Gentle Leader Head Collar Uk? The 127 Latest Answer

I can’t tell you how much I hate head halters. It baffles me that so many trainers would describe spike collars as cruel and have clients put the devices on their dogs – and then call it positive training.

I am of course talking about Gentle Leaders and Haltis. There are a few design differences between the two, but they’re essentially the same. In this article, I’m going to focus on Gentle Leaders for a very personal reason: their advertising is so misleading and deceptive that it fools people into believing they are “human.” It bothers me.

A digression on the subject of pulling.

Head harness manufacturers will tell you that head halters are a good training tool, but the fact is that the vast majority of people use them to control their dogs’ pulling. What you need to understand is that dogs love to pull. It is a very rewarding activity.

There seems to be a way when it comes to dealing with the drag. People worry that the dog will hurt its neck if it pulls on a flat collar. They’ve been told spiked collars are cruel, so they put the dog in a harness.

Harnesses distribute the pull weight over a larger body area, making it easier for the dog to pull. There’s a reason sled dogs wear them. If that doesn’t work, try a front-clip harness, which pivots the dog’s weight around when he pulls. (I also hate these because they can cause skeletal damage in the shoulder area – if they actually work. Plus, harnesses come with their own problems.)

And when harnesses don’t work, Gentle Leader advertising reassures people that this product is a humane, positive way to train your dog not to pull.

The only “positive” thing about a Gentle Leader is that you use clickers and food to bribe the dog so you can dress him up. you hate it

Gentle leader or medieval torture device?

What’s crueler – a spiked collar or a Gentle Leader? Many people will point out the spiked collar mainly because they are not educated on how they work. And finally, a Gentle Leader…. soft.

But don’t let the soft straps and fun colors fool you. Head halters are far more aversive than a spiked collar. I’ve heard people say, “But it works!” My answer is yes, it works. But you have to ask yourself WHY it works.

This is how Gentle Leader explains it in his training manual:

The Gentle Leader® will not choke your dog. It’s scientifically designed to direct your dog’s entire body by controlling his head and nose. And wherever his nose goes, his body must surely follow! The Gentle Leader® discourages your dog from pulling on the leash by transferring the pressure of their efforts to their neck via the neck strap, while the pressure from the nose loop conveys your reassuring control. Your dog’s instinctive resistance to this redirected pressure will cause them to stop pulling to relieve pressure on the back of their head and relax and walk slightly at your side.

Once you get past the feel-good formulation, here’s what it says:

The Gentle Leader shifts the entire weight of a pulling dog onto his nose. The pressure of this weight forces the dog’s head to rotate. It’s called torque and it hurts.

Also, the company says pressure is transferred to the neck, but a simple look at where the leash is attached shows that’s not true. It’s all on the nose.

Imagine a 50 pound dog running forward, bumping into the end of a leash and snapping his neck around. We are talking about serious damage. Even on a slower walk, hitting the end of the leash is painful.

So yes it works. Dogs don’t pull because they know it’s going to hurt like the Dickens did if they do. Gentle Leader calls it “power steering”. The handler doesn’t have to do anything, the halter does it for him.

(See why I hate this company so much? It preys on people and their fear of being bad dog owners. People read this and are fooled into thinking it’s a more “humane” choice than having one Training a spiked collar, which, let’s just get the facts straight, doesn’t choke a dog.)

Dogs hate gentle leaders.

Unconvinced? Consider this: Dogs hate Gentle Leaders so much that you need to condition them to just don one.

The Gentle Leader training guide glosses over this fact a bit (no surprise), a gap that has been filled with YouTube tutorials. These are all positive trainers who go through complicated “conditioning” and “reinforcement” processes that involve food to get their dogs used to the head harness. Do your research, you will see for yourself. (If you do, take a look at these dogs’ body language. Many of those who are truly conditioned to accept it are obviously not happy.)

And then there’s this gem, an excerpt from a guide written by a positive training company. This sums up how averse Gentle Leaders are to dogs. The bold is mine.

Getting your dog used to the Gentle Leader It is very important that you slowly get your dog used to the Gentle Leader. The neck strap is a pressure point that reminds your dog of the pressure the bitch puts on the neck when picking up the puppies from the litter. The noseband reminds your dog of the alpha dog as it resembles the pressure that a higher ranking dog can use as a correction. Therefore, when your dog first experiences the Gentle Leader, he might think that the mother dog and alpha dog are sitting on his head! As long as you associate genuinely positive things with the Gentle Leader and never take it off when your dog is struggling, he or she will start to enjoy it as it means walks and treats. Always put on the Gentle Leader with the leash attached. If your dog fights it immediately when you put it on, GENTLELY raise the leash toward the sky at a constant speed until your dog calms down and stops fighting. Once your dog relaxes, immediately release gentle pressure on the leash so that a “J” appears in the leash and praise and reward. Please DO NOT pull, jerk or pull the leash as you would with a choke chain corrector. When you lift the leash, you should only apply light pressure to the halter so that your dog “gives”. To start, put the collar on your dog for 2-3 minutes several times a day, give him treats, toss him a toy, feed him, etc. while he’s wearing it. At the end of the 3 minutes, if he has no problems, take off the Gentle Leader. Never take it off when your dog is fighting because that is a reward for fighting. Gradually increase the amount of time he wears it around the house, then start putting it on at the end of your walks when he’s tired. Increase the time he wears it towards the end of the walk until you actually put it on at the beginning. If your dog tries to rub his nose on your leg or sweep his head through the grass, don’t let him. Lift the leash as above, then loosen the leash and praise when he stops. Above all, make the time he has the gentle leader FUN!

We can translate that pretty succinctly:

Your dog will fight back when you put on the Gentle Leader, thinking he is being disciplined and dominated. do it anyway Use food as a bribe. Ignore signs of stress. Eventually your dog will give in.

Whether they give in is also debatable. A large percentage of dogs will always fight them.

A proper fit is uncomfortable.

I’ve had a lot of people show up with Gentle Leaders and Haltis on their dogs. I will never forget one particular dog. The bone under the head holster was shot. I mean literally shot; Its snout was almost concave from the sheer pressure on its nose for an extended period of time. That was an extreme case, but I also see a lot of other dogs without fur on their faces because they’re trying to rub it off. Some of these dogs have worn these for years and are still trying to take them off.

I’m telling you all this because there are many Gentle Leaders and Halti out there who fail. When you address her, the inevitable reaction is that she wasn’t fitted properly.

Maybe, maybe not. The company says:

Although the Gentle Leader® fits much snugger than other collars, you will find that your dog is still comfortable, can pant slightly and shows no signs of stress or discomfort.

