons:
- Only one size is available, so you have to measure carefully
- Leather straps can start to break down over time
Baskerville Ultra Dog Muzzle
An ergonomic design makes the Baskerville Ultra Dog Muzzle a fabulous choice for daily wear. It has a hard rubber basket that you can resize and reshape with hot water or another heat source. The safety straps also wrap around your dog’s head on top while attaching to their collar at the bottom for maximum security. When you add in the comfort padding, adjustability, and wide gaps, you get an ultra-safe and comfortable option for any dog.
Pros:
- Spacious opening allows panting, barking, and drinking while preventing bites
- Size range makes it easy to find a good fit
- Durable straps and basket hold up for frequent heavy use
- Comfortable enough for all-day wear, making it ideal when you have to leave an anxious dog home alone
Cons:
- Can pull a little while attached to a collar
- Tough to get on if your dog is resisting
Birdwell Enterprises Dog Muzzle
This basket muzzle from Birdwell Enterprises is available in lots of bright colors, allowing you and your furry friend to stay stylish no matter where you go. But stylish doesn’t mean weak or cheap. The plastic-coated nylon holds its shape and keeps the muzzle intact for long-term durability. Getting it on is easier than most, as well, due to the single-strap design. As a bonus, it’s dishwasher-safe for quick and easy cleaning and sanitization between uses.
Pros:
- Easily resized for a custom fit
- Allows you to give your dog treats through the grate for training sessions
- Fits narrow snouts better than most
- Color options are fun and ensure you know which muzzle belongs to each dog
Cons:
- Size range is limited to medium and large breeds
- Rubs a bit on the bridge of the nose
CollarDIrect Leather Dog Muzzle
If you’d like the freedom of a basket muzzle but prefer to skip the rigid metal and plastic, the CollarDirect Leather Dog Muzzle is perfect. It has a basket design with all of the benefits. Your dog can eat, drink, pant, and bark. However, unlike harder materials, it moves better with your dog’s face and doesn’t cause as much friction. We also appreciate the multi-strap security, which connects the muzzle at several points and attaches to a collar, preventing your dog from taking it off.
Pros:
- Fits Pitbulls and Amstaffs better than nearly any other brand
- Almost impossible for dogs to remove independently
- Leather construction prevents biting without discomfort
- Great option if your dog needs to wear a muzzle all day
Cons:
- Not for narrow snouts or small dogs
- Rivets can rust over time
Frequently Asked Questions
Are basket muzzles safe enough for daily use?
Basket muzzles are ideal for daily use. Unlike most styles, they allow your dog to eat, drink, pant, and bark unimpeded while preventing biting and aggressive attacks. As long as the one you choose fits correctly, your dog can wear one to doggy daycare, vet appointments, and for walks. They’re also the best choice if you need to leave an anxious dog home alone.
How do I train my dog to remain calm while wearing a muzzle?
There are a few ways to muzzle-train a dog. Of course, they all start with high-quality training treats and a little patience. You can put the muzzle over your dog’s snout and pull it right back off and give treats every time. Increase the amount of time you leave it on, and eventually start strapping it on. On the other hand, you can use peanut butter or cheese to coat the tip of the muzzle to encourage your dog to stick their snout all the way in.
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