Some people believe that if a dog is wearing a muzzle, that means they are an aggressive dog. Muzzles are not always meant to restrain an aggressive dog; they can also restrain a reactive dog.
Reactive dogs and aggressive dogs are different. Aggressive dogs do intentionally want to bite, while reactive dogs tend to only if they are triggered.
The best basket muzzle is ideal for reactive dogs since it still gives them the freedom to use their mouths for drinking water, panting, or eating a snack while also protecting people should the dog feel triggered enough to react.
When used correctly, basket muzzles can be a great training tool for dogs who are not so sure of themselves or others. To make sure you have the proper basket muzzle for your dog, we have listed some of the better basket muzzles available and how each one works.
Best Basket Muzzles
The Coastal Pet Products Soft Basket Muzzle prevents dogs from using their mouths in unwanted situations.
Key Features
- Durable straps
- Soft basket material
This option utilizes two different straps to keep the muzzle in place. One goes along the base of the head while the second strap goes over their head and snaps to the top of the muzzle.
Each strap is padded with neoprene to ensure comfort and prevent skin irritation. Flexible silicone is used to make the basket so it fits comfortably on snouts, and can be adjusted for the perfect fit.
Pros
- Available in six sizes
Cons
- Due to the shape, should not be used on flat-faced dogs
Keep yourself and others safe should your dog be reactive with the Coastal Pet Products Soft Basket Muzzle.
2. CollarDirect
Prevent your dog from misusing their mouths when on the street with the CollarDirect Leather Basket Muzzle.
Key Features
- Made of genuine leather
- Adjustable
- Breathable and lightweight
This product is made of genuine leather that will hold its shape no matter how much it is used and will not tear easily. Durable metal buckles and rivets and an adjustable strap gives you the freedom to fit the muzzle to your dog’s unique mouth and head shape.
It’s breathable, so dogs will not feel claustrophobic. It is also lightweight, so dogs can continue their activities without being burdened or weighed down.
Pros
- Available in brown and black colors
Cons
- Is meant to fit block-headed dogs, so may not fit narrow-headed dogs
A CollarDirect Leather Basket Muzzle is lightweight, so your dog is not irritated, but still durable to resist extended use.
3. Baskerville
To keep your pet safe from their reactions, place a Baskerville Ultra Dog Muzzle on their snout.
Key Features
- Secure design
- Flexible fit
- Easy to adjust
Baskerville has ergonomically designed this muzzle to be highly safe. The neoprene padded straps are adjustable to your dog’s head shape and have two secure attachment points that keep the muzzle from slipping off.
An over-head strap is removable should you decide your dog does not need the extra security. The cage is flexible to fit over most snout shapes comfortably, but you can adjust the straps as needed.
Pros
- Available in black and tan colors
- Comes in six different sizes
Cons
- Sizes man either run too small or too big
A Baskerville Ultra Dog Muzzle is secure enough to keep your dog from performing unwanted bites while still giving them the freedom to eat and drink.
4. Omni Pet
Omni Pet Italian Basket Dog Muzzle brings the traditional basket muzzle to you to use.
Key Features
- Adjustable straps
- Durable materials
- Removable front grills
Omni Pet designed this muzzle with flexible polyethylene so that it is comfortable on your dog’s nose and remains tough. Adjustable leather straps let you fit the muzzle to the shape of your dog’s head
The holes on the muzzle don’t allow for your dog to bite, but they are still able to accept treats and drink water. As well, you can remove the front grills of the muzzle for comfort and quick mouth access.
Pros
- Available in five different sizes
Cons
- Size of the muzzles run small
Stop reactiveness from occurring when muzzling your dog with the Omni Pet Italian Basket Dog Muzzle.
5. Snagle Paw
The Snagle Paw Basket Muzzle gives dogs comfort and security when wearing it.
Key Features
- Safe and secure
- Comfortable
- Durable
Unlike other muzzles, this basket muzzle allows dogs to still breathe and drink water while preventing them from barking, chewing, or biting. It is made of pliable non-toxic silicone rubber, so it is gentle on your dog’s snout.
Neoprene padded straps keep the muzzle in place while the elastic over-head safety strap adds extra security to keep the muzzle in place. This muzzle is built to last, no matter how active or how often the muzzle is used.
Pros
- Available in five different sizes
Cons
- Isn’t intended to be used on dogs with smaller snouts
You will no longer have to worry about your dog eating or biting something they shouldn’t when they wear the Snagle Paw.
6. Dean and Tyler
Keep your dog protected and well ventilated with the Dean and Tyler Wire Basket Muzzle.
Key Features
- Ventilated
- Reliable materials
- Prevents unwanted chewing
When your dog wears this muzzle, they won’t be able to use their mouths to bite, chew, or bark, but they will still be able to pant, drink water, and accept treats when they behave.
The basket is made of durable wires that can put up with dogs rubbing the muzzle against objects, and the straps are soft, durable, and adjustable, so dogs will always have a comfortable fit.
Pros
- Meant to provide long-lasting solutions to biting issues
Cons
- Can potentially come loose on dogs with slender heads
Thanks to the added strap support on the Dean and Tyler Basket Muzzle, dogs shouldn’t be able to shake off the muzzle.
7. Fertgo
You will feel safe knowing your dog will not harm anyone or anything when they have on the Fertgo Soft Basket Muzzle.
Key Features
- Tough yet soft materials
- Safe design
- Adjustable
Fargo made their basket muzzle out of silicone so that it is tough against daily use, while also being soft and gentle on a dog’s sensitive snout and nose. The basket design gives all-around protection that prevents them from biting.
The holes are wide enough, so dogs can drink water, eat snacks, and pant without feeling uncomfortable. Owners can adjust the muzzle freely, thanks to the adjustable head and neck strap.
Pros
- Available in black and grey colors
- Comes in six different sizes
Cons
- Isn’t durable once dogs start to chew on it actively
Stop struggling with a slippery soft muzzle, have the security you crave with the Fertgo Soft Basket Muzzle.
8. Bronzedog
When training your dog not to bite things, have them wear the durable Bronzedog.
Key Features
- Durable materials
- Wide girth
- Breathable
Bronzedog makes the basket of the muzzle out of durable stainless steel that won’t rust or chip and can withstand heavy use. Soft padding along the muzzle prevents skin irritations and ensures dogs will be comfortable.
Four adjusting straps let owners fit the muzzle to the shape of their dog’s head. Dogs who wear the muzzle will not be able to bite through the muzzle, but they should have no problem drinking or panting while wearing it.
Pros
- Made explicitly for square-headed dogs
Cons
- Dogs with slender shaped heads or long snouts will not be able to wear the muzzle correctly
It does not take much to teach your dog correct mouth manners when training them with the Bronzedog.
Bottom Line
Now that you know a bit more about the variety of basket muzzles and how they work, you will be able to find the right one with the correct restraining power you need.
If you weren’t looking for a basket muzzle, maybe now you will be more educated on how these muzzles are a training tool, not a sign of an aggressive dog. Basket muzzles are not limited to reactive or aggressive dogs.
They can be used on dogs who need to be trained not to eat things they find on the street, for restraining during nail trim or other grooming services, or to introduce dogs to one another without risk of a dog fight being triggered.
With the knowledge you have of these different basket muzzles, you can properly educate people why your dog needs the muzzle so they can understand instead of automatically assuming your dog is aggressive.
Check out the DogStruggles homepage for more expert reviews.
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