And yet this is a demonstration of what the right fit looks like. Enough said.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdBvK43TrrE

Where’s the positivity?

Call me crazy, but I don’t understand how humane it is to use a tool that yanks a dog’s head around with more force than anyone could ever do with a spiked collar. And I don’t see how positive it is supposed to be forcing a dog to wear something that he finds painfully repulsive.

This, my friends, is where cognitive dissonance begins. The people who push head holsters are the so-called positive people. Please someone explain to me the level of denial that exists here. How do you arrange that? Do they stick their fingers in their ears and sing LA LA LA while frolicking between positive rainbows and unicorns?

And please someone tell me – how on earth do these people justify the demonization of spike collars and putting these head cages on dogs?

It’s absurd. It’s so absurd it’s ridiculous. Or at least it would be ridiculous if we weren’t so busy trying to fix the damage done by these people.

Train or manage – it’s a choice.

Remember when I said that pulling is a rewarding activity for a dog? Here’s the thing: There are two ways to deal with dragging (and pretty much everything else, too). You can either train the behavior you want or control the behavior you don’t want.

I prefer to train the behavior I want. Head halters are not suitable for this. You only manage the behavior. And they do it through pain.

Gentle Leader® halter

Troubleshooting and FAQs

At what age can a puppy start using a Gentle Leader®? Already eight weeks. How many hours a day can a dog wear the Gentle Leader®? Up to 18 hours a day, remove at night. The dog keeps getting the Gentle Leader® off ​​its nose – should the nose loop be tighter? Do not tighten the nose loop immediately. When a dog takes off the nose loop, it’s almost always because the neck strap is too loose. First, check the fit of the collar – high on the neck, just behind the base of the skull and snug so you can HARDLY get a finger underneath. If you’re thinking, “That’s too tight,” you probably are! Only after you have properly adjusted the neck strap can you determine whether the nose loop needs to be tightened or loosened. The loop of the nose rests just behind the corners of the mouth, in front of the eyes. You should be able to pull it forward to the beginning of the fleshy part of the nose, but not all the way away. What do I do if the dog initially fights back? The dog can defend itself against the Gentle Leader® by stepping on it with its paw, plopping on the ground, etc. Remember that it is not in pain, it is simply resisting the new message telling it that it is the no longer has control. Don’t try to “comfort” the dog with petting or soothing phrases like, “It’s okay, it won’t hurt you, I’m here…” If this is happening while he’s struggling, actually tell him that his resistance is what you want – you will increase his attempt to control the situation. Save the praise and petting when he stops resisting and walks, sits, stands, or lies quietly, and keep a happy and upbeat voice.

We’ve found that the easiest way to help a reluctant dog adjust quickly is to distract him from his attempts to fight or sulk and encourage a desired behavior – namely, walking and sitting. The closed hand aim along with yummy treats and “happy talk” are great tools to get him up and moving or sitting still. Reactionary behavior will fade when the dog acknowledges leadership.

Some people prefer to give the dog a few minutes to get used to the new Gentle Leader® feel before making the final nose loop adjustment. If the nose clip has not been adjusted for the last time and the dog starts pawing, it is very important that the leash is slackened so that the dog cannot detach the nose clip. Once he gets it off, he’ll fight ten times harder to get it off next time! (People with less “hands on” experience in this type of situation may be better off making the final adjustment of the nose loop before attempting to walk/sit/walk/sit etc.) Caution: A dog must open its mouth around panting/breathing during physical activity or stress. Don’t pull the leash consistently for more than about 30 seconds. Your dog can open its mouth as needed when the leash is slack.

What do I do if the dog continues to struggle with the Gentle Leader®? Check the fit first. In many cases it is because the nose loop is too tight. People often mistakenly make the nose loop too tight because they made the neck strap too loose. As you loosen the nose loop, check the fit of the neck strap, which is likely to be too loose now. Tighten the neck strap and readjust the nose loop.

Next, make sure there is no constant pressure on the leash. It is important to release the tension on the leash as soon as the dog shows the correct behavior. Remember that the tension on the leash puts pressure on the muzzle and tells the dog that this is not the right behavior. A slack leash releases pressure and tells the dog, “Yes, that’s what I want you to do!” The dog has developed a sore on the front of his neck! A “hot spot” can arise if the halter is left on the dog for days without removing it at night. The hot spot develops on the FRONT of the neck just above the Adam’s apple. This is a humid area that is created when three things coincide: the area under the front of the collar shuts out light and ventilation, and the skin’s normal bacteria thrive under elevated temperature and lack of light.

Remove the Gentle Leader® immediately and allow the hot spot to heal. Wash the Gentle Leader® before using again (it is safe to machine wash and dry or drain). When reinserting the Gentle Leader®, be sure to take it off each night. We recommend not leaving the Gentle Leader® on for more than 18 hours a day. I have heard that the Gentle Leader® can cause neck/spine injuries. The co-developer of the Gentle Leader®, Dr. R.K. Anderson, has investigated rumors that wearing a Gentle Leader® can result in injuries to the dog’s neck or vertebrae. None of the rumors could be confirmed – not a single case of neck or spine injuries could be documented as caused by the Gentle Leader®. dr Anderson has investigated all injury reports that have come to his attention and continues to actively solicit injury reports for his personal investigation. Much of the early research to develop the product was done at leading veterinary schools. Over the past few years of use, behavioral scientists, veterinarians and trainers have recognized the inherent safety of the Gentle Leader® halter when used as directed and are increasingly recommending the Gentle Leader® as a safe and humane training aid. The nose loop has been rubbing excessively on the dog’s nose hair or skin. Excessive rubbing can occur if the neck strap is not properly attached (too loose), which allows the nose loop to rotate. It also occurs when the handler snaps or yanks the leash to one side, causing the nose loop to rotate.

Remove Gentle Leader® immediately and allow any abrasions to heal. Wash the halter before using again (it is safe to machine wash and dry or drip dry). When reinserting the Gentle Leader®, make sure the neck strap is snug (one finger!) and the nose loop is behind the lips and free to move to the end of the nose, but neither the handler nor the dog is using the nose strap can pull out. While the key is proper neck strap fit and use to avoid twisting (no jerking or pulling to one side), a strip of mole skin on the underside of the nose loop can be used with the soft side of the mole skin against the dog. The dog will not move or play – it just “sulks” – when the Gentle Leader® is on. Don’t believe it! Attempting to soothe the dog with “It’s okay,” stroking and eye contact unintentionally reinforces the “pout.” Save the words, pats, treats, and eye contact when the dog is behaving the way you want it to.

