Mekuti Calming Band

How to measure: Get a piece of tape/string or ribbon, gently position it over the muzzle, cross underneath and then meet up at the back of the head below the ears (not too loose, not too tight, think of Goldilocks). Pinch the two ends between thumb and forefinger and measure the length in between.

Customers tell us that their Calming Band helps their dog become less reactive towards other dogs outside and people inside, especially when visitors arrive. They also say it helps them to be calmer on car journeys.

They note that even though the reactivity may not stop completely, they can get reach their dog when they are going 'into the zone' where they seem to be beyond all control or reason.

Using a Calming Band can help you to maintain your dog's attention so you can give them some reassurance and influence them away from the perceived problem.

The Calming Band is used to help your dog be calm, rather than stop them from being over-excited.

The Calming Band is used to help your dog be friendly, rather than punish them for being unfriendly.

If possible, put the Calming Band on before any problems arise, but it is best not to keep one on all the time because your dog may try to take it off if they are already calm. Always keep observing your dog to see how they are responding, and remove it if they seem irritated.

The elasticated Calming Bands gently brings a dog's awareness to its mouth by applying a very gentle pressure. This happens when they start to bark, stick out their tongue or even tighten their face and move their ears backwards as they become increasingly anxious about a situation they perceive.

Within the system of Tellington TTouch, mouth-work activates the limbic system – the part of the brain that looks after the emotions. This can also be seen when people raise a hand to their mouth, and is an instinctive response to seeing something shocking or surprising, but not always in a negative way.

In dogs, barking can be habitual, for instance when seeing a dog (or postman). During a barking episode the Calming Band gently brings their awareness to the muzzle and can draw their attention away from the trigger.

By allowing them to be aware of habitual responses and behavioural patterns, they may change them and begin to observe the world around them and respond rather than react to the regular triggers. So, the Calming Band can be used in some stressful situations to help with training in a very gentle and positive way.

Your dog will still be able to drink, pant and eat, but will also still be able to bark and bite. The Mekuti Calming Band does not restrict movement or keep the mouth shut.

If your dog is aggressive or liable to bite, the Calming Band can be used in conjunction with a protecting muzzle, but it is not a replacement for one.

Never attach anything to the Calming Band. It is not designed to be used as a 'head halter' with a lead.

Never leave your dog unattended with a Calming Band on. Always be in a position to observe your dog to see how they are responding, and remove the Calming Band if they seem irritated by it.