I think "skydnsr" was referring to the rescue worker from whom I got our Westie, she's the one that was worried about the dog becoming "Head Shy" She did not say I shouldn't use one. The help I have already gotten here I think puts me on the right track.
Please refer to the Original Post: "The rescue worker warned that using a muzzle could make the dog head-shy." That's what I was referring to -- a reported comment by the rescue worker who adopted out Jerry_NJ's dog to him.
I don't see that I said that and I always advocate using rewards
Yes, I train all of my dogs to accept a muzzle, so that if they ever need it, they won't be freaked out by it. I use the mesh kind. It has to be bought in the right size. You might want to take your dog to the pet store, so as to avoid having to bring a muzzle back and exchange it for the right size. The first time you put the muzze on the dog, immediately give him a high-value (meaning something he goes crazy for but doesn't get very often) food treat. That's why I like the mesh muzzles, because you can feed a small treat to the dog with the muzzle on. Then, just as he is guzzling the treat, take the muzzle off. The next day, repeat the procedure: put muzzle on, feed high value treat, and then immediately remove the muzzle. When he starts seeming like he is eager for you to put the muzzle on him so he can get the treat, you can gradually start increasing the amount of time that you leave the muzzle on him. Go slow. Feed him a lot of treats while he has it on, or better yet, use an activity treat. In other words, play a game that he loves or take him someplace that he loves, but only with the muzzle on. If he learns to associate the muzzle with good things, it won't be stressful for him when you get it out and put it on him. If he fusses and wants the muzzle off, get him calm before you take it off, even if he's only momentarily calm. Pick your moment, when removing it. You don't want to reward him for acting out by removing the muzzle while he is fussing, but you also don't want to stress him too much by leaving it on him for an excessive amount of time at first. I have to disagree with your rescue worker by saying that there is no problem with using a muzzle if you condition the dog to accept it by using positive rewards.
Boy, I hear ya and understand! My own dogs that I raised were used to getting nails done and I prefer a Dremmel. The little rescue I have here is terrible about getting nails trimmed in any fashion. She nipped me once and will have none of that. A friend comes over and we do her dogs and my dog's nails together. Yep, we started putting a soft muzzle on her but the las couple of times have not used it as she is getting the "no bite!" Command. Actually, we found if we let them run and play hard for a while it tires them out some. I understand the breeder being concerned about becoming head shy but you are not doing it that often and I do not notice that problem. We had a Greyhound fir a number if years and have had fosters here and had to do their nails. I only ever had one bare it's teeth, ours never did, but I always muzzled them as my face was too close for comfort. Of course, track dogs are used to muzzles. After every nail session, they are always praised and rewarded with a treat whether they were little Hellions or not. :-)
As for the brushing, try just laying the dog on the floor when you are watching TV or something and do some brushing and rewarding for short periods, maybe stay away from the head to start.
No issues using muzzles here, if need be.