When the dog is subdued and calm, increase their activity level by using a high-pitched, happy voice, lively gestures (in other words, acting like a fool), and providing them with toys, really tasty treats (freeze-dried liver treats are often the “Million Dollar Puppy Reward”) or encourage him to stand up, walk, or come with your target hand. Try to create a “treat trail” on the floor and the dog will be rewarded as he walks from treat to treat. Work with him when he’s hungry – right before his normal feeding time. Plan in some short (two-minute) exercise sessions before the actual walk.

Withdraw all attention completely — no eye contact, no verbal cues, no touching — or better yet, walk away. He gets attention—eye contact, praise, petting, and sometimes food—when he’s not playing with the halter or showing desired behavior. Make sure good things happen when the Gentle Leader is on – eat, play, pet. Do things he enjoys while he’s in the halter – going to the park, the lake, the pet store, driving his car.

If he refuses to move, try “rocking” him on the leash like a stuck car with a pull-and-release, tug-and-release (without jerking) pull and release. Crouch down and encourage him with your voice and target hand. Release the tension as soon as he begins to move, praise, and treat.

Remember, the dog is not in pain, it is simply resisting the new message telling it that it is no longer in control – the handler’s patience and perseverance will pay off! Should I recommend a Gentle Leader® to a shy dog? Leading behaviorists and trainers report that Gentle Leader® is particularly effective in helping anxious and shy dogs feel more secure and calm in situations that previously created fear. With Gentle Leader®, your dog will instinctively sense and respond to your leadership, allowing them to relax and allow you to be responsible for their well-being. When anxiety and restlessness are reduced, your dog will learn faster and be a more rewarding companion. When can an owner return to a traditional collar? This is a frequently asked question, and the answer is as individual as the handler and the dog. One of Gentle Leader®’s most unique features is that it can be converted into a traditional collar at any time. (In fact, Gentle Leader® is the only halter that can be converted in this way.) The handler may choose to only use Gentle Leader® as a halter for a short period of time to address a specific behavior problem, and then switch from that Time to a traditional style collar. After the initial training period, the handler can use it primarily as a traditional collar, converting it back to a halter in certain situations where more control is required. For many owners, Gentle Leader® offers such easy control that the halter option is their constant choice throughout their dogs life. (Some feel that Gentle Leader® is more humane than collars of any kind because it never chokes, and therefore replaces a collar for everyday wear, even without behavioral issues.)

The owner is the one who must decide when and if a change is in the best interests of the dog and family. Chances are that an older couple with an energetic Great Dane will forever benefit from using Gentle Leader®! If the owner has a young Lab that loves to hop on people, the Gentle Leader® can be used with the Indoor Drag Line for a few months to a year to further reinforce the “sit to greet.” Again, it all depends on the situation at hand. A simple guideline is that Gentle Leader® should be used whenever the owner/and/or family members wish to have more control over the dog.

When an owner is satisfied with the level of control and wants to see how their dog fares with a standard collar, Gentle Leader® offers the convenience of convertibility. Simply use the Gentle Leader® neck strap like a normal collar without putting the nose loop around the dog’s nose. Attach the leash to the control ring and the nose loop becomes an extension of the leash to the collar. When you go for a walk and need more control, simply slide the nose loop back over your dog’s nose. Note: When using the nose loop as an extension of the leash, be sure to slide the snap clip all the way up to the center pole ring to prevent chewing.

Why should I train my dog ​​with a halter?

Head halters are commonly used as an alternative to neck control collars and have many benefits. First, they make it easier to control and require less physical exertion, so you don’t have to struggle with your pet or try to keep your shoulders from being pulled out of their sockets while walking like you do with a flat collar.

“Where the nose goes, the body follows.”

The head halter has a strap that goes around the muzzle, and where the nose goes, the body follows (“power steering for dogs”). Second, dogs that pull on collars can injure themselves because the collar presses into their windpipe and throat. In addition, pressure on a collar can increase intraocular pressure (pressure in the eyes), which can pose a risk to dogs with glaucoma. Dogs that pull may also be at greater risk of becoming aggressive towards strangers or dogs they meet on walks if they are punished or choked every time they meet a new person or animal. Third, some head collars give you control of the dog’s mouth, which can help control barking, turn the head away from the stimulus, and reduce the risk of dog biting. However, if you know your pet has an anger problem, a muzzle may be a better fit as it will prevent biting without you having to rely on the owner’s control.

How do head halters work?

The head halter is an excellent tool for control and training. However, it is primarily a tool to help you be successful. It will take some time and effort to get your dog used to wearing a head halter and to ensure that it is put on and used correctly. Although it may be possible to use the head halter successfully with the help of the support material that accompanies the head holster (along with this handout), additional guidance from a trainer familiar with the use of the head halter can contribute to success.

In short, head collars work by applying pressure behind the neck and around the muzzle so the pet can be prompted to give the desired response. Once the desired response is achieved, releasing tension (negative reinforcement) and presenting a reward (positive reinforcement) can be used to increase the pet’s likelihood of repeating the behavior when learning the target behavior requiring the reinforcement reached. Once the pet responds reliably, verbal cues/commands can be added. Because pets tend to pull against pressure, a strategic but gentle tug in just the right direction can be enough to get your pet to move in the opposite direction.

How do I use a head halter to help train desirable behaviors such as sitting, walking relaxed, resting, turning, standing up, and laying down?

If the leash is a few inches slack, the dog can be taught to walk on a slack leash by gently pulling the head back and releasing when the dog walks at your side, or by pulling forward which the should cause the dog to retreat. Gently pulling to the side directs the dog’s head away from the stimulus and toward the owner (turn away, focus). Tighter pulls close the mouth to stop barking or biting, while pulling up and forward (using the second hand under the chin, if necessary) should ensure sitting. A slight change in head position can then be used to teach the dog to maintain eye contact (focus/observation). Should the pet begin to stand up, a gentle tug up and forward should help maintain the sitting position, provided the release is timely once sitting is achieved.

“To achieve the desired behavior, a gentle continuous pull should be used rather than a jerk.”

Interestingly, many dogs will go into a tedious and sedentary state when they find they cannot rise from the sitting position. To achieve the desired behavior, a gentle, continuous pull should be used rather than a jerk. Once success is achieved, training should continue with varied environments and slightly more complex tasks (e.g. teaching the dog to sit during the greeting instead of jumping up).

How do I use head halters to deal with unwanted behavior?

