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A Basket Muzzle can be used to prevent a dog from biting, but it is not to be used as a replacement for addressing the problem, or for contacting a certified trainer.  

A light-weight basket muzzle is always the best option when the dog will be participating in an physical exercise such as walking or playing.  

It is also the best choice when the dog will or may be wearing the muzzle for longer than a few minutes, or for management of a lifetime problem such as Lack of Bite Inhibition (see below).

In general a muzzle is used when there is a history of the dog's bite having caused damage such as scratches or punctures.

A muzzle may also be used with a dog who has not yet bitten, but who is showing clear warning signals that they are likely to bite such as GROWLING, SNARLING or SNAPPING (especially if the aggression is directed at people).  

Dogs who show signs of aggression, but whose Bite Inhibition is not known, may also need to wear a muzzle.  Because a dog who has not bitten has Unknown Bite Inhibition, it can not be determined how seriously the dog may bite.  

Some dogs, especially those socialized well as puppies, will use their teeth and jaws and cause little to no damage.  Other dogs, those with Poor Bite Inhibition, will leave punctures, tear the skin, or worse bite multiple times with deep punctures and tearing.

Good Bite Inhibition means that the dog causes little or no damage.  It is possible for a dog to have bitten many times and have Good Bite Inhibition.  It is also possible for a dog who rarely fights, or almost never bites to have Poor Bite Inhibition.  Dogs who almost never fight/bite, but who have cause damage (punctures needing medical or veterinary care) should always be muzzled when around the people or dogs they may harm.

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