Muzzles are amazing and it’s time we say that a little louder.
Muzzles aren’t just for dogs who might bite. They’re also for dogs who might decide a rock looks like a snack on their neighborhood walk. They’re for dogs who feel unsure in unfamiliar environments. They’re for dogs whose humans love them enough to set them up for success.
At their core, muzzles are a tool for safety, communication, and compassion. Just like a leash, a harness, or a crate, a muzzle exists to protect dogs and the people around them. Training a dog to comfortably wear a muzzle is simply another skill to add to their tool belt, and besides that it can also open doors rather than close them.
When Katie reached out about a session with her dog Luna, she was upfront right away. Luna can be reactive and isn’t immediately comfortable around new people or environments, so there was a chance she might need to wear a muzzle during our session. That transparency was appreciated and respected because advocating for your dog is always the right choice and I will tell you right away that I will look to you for advice on how to approach your dog.
This decision wasn’t just for my safety; it was for Luna’s well-being too. With clear communication, patience, and a calm approach, Luna did absolutely amazing. She settled in quickly, showed off her personality, and proved just how adaptable dogs can be when their needs are met and respected.
In fact, Luna only wore her muzzle for a few images toward the end of our session. Those photos weren’t about necessity but taken intentional. Katie wants to help normalize muzzles and support the incredible work of the Muzzle Movement, which focuses on education, advocacy, and reducing the stigma surrounding muzzled dogs.
And that’s the thing: a muzzle doesn’t mean a dog is ‘bad.
It means the dog has an owner who is informed, responsible, and deeply invested in their safety.
As a photographer, my goal is always to create an environment where dogs can succeed exactly as they are. Muzzle or no muzzle, reactive or confident, every dog deserves to be seen, celebrated, and photographed with respect.
If your dog needs accommodations to feel safe, you are welcome here.