The head halter can also serve as a tool to interrupt unwanted behavior and get the desired response during exercise. For example, the head collar and leash can be used to get the dog to be quiet when barking or to “stop” the puppy from barking. Similarly, a tug on the leash can be used to instantly curb pulling, barking, chewing, stealing, fecal eating and some forms of aggression. Attached with a long leash, the head halter can also be used to remotely interrupt behaviors, such as walking. B. Garbage robbery, house pollution or digging.

Aren’t halters irritating to dogs?

Halters themselves are not cruel, but like any collar, they can be irritating unless a little time is spent fitting the halter properly and teaching your pet to wear it. If the following guidelines are followed, your pet should really enjoy wearing the halter. The most common mistakes are immediately believing that your dog will accept the new feeling on his face and allowing him to remove the halter. Critical points are ensuring proper fit, putting the head halter on in conjunction with something positive, preventing the dog from removing the halter until it has calmed down, and using the halter properly to keep the dog in the slack/released position Instead of pulling on the head, the focus of the training should be the halter.

How do I get my dog ​​comfortable with a head halter?

1. Show your dog the halter, have him sniff to examine it, and stick a treat through the open noseband to encourage him to voluntarily stick his nose through the opening. To achieve the desired behavior, a gentle, continuous pull should be used rather than a jerk. Repeat this process several times, allowing the tape to rest on the dog’s nose longer and longer before giving the treat. This begins to build a positive association with the muzzle loop. Some dogs may first need to associate the sight of the head halter with touching the head halter (target training) before fitting them over the nose.

2. With the Gentle Leader® head halter, the neck strap can be attached separately from the noseband. Before proceeding with fitting the full halter, adjust the neck strap as you would with most other collars, but ensure a snug fit (see adjustment below).

3. Gradually expect more from your pet as you insert the halter. Put the halter on and reward your dog with it and again when you take it off. Gradually increase the time you leave him on and practice feeding treats with his halter on, but only if he’s not pawing or rubbing at the collar. You may be able to distract your dog by playing a game, giving treats, or taking a short walk with the leash attached to the collar. Alternatively, leave the leash attached and tug gently if your dog tries to paw at or rip off the head halter.

4. Next you can put on the head halter and leash and let the leash hang. You should work towards holding your dog for about 5 to 10 minutes. Try to distract and play and reward your dog when he is not concentrating on the head halter.

5. When you start using the leash to control your dog, make sure your dog’s attention is on you. They should be animated and talk to him constantly, with lots of verbal praise. This also serves as a distraction from the halter, reducing the likelihood of it clawing at it. You can use a bait or target and lots of small tasty treats to keep your dog focused and on task. Training can begin indoors, in your backyard, or on a short walk. Make sure to change direction frequently by gently tensioning the leash while maintaining the lob and treats. Alternatively, you can play a game like spin in circles, where your pet is encouraged to gently spin one way and then the other. In this way, your dog learns that you have control over the head with light pressure and verbal commands.

6. Never remove the halter when your pet is trying to remove it. A gentle tug on the leash can encourage him to leave him alone. When he relaxes, the halter can be removed. Consider if you are expecting too much too soon. The important rule is to work at a speed that your pet can accept and handle. This can mean that the whole program can take a few days rather than a few minutes.

7. In some cases, a faster acclimatization technique may be preferred. Adjust and adjust the neck strap first, and then take it off. Next, using treats or a favorite toy as bait, distraction and reward, slide the noseband over the nose and continue to distract the dog with the treat or toy while attaching the neckstrap. With a leash, favorite food, and plenty of praise, it may then be possible to play with your dog or take him for a short walk while he gets used to the head halter. By making the walk fun, distracting your dog, and using food rewards to mark the desired response, many pets will become accustomed to the head collar by the end of the first training session.

How do I adjust and use the head halter?

The key to head halter success is ensuring proper fit, understanding how to apply and release pressure in training, and understanding the proper use of rewards. Here is a quick overview of how to customize and use the Gentle Leader®.

“The key to headcollar success is ensuring proper fitting, understanding how to apply and release pressure in training, and understanding the proper use of rewards.”

Make sure it fits correctly: The head halter should be high on the back of the head and so tight that it does not slip around the neck when the leash is pulled. By ensuring a snug fit of the poll strap, the noseband can be adjusted so that there is little or no constriction. When first putting on the head halter, it may be helpful to first ensure the collar is properly adjusted and then remove the collar. Next, offer treats through the nose loop and when the dog sticks its nose through the loop. Give the dog treats as a reward and distraction while you attach the collar.

Achieve Desired Response: By constantly allowing the leash a few inches of slack, it should only take a short, gentle tug to achieve the desired response. An up and forward pull-up can make eye contact (for target training, control, and safety), close the mouth, and get the dog to heel, sit, or focus. Once the desired response can be consistently achieved, a keyword (command) can be added.

Motivate: An encouraging, calm voice, target accuracy, and appealing eye contact should be used to motivate the pet to respond. Positive reinforcement is given when the dog responds appropriately.

Use Command Training: When the owner gives a command and the dog does not respond immediately, the head collar is immediately and gently (but firmly enough to be successful) pulled to achieve the desired response (sit, foot, rest). The owner then releases the tension once the desired response is achieved. If the desired response is sustained, a reward (e.g., food, clicker, toy, praise, petting) is immediately given to mark the correct response, so future success is ultimately reward-driven. In practice, no name or command should be given to the behavior until you can reliably achieve the desired behavior.

Pull – release – reward: By pulling on the head halter, the desired behavior can be achieved quickly and the pressure can be released once the reaction has been achieved. If the owner lets go (by slacking off a bit), the dog may continue to exhibit the desired response (for which a reward should be given) or may begin to resume the undesirable response (e.g., trying to get up, lunge ahead , bark), in this case, the train (train) should be applied again. In some cases, it may take multiple iterations of the pull and release to get the desired response, but the total time to achieve success may not be much more than a few seconds. By resolving only a small amount of slack, it only takes a slight pull to regain control.

How do I use the head halter to treat behavioral issues?

Once the head halter is properly fitted and can be used successfully to achieve relaxed sitting and heeling without any distractions, the owner can proceed to more complex tasks and challenging environments.

“The owner can tackle more complex tasks and tougher environments.”

To achieve relaxed sitting and focusing, the dog can be taught to sit and stay for gradually longer periods of time before the reward is given. The leash should be slack with a few inches of slack, but if the dog begins to stand up or lose concentration, a gentle pull up and forward should be used to maintain the seat. For most problems, training should then transition to a greater degree of relaxation by observing the dog’s posture and breathing, and only increasing when the dog is sufficiently relaxed. The owner can then begin to move away from the dog (still leaving only an inch or two slack) to train the dog to stay and not follow or lunge forward.

