CJ 235 Unit 6 Seminar Use of the Muzzle in Apprehension Training © 2010 Jonathan Dorriety

Muzzle: Theory & Training Developed by the German Police prior to 1958 to train their police dogs to fight the person and not a piece of equipment.Developed by the German Police prior to 1958 to train their police dogs to fight the person and not a piece of equipment. Prior to this time, the German Police used concealed sleeves exclusively, but were faced with a couple of problems.Prior to this time, the German Police used concealed sleeves exclusively, but were faced with a couple of problems. –Arm Fixations: Dogs would not bite if an arm was not presented –Clothing Fixations: Dogs would not hit a suspect if he wasn’t wearing a shirt or jacket.

Concealed Sleeve © 2006 Photos courtesy of Jonathan Dorriety

Muzzle: Theory & Training Pre-German historical background: Research revealed that during the Roman Era the Phoenicians used metal basket muzzles on Mastiffs ( lbs.) in the arenas to fight men. The men usually lost. Pre-German historical background: Research revealed that during the Roman Era the Phoenicians used metal basket muzzles on Mastiffs ( lbs.) in the arenas to fight men. The men usually lost. The Germans modified this idea by designing a leather basket muzzle to be utilize in much the same way. The Germans modified this idea by designing a leather basket muzzle to be utilize in much the same way.

Muzzle: Theory & Training © 2006 Photo courtesy of Jonathan Dorriety

Muzzle: Theory & Training © 2006 Photo courtesy of Jonathan Dorriety

Advantages Corrects the fixation problems Corrects the fixation problems Enhances the fight and fight drive of the dog Enhances the fight and fight drive of the dog You can reenact any situation, in training, safely You can reenact any situation, in training, safely It is safer to work with the dogs It is safer to work with the dogs It is more cost effective than sleeves—with proper care the muzzle will last the working life of the dog It is more cost effective than sleeves—with proper care the muzzle will last the working life of the dog

Muzzle Fighting © 2009 Photo courtesy of Jonathan Dorriety

Safer to work with Dog There are several scenarios the dog should see in training that decoys might be apprehensive of without the dog being in muzzle. There are several scenarios the dog should see in training that decoys might be apprehensive of without the dog being in muzzle. Prone handcuffing. Prone handcuffing. Would you want to be face down on the ground with the dog just a few feet away and you have no protective gear? Would you want to be face down on the ground with the dog just a few feet away and you have no protective gear? He does have a mind of his own! He does have a mind of his own!

Safer to work with Dog © 2006 Photo courtesy of Jonathan Dorriety

Other Advantages The dog can breath sufficiently even in hot weather The dog can breath sufficiently even in hot weather The dog can drink water while wearing the muzzle The dog can drink water while wearing the muzzle There is no need to take it off immediately after a fight, which is a bad idea anyway. There is no need to take it off immediately after a fight, which is a bad idea anyway. This can cause “muzzle happiness” a condition in which the dog thinks there is a fight every time he puts the muzzle on. This can cause “muzzle happiness” a condition in which the dog thinks there is a fight every time he puts the muzzle on.

Disadvantages Some dogs are naturally “muzzle sensitive” Some dogs are naturally “muzzle sensitive” They will not fight or simply shut down when wearing a muzzle – in human terms much like tying a boxers hands and sending him into the ring. They will not fight or simply shut down when wearing a muzzle – in human terms much like tying a boxers hands and sending him into the ring. Sometimes it can be corrected with play such as with a soccer ball while wearing the muzzle to take his mind off of the muzzle. Sometimes it can be corrected with play such as with a soccer ball while wearing the muzzle to take his mind off of the muzzle.

Safety Precautions for the Decoy Decoy should ensure muzzle is fitted properly by pulling forward on the top strap. It should not come off. Decoy should ensure muzzle is fitted properly by pulling forward on the top strap. It should not come off. Decoy should keep hands in a fist to prevent fingers from entering the sides of the muzzle. Decoy should keep hands in a fist to prevent fingers from entering the sides of the muzzle. Decoy should protect sensitive areas of the body during fighting and keep arms close to the body. Decoy should protect sensitive areas of the body during fighting and keep arms close to the body.

Proper Agitator Technique Try to keep the dog punching the body with the muzzle Try to keep the dog punching the body with the muzzle Don’t make the arms the target Don’t make the arms the target Do not lean forward during muzzle fight or you may get punched in the face – hard! Do not lean forward during muzzle fight or you may get punched in the face – hard! Lean away so the dog is encourage to fight high. Lean away so the dog is encourage to fight high.

Questions or Additional Discussion?