'Muzzle' is not a bad word

Any dog is capable of biting.  They have teeth.  Carnivore teeth.  They were predators chasing down prey (and eating our trash...) eons before they were parked on our couches.  Being aware of this, no matter the size, breed, or age of dog can help keep everyone safe.

There are plenty of times in your dog's life that may warrant wearing a muzzle.  I personally believe that every pet dog should be familiar with, and comfortable with wearing a muzzle; both the cloth and basket style.  "Why?" you may ask.  "My dog is friendly, and has never acted aggressively towards anyone."  Why on Earth would I want to muzzle such a sweet, good dog?

For starters, let's knock on wood, what if your dog is injured, and has to be rushed to the vet hospital? 

Or hit by a car, and you're not around and a good Samaritan steps in to help...The first and safest piece of advise in this situation is "muzzle the animal."  An animal in pain can and most likely will attempt to bite.  They are probably very afraid and will defend themselves in the only way Nature gave them, with their teeth.  If this frightened, painful dog has not been taught that a muzzle is a good thing, we are now adding to the stress--We must, to keep ourselves safe.

Speaking of vets, how does your dog feel about nail trims?  Some dogs are perfectly OK with it, but there are quite a few who are not.  For one reason or another, they have not been conditioned to accept this practice, so we hire vets and groomers to handle this.  Even if your dog is familiar with the staff, this sort of thing can fall under the "strangers doing weird things to me" category for some dogs; he may exhibit behaviors that point to a possible bite, so he will be muzzled--Again, for the safety of those handling him.  While this is a quick, and painless thing to add a muzzle, your dog may be further stressed by this piece of equipment if he doesn't understand what it is.

But what about the dog you see walking down the street in a basket muzzle?

Do you automatically assume it's because he is dangerous?
He may be, but it may mean he just needs more space.  I applaud the Human for recognizing that their dog may cause injury; perhaps he just really doesn't do well with other dogs, or maybe he has a history of snapping at people.  Either way, that basket on his dog is keeping him safe.

Sometimes, a good basket muzzle can be a way to help a very shy, nervous or anxious dog enjoy life.  I know, I know, hang with me here.  We see a dog in a basket, and we keep our own dogs away; we do not allow our children to approach; we avoid interaction, yes?  Because we assume the dog is mean...but keeping distance may be what that shy dog needs most, at that point in their rehabilitation.  The dog is out in the world.  Enjoying a walk, without being bothered by others.

Or maybe the muzzle is not for the dog at all.  Our natural avoidance of a dog in a muzzle may be helping the person walking the dog.  Perhaps that person suffers from anxiety, and can't handle interacting with other people.  The muzzle acts as a way to give that person a peaceful walk, alone.
See where I'm at?

There is absolutely no way to accurately guess why the dog is wearing a muzzle.  Sometimes it is there simply to prevent a dog from picking up and swallowing dangerous things. 

That muzzle may be saving him a trip to the ER for expensive surgery, and his people have conditioned him that a walk in a muzzle is a good time.

A well-fit muzzle can also assist in helping a dog play.  I read a great letter from a woman who muzzles her dog to prevent him from nipping the backs of the dogs he runs with.  She has a rather tall dog, and this stops his over-excitement from ruining a good play session.

Muzzles can be utilized as a training tool as well.  Please note, if your dog has had a history of starting a fight, or harming other dogs, work with a Professional.  When your dog is wearing a muzzle, he cannot defend himself.  If he is a fight-starter, working with a Professional to alleviate his stress and decrease his reactivity is vital.  Slapping a muzzle on him and turning him loose with other dogs is not fair.  It is a recipe for disaster, and some very expensive vet bills.

Cloth muzzles are meant for short-term wear, such as nail trims or other temporary restraint needs. 

Your dog cannot open his mouth to pant in this style of muzzle, and in excited states, this can lead to serious complications, and even death.  A freaked out dog in a cloth muzzle left home alone is no good.  If your dog is a chronic chewer, or eater of dangerous things, creating safe space to confine him to is a safer choice.  It is recommended not to leave a muzzled dog alone.  If you must leave your dog unattended and muzzled, please choose a custom-fit basket muzzle.  Again, not the best idea, but safer than a cloth muzzle in that scenario.  Your dog can potentially get his foot, or jaw caught on the muzzle and cause himself harm.

If you are considering a muzzle, please talk to your vet, or a good Dog Teacher.  While I believe all dogs should be comfortable in them, I also know they can be mis-used.  Using a muzzle appropriately, and knowing when it is just not necessary, is important to success.

When properly introduced, a muzzle quickly becomes something your dog looks forward to wearing.  I do not think every dog should be walked in a muzzle, I'm not a Tyrant...I'm just saying it may not mean that every dog you see in one is a "bad dog."