To teach a relaxed takeoff, the dog is reinforced for lying down with a short slack on the leash and reinforced for gradually longer periods of offlay. If the dog begins to stand up during the session, the leash is used to maintain the down position. Rewards are given and the dog is released to stand up at the end of each session. As with Sit/Focus, the goal is to gradually reinforce longer and progressively more relaxed downtime sessions. Relaxation can be observed by monitoring breathing and posture (eg, lying on one hip). Another useful command is to teach the dog to go to his mat or bed and stay there until released. Again, progressively longer and more relaxed behavior should be reinforced before release.

Once the dog is seated and relaxed, these commands can be used as part of a program to improve unwanted behavior. Because the goal of retraining is to teach the dog the desired response, not to punish unwanted behavior, the commands and head collar can help to achieve success. For example, the dog can be trained to sit with concentration or lie down quietly when visitors come to the front door and encouraged to use the correct greeting behavior.

If the dog is being trained with a head halter and rewarded for walking with a slack leash at the owner’s side (heel), the heel exercise (or sit and focus) and the head halter can be used to keep the dog calm and under control in environments where it might fall or jump up during a walk.

If the approaching person or animal cannot be effectively controlled, or if there is a limit to how close your dog can get to another dog or person, the goal is to reduce each exposure with a calm and positive outcome to end. With head halter training, you can usually train the dog to move backwards fairly quickly by pulling the leash forward and taking a step or two backwards. Bait and targets can be used to get the desired result faster, as long as the pet is immediately rewarded with a release (and a positive booster, if available) once it backs up a few steps. Make a game of the reset exercise so the pet can eventually go back 20 steps or more on command. Similarly, a command like “Let’s go” can be extremely effective in both preventing confrontation and dispelling fear when the pet begins to move forward and needs to be removed from the situation. While walking on a loose leash, teach your dog to turn and follow you by saying a command like “Let’s go” or turning and walking the other way. A lure or target can quickly accomplish these goals in a positive way, but a gentle tug on the head collar (and a release and positive reinforcement when the dog begins to follow) can ensure the head is turned toward the owner and reward and away from the stimulus. These two commands help ensure that any exposure can produce a positive result by using the “go back” or “let’s go” just before the pet becomes anxious or at least should calmly remove the pet from a potentially problematic situation begin to emerge.

For specific uses and problems see our other handouts. For more details on fitting and using the Gentle Leader®, please contact your veterinary health team.

One of the hardest things is teaching a dog to walk on a leash. While some dogs pick it up very quickly, others seem seemingly impossible to train. As a result, many people use gentle guide collars or similar alternative collars to make walking their dog a little easier.

These collars are great for deterring negative behaviors like barking, jumping, and jumping. They make it very easy to handle your dog – more so than a traditional leash. While many people use these collars long-term, others use them during exercise and then switch to another option.

Below we have reviewed some of the best gentle hooklink halters on the market.

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A-Z top picks for gentle leader halters

PetSafe Gentle Leader Halter – Best overall

The PetSafe Gentle Leader Head Collar is perfect for preventing pulling, lunging and jumping. It can be used during training or on dogs that are very reactive and difficult to walk. Plus, it gives your dog plenty of practice walking without these negative behaviors.

This collar features a neoprene padded nose loop for extra comfort and to prevent chafing. Also, it is designed to put pressure on your dog’s neck, which prevents coughing and choking. It also makes your dog easier to control since they won’t be able to pull on the leash as effectively.

You can buy this collar in several sizes and with the adjustable nose loop you can adapt it perfectly to your dog.

Best Overall Impression PetSafe Gentle Leader Padded No-Stretch Dog Halter Designed with a neoprene padded nose loop

Perfect for preventing pulls, lunges and jumping

Put pressure on your dog’s neck, which will prevent coughing and gagging

Makes it easier to control your dog Check Chewy Check Amazon

PetSafe Leader Chic Dog Collar & Leash – Best Fashionable

If you’re looking for something a little more stylish, this PetSafe headband might be your best option. It features a number of different designs for you to choose from. As such, it tends to be a bit more stylish than the plain black halters you typically find. However, it is a bit more expensive, so you will have to pay a little more for this feature.

The nose loop is designed to gently guide your dog away from triggers. However, this is done without gagging and coughing. It’s a lot softer than other options, especially with all the extra padding.

The closure type is quick release, so it is very easy to put on and take off. Since you probably won’t leave this on your dog over time, this buckle makes it a lot easier for you to take it off between walks.

Best Fashionable PetSafe Gentle Leader Chic Padded Dog Halter & Leash More stylish than the plain black halters

The nose loop is designed to gently guide your dog away from triggers

The type of closure is a quick release

The extra padding makes it softer than other Check Chewy Check Amazon options

MPP Gentle Leader Head Collar Dog Training Guide – Best for training

For those looking to train their dog, this head collar and training guide is a great option. It comes with a Training Guide to help you use the halter properly and provide additional training advice. If you don’t plan on using a head collar forever, this dog training guide will help you figure out how to wean yourself off of it and remove some of your dog’s toxicity.

This collar, unlike most other options, comes with a comprehensive training DVD. For those new to haltering, this DVD is a great option.

In addition, this collar is extremely adjustable, making it easy to fit your dog.

Optimal for training MPP Gentle Leader Head dog collar Comes with a comprehensive training DVD

The collar is extremely adjustable

If you want to train your dog, this is a very good option

The training guide will help you wean your dog off a head collar. Check Amazon

Wintchuk Dog Collar – Best bang for the buck

Halters have more material than other collars, so they are often more expensive than other collars. However, this halter is a lot more affordable than other options we’ve mentioned so far. But it’s fairly durable and practical, making it a good option for those looking for a cheaper option.

This halter has a fairly simple design. However, it is made with 11 stitches for extra durability. Plus, it’s reflective, which makes them easier to see at night. This safety aspect is crucial if you normally walk your dog at night.

Several different styles are available, as well as three different sizes. Therefore, you can use these for many dogs with different sides. Also, each one has many different adjustment points so you can customize it perfectly for your dog.

Best bang for your buck wintchuk dog collar Durable and practical

Simple design

Reflective so your dog can be seen better at night

Several different styles available. Check Amazon

Selection of the best

Before buying a halter, there are a few things to consider. Any collar should be adjustable, easy to put on, and durable. Read on for more information on these three qualities.

adjustability

If a halter doesn’t fit your dog, it won’t work. Very few halters fit your pooch just right without adjustments. Therefore, it is important that you choose an option that can be set easily and accurately.

