Which of the following is NOT a common method of animal restraint?

Food rewards are not considered a common method of animal restraint. Restraint techniques are typically employed to control an animal's movement and ensure the safety of both the animal and the handler, especially in situations where the animal may be anxious or aggressive.

Leashes, muzzles, and crating are all direct methods used to physically restrict an animal's movement. Leashes are commonly utilized for dogs during walks or veterinary visits to prevent them from running away or becoming aggressive. Muzzles are fitted over an animal's mouth to prevent biting, providing a necessary safety measure during examinations or treatments. Crating involves confining an animal within a safe enclosure to manage their behavior and keep them secure, especially in potentially stressful environments like veterinary clinics.

While food rewards can be an effective training and reinforcement tool, they do not serve as a method of restraint. They are intended to encourage specific behaviors rather than to limit movement or control an animal’s actions directly. Thus, in the context of restraint practices, food rewards stand out as a method that does not align with the primary goal of physically managing an animal's behavior.