Be sure to take the time to fit the halter as best as possible before using it.

user friendliness

Most dogs don’t like putting headbands on – at least at first. It takes some getting used to before the dog willingly accepts the collar. So you’re already struggling with your dog – you don’t want to be struggling with the collar too.

It’s important that it’s easy to put on and take off to make the process easier for both of you. The buckle should be easy to adjust and easy to put on and take off.

durability

If you buy this head collar then your dog is likely to be reactive so he will tug on the head collar. Because of this, we strongly recommend that you find a fairly durable halter that can withstand this pull.

Looking for headgear with multiple seams and made of quality materials.

Verified Rating: User Experience

Typically, most problems with soft hooklink halters are due to user error. Many people buy halters and assume they don’t have to do anything else. However, using them incorrectly is just as bad as not using them at all.

There are a few things you need to keep in mind to properly use these gentle guides. Otherwise, you can do more harm than good:

They are a training tool. Gentle guides are just training tools. They are not a one-fits-all solution that will automatically make your dog walk well. Instead, they’re a gentle way to break your dog’s eye contact and prevent fixations. However, that’s all they do. They are not a substitute for regular exercise.

Gentle guides are just training tools. They are not a one-fits-all solution that will automatically make your dog walk well. Instead, they’re a gentle way to break your dog’s eye contact and prevent fixations. However, that’s all they do. They are not a substitute for regular exercise. They treat reactivity. These training tools are designed to treat reactivity. They do not affect other types of walking problems. So if your dog has other walking problems, this leash will not affect him at all.

These training tools are designed to treat reactivity. They do not affect other types of walking problems. So if your dog has other walking problems, this leash will not affect him at all. reward, reward, reward. Yoru-hound is unlikely to like this gentle leader at first. It is therefore important that you familiarize your dog with the halter. You should do it to them calmly and reward them handsomely. Any kind of calm behavior with the collar is good.

Yoru-hound is unlikely to like this gentle leader at first. It is therefore important that you familiarize your dog with the halter. You should do it to them calmly and reward them handsomely. Any kind of calm behavior with the collar is good. Handle the “tantrums.” If your dog is used to being responsive on his walks, he probably won’t like gentle leaders at first. Trying to shake it off, being lethargic and whining is common. However, continuing with the halter is critical to success. You have to get through these tantrums. Just because your dog howls with the headgear on doesn’t mean it doesn’t work.

Understanding how halters work is critical to your success. This is not a training tool that will work on its own – it requires knowledge to use properly.

Your dog won’t like it at first, and that’s okay! Keep working on it and your dog will usually start to enjoy it.

Products for this review

Teaching a dog to walk properly on a leash can be a daunting task. Some dogs are super excitable and easily distracted by any smell or moving creature around them. You’ll find dogs that don’t respond to tugs on the leash, and some are so strong they can just pull you along despite your efforts to stop them!

Fortunately, there are many tools available today that you can use to train your dog to walk on a leash. Two of the most popular and effective tools are the gentle leader or a spiked collar. Both have the same intention of teaching your dog to walk on a leash without pulling. But each of these tools is better suited for certain pets. One might be ideal for your dog, while the other might have little effect. In this article, we aim to break down the differences between these two exercise machines to help you determine which is the best choice for your best friend. Let’s dive into the Gentle Leader vs. Spiked Collar debate:

Overview of Gentle Leaders

As the name suggests, the Gentle Leader is a collar that gently encourages your dog to stop pulling on the leash. It’s a great tool that lets you worry less about what your dog is doing during your walk, although it’s not particularly effective for training behaviors to be pulled out of your dog.

How it works

The Gentle Leader differs significantly from a standard collar. Although it goes around your dog’s neck, the heart of the device is a loop that goes around your dog’s snout. The leash attaches to the underside of this loop, and when the dog pulls on the leash, the loop tightens around its snout. This is uncomfortable for the dog, so they generally stop pulling. This gives you better control over your dog and he doesn’t pull as hard on the Gentle Leader as he would on a normal collar.

Benefits for soft leaders

The best thing about the Gentle Leader is that it gives you more control without more effort. If you don’t have the time to give your dog your full attention and train him on your walk, the Gentle Leader gives you enough control to relax a bit and not focus so much on your dog’s behavior. You’ll also find that the Gentle Leader tends to calm down many dogs, making them less agitated when you’re out.

Disadvantages of the Gentle Leader

The biggest disadvantage of the Gentle Leader is that it doesn’t teach your dog proper leash behavior. It discourages pulling, but only while the collar is on. Once you take the Gentle Leader off and switch back to a regular collar, the discouragement is gone and your dog hasn’t learned to associate pulling with a negative effect. As such, they will most likely revert to their default migratory behavior.

Gentle leaders are not the best choice for dogs that are strong pullers. The design of this collar puts pressure around your dog’s muzzle and under his eyes. If your dog pulls too hard, it can damage their nose or eyes. Your dog may not understand what is going on and could pull harder to escape the discomfort without realizing the pulling is the cause!

Advantages Does not cause pain

Causes no pain. Stops choking noises

Stops gagging noises. Calms down the dog

Calms the dog Helps control the dog Disadvantages Pressure on the eyes and nose

Pressure on the eyes and nose will not teach a dog to stop pulling

Overview of spiked collars

Spiked collars are a very effective training tool designed to teach your dog how to walk properly on a leash without pulling. They are intended for short-term use only. Once you train a dog with a spiked collar, the goal is to wean him and get him to walk with a regular collar, just without the pulling behavior he previously exhibited.

How it works

As the name suggests, a prong collar has many metal prongs pointing inward toward your dog’s neck. A brief tug on the leash will contract those tines, letting your dog know that the behavior they just committed is undesirable. Snarling the tines simulates being bitten by another dog, which teaches them that a particular behavior should not be repeated. After a few tugs on the spiked collar, when the dog pulls, it will associate the tug with a negative reaction, thereby stopping the pulling behavior.

It is not intended for a walking collar

Spiked collars are not intended for permanent use. With long-term use, they can cause the dog to associate walking with negative reinforcement, creating anxiety and causing the dog to stop enjoying walks. These collars should only be used for short training intervals. Once the desired behavior is achieved, use of the spiked collar should be discontinued.

Effective but controversial

Spiked collars are exceptionally effective for teaching dogs to walk properly on a leash. However, many people consider themselves inhuman because they don’t understand how a spiked collar really works. That said, they can definitely cause pain if worn incorrectly. Spiked collars require the right size and skill to use properly. It is best if spiked collar training is done under the supervision of a professional. When used correctly, they are completely safe for your dog and are one of the best ways to prevent your dog from pulling on the leash while walking.

Benefits Helps train pulling behavior

Helps train pulling behavior. Very little pressure is required

Very little pressure is required. Allows for a smooth correction

Allows for gentle correction Teaches dogs not to pull Disadvantages Can only be worn for a short time

Can only be worn for a short time. Causes pain if worn incorrectly

Causes pain if carried incorrectly. Links may break apart

Gentle Leader vs Spiked Collar: Which Tool is Right for Your Dog?

While these two tools are effective for their intended purpose, they are designed to do different things. Which tool you should choose depends on what you want to achieve with it.

Training a dog to stop pulling

If you want to train your dog to stop pulling on the leash so it can walk more easily, then a spiked collar is your best bet. These devices are intended to train your dog in the correct behavior through several training sessions of short duration. Once the desired behavior is achieved, the dog should be weaned from the spiked collar and continued walking with a standard collar. Because these collars help the dog associate pulling behaviors with negative reinforcement, they will understand that pulling is not the behavior they want.

Easier to walk on a leash now

Sometimes you are not concerned with teaching your dog the right behavior right away. Perhaps your dog is already a decent walker but tends to get excited on certain walks. Alternatively, you might go for a walk when you know you can’t give your dog full focus and you need a little extra help to keep him calm and under control. In these situations, the Gentle Leader shines.

You can always use the Gentle Leader to give your pooch a little more control. Because they generally make dogs calm down, they’re a great tool if you’re taking your dog out on a busy street or where you know he’s around other dogs but might be agitated. The gentle leader helps them stay calm and allows you to stay in control without having to focus your full attention on the dog. However, it will not teach your dog proper leash behavior.

For dogs that need rigorous training to teach them not to pull, you’ll want a spiked collar instead. If your dog pulls heavily, the Gentle Leader is not a good choice as it could harm a dog that pulls excessively. But for staying in control and making it easier, Gentle Leaders are a great tool.

Conclusion

Although both spiked collars and Gentle Leaders are very effective tools, they are intended for different purposes. Spiked collars are perfect for teaching a dog to walk properly on the leash without pulling before switching back to a regular collar. Gentle leaders won’t train your dog in the same way, but they can give you more control and help calm your dog down when you know you won’t be able to give your dog your full attention while walking your dog or when you will be with one exciting area with many distractions.

Does your four-legged friend find it difficult to hold back on walks? Does he pull you back and forth while trying to review every interesting scent he smells? Have you ever been thrown off balance when Spot spotted a squirrel?

Don’t worry – you are not alone!

Ultimately, you want to solve this problem by teaching your dog to walk on a slack leash and not pull during the walk. But this is not a quick and easy fix. It will often take time to teach your pooch proper leash manners.

Luckily, there are some special harnesses and halters that can provide quick relief and make walking your dog easier. This way, you can maintain your sanity while making slow but steady progress through exercise.

Today we’re looking at two of the most popular choices – the PetSafe Gentle Leader and the PetSafe Easy Walk Harness – to help you choose the best harness for your dog.

The Gentle Leader vs. the Easy Walk Tableware: The essentials to take with you

The Gentle Leader Head Halter and Easy Walk Dog Harness are two different aids designed to help owners maintain control of their dog while on a walk. Both are fairly popular and effective options, but each works best in different circumstances.

Both are fairly popular and effective options, but each works best in different circumstances. The Gentle Leader is a head halter that allows you to direct your dog’s attention where you want it. This can help stop your dog from pulling, but it’s most helpful in eliminating the jumping and jumping that dogs with poor leash manners often exhibit.

This can help stop your dog from pulling, but it’s most helpful in eliminating the jumping and jumping that dogs with poor leash manners often exhibit. The Easy Walk is a traditional no-pull harness designed to make it easier to stop your dog from pulling. Because it is a front-positioned leash clip, the Easy Walk makes it harder for your dog to pull, as the pull simply flips his body.

. Because it is a front-positioned leash clip, the Easy Walk makes it harder for your dog to pull, as the pull simply flips his body. Verdict: Both are great tools, but if you’re just trying to stop pulling, go with the Easy Harness; If you’re more concerned with stopping lunging or keeping your dog focused on you, go for the Gentle Leader. In addition, the Easy Walk is better suited for brachycephalic (short-faced) breeds.

Quick comparison: head halter vs. no-pull harnesses

Gentle Leader Head Halter Image from Flickr. Image of the Easy Walk harness from Flickr.

The Gentle Leader and the Easy Walk Harness have a few things in common.

For example, they are both dog training harnesses and are both made by the same company. You can use both on a daily basis and they work in a variety of scenarios. Plus, unlike aversive spiked collars, they’re both humane and respectful of your pooch.

However, they differ in a few important respects.

The main difference between the Gentle Leader and Easy Walk harness boils down to the way they work: the former is a head halter while the latter is a no-pull harness. Both devices are designed to make Spot’s gait smoother, but each is built differently and caters to dogs with different needs.

Head halters like the Gentle Leader help you control the direction of your dog’s face, which can help with pulling and make it easier to steer your dog since you’re in control of his head.

No-pull harnesses work in a variety of ways, but the Easy Walk Harness strives to reduce your dog’s desire to pull through the use of a front clip design.

With a front clip setup, your dog cannot pull forward. Instead, the tug turns his body back due to the tension on the leash.

Both head halters and no-pull harnesses are useful pieces of equipment that you can use to improve your dog’s leash skills. Depending on your dog’s needs and preferences, he may work best with one option.

Product Basics: The Gentle Leader and Easy Walk Harness

Here is a general product overview of the Gentle Leader and Easy Walk harnesses. Note that the tools are very different and should therefore be evaluated individually rather than replacing one option or another.

The gentle leader

Info: The Gentle Leader Headcollar gives you the opportunity to direct your dog’s snout (and thus his attention) to where you want. Your dog still enjoys full freedom of movement and can sniff, eat or drink while you walk him around on the leash.

Not only will the halter help you control your dog and control his jumping or jumping, but it is also perfect for teaching your pooch how to “heel”.

Best Option to Get Your Dog’s Attention This is a sponsored placement where an advertiser pays a fee to be featured in this article. Learn More PetSafe Gentle Leader Head Halter A safe, effective and gentle head halter that helps you get your dog’s attention where you want it. See on Chewy See on Amazon

Features:

The halter design eliminates pressure on your dog’s neck and throat

Helps to avoid excessive jumping, lunges and leash pulling

The nose loops are padded for dog comfort

Prevents pups from pulling and allows you to redirect his focus

Benefits Most owners have been very impressed with the effectiveness of this halter

Provides an affordable way to take back control of your walks

With a little practice, most dogs will get used to the fit of the halter fairly quickly

The halter was effective at redirecting the pull, tumbling during distractions, and curbing the dogs’ jumping during the walk. Cons It may take a few sessions for your pooch to get used to this halter

Not a preferred choice for brachycephalic breeds (it doesn’t mix well with most short-faced doggos)

The Easy Walk tableware

Info: If you are looking for a tool to prevent your pooch from pulling so much while out for a walk, the Easy Walk Harness is certainly worth considering. This harness discourages your dog from pulling with a forward-facing leash attachment, making it easier for you to steer your dog one way or another without putting pressure on his or her throat.

Best Option to Stop Your Dog Pulling This is a sponsored placement where an advertiser pays a fee to be featured in this article. Learn More PetSafe Easy Walk Harness An easy-to-use front clip harness specifically designed to prevent your dog from pulling while walking. See on Chewy See on Amazon

Features:

Prevents leash pulling without putting pressure on your dog’s throat

The harness easily attaches to the Fido with different colored fabric to distinguish the bottom and top loops

8 adjustable size options to fit almost any quadruped

Most dogs get used to the Easy Walk harness fairly quickly

Works well for most brachycephalic breeds

Pros Harness is easy for dogs to get used to

The Easy Walk harness is great for brachycephalic breeds as it will not fit around your dog’s nose

Owners have been impressed by how much this harness reduces leash pulling in a short period of time

Another affordable option to soothe your walks. Cons The Easy Walk harness doesn’t reduce jumping or jumping on the leash as much as a Gentle Leader halter

Does not provide a way to draw your dog’s attention during the walk

Gentle Leader vs. Easy Walk Harness: Which Product is Right for You?

The Easy Walk Harness and Gentle Leader are both helpful tools, but both are best for addressing different concerns. We go over the ideal choice based on your situation below.

However, it is certainly worth considering getting both as they are affordable and well-suited for different scenarios.

Best candidates for the Easy Walk Harness

Your dog just pulls. The Easy Walk Harness is designed to curb light to moderate leash pulling. It doesn’t work particularly well on dogs that suddenly fall or jump.

The Easy Walk Harness is designed to curb light to moderate leash pulling. It doesn’t work particularly well on dogs that suddenly fall or jump. You’re looking for something more familiar. Dogs usually get used to the Easy Walk harness more quickly because it has a similar design to other harnesses. The Gentle Leader can be difficult for some dogs to get the hang of!

Dogs usually get used to the Easy Walk harness more quickly because it has a similar design to other harnesses. The Gentle Leader can be difficult for some dogs to get the hang of! You want something that you can quickly and easily dress your dog in. The Easy Walk harness is usually easier to attach to your little angel than the Gentle Leader.

The Easy Walk harness is usually easier to attach to your little angel than the Gentle Leader. You have a brachycephalic breed. Simply put, no-pull harnesses work better for short-faced dogs than head halters.

Best candidates for The Gentle Leader

Your dog falls, jumps and pulls on the leash. When your pooch is struggling with something other than the usual leash pull, the Gentle Leader halter gives you more control and allows you to direct your dog’s attention. For this reason the Gentle Leader is also a popular use on leash reactive dogs as it allows you to redirect their focus and prevent a dog from staring at their trigger and escalating.

When your pooch is struggling with something other than the usual leash pull, the Gentle Leader halter gives you more control and allows you to direct your dog’s attention. For this reason the Gentle Leader is also a popular use on leash reactive dogs as it allows you to redirect their focus and prevent a dog from staring at their trigger and escalating. You want to teach your dog to walk. Even if your dog is adept at walking on a loose leash, it’s a good idea to have your pooch teach the “toe” command. The Gentle Leader can be an excellent tool during this process as it will help you quickly redirect your dog’s attention.

Even if your dog is adept at walking on a loose leash, it’s a good idea to have your pooch teach the “toe” command. The Gentle Leader can be an excellent tool during this process as it will help you quickly redirect your dog’s attention. You’re looking for something to use in crowded areas. The Gentle Leader offers more control over your pooch, helping you keep your dog close and safe in crowded environments. Conversely, the Easy Walk harness may be better suited for casual settings where you just want to make your pup easier to pull.

While these are good guidelines to keep in mind, individual owners and dogs may simply prefer one option over the other. Both are worth experimenting with (as long as you don’t have a brachycephalic breed).

You might even find that different scenarios require different tools.

For example, you might want to use the Gentle Leader with your pooch in a crowded area (like the vet’s office) to ensure he stays safe. In more relaxed settings, the Easy Walk harness may be a better fit.

Just remember that perfecting slack leash walking is a process, and while these tools are helpful, they probably won’t be the end of all things for correcting your dog’s behavior. Teaching your dog to walk properly on a leash takes time, dedication, and lots of practice.

***

The Gentle Leader and Easy Walk Harness are amazing tools for honing your pooch’s leash manners. Each tool has its own benefits and purpose, so it’s worth considering both options to see what works best for your buddy.

If your dog is a strong puller, consider buying a separate leash for dogs that also pull, as the right collar or harness, as well as the right leash, can make all the difference.

Have you tried the Gentle Leader or Easy Walk harness? Have you noticed an improvement in your dog’s leash manners? We’d love to hear all about it in the comments below!

Head halters can be really valuable tools when dealing with an aggressive dog. Head halters are similar to those worn by horses and control the direction of your dog’s head (and therefore his or her mouth). Head halters are much more humane to use than choke collars, crush collars, or using leash “pops” (quick jerks to the collar).

But it’s important to understand that head halters are not muzzles. They do not prevent biting like muzzles can. But when used correctly, head halters allow you more control in situations where you absolutely must have a more controlled and confident dog.

They’re particularly useful when it comes to targeted behavior changes, allowing you to be in control if things get unexpectedly hot. Plus, your dog can continue to breathe, drink and most importantly eat, making training easier than with a muzzle.

The Gentle Leader head halter comes highly recommended by many veterinary behaviorists and there is one that fits most dogs (see Gentle Leader halter on Amazon). Gentle leaders are actually calming to some dogs when introduced in a fit and humane manner. There are also other brands of head halters such as Spur halters (see Spur on Amazon) and Halti (see Halti halter on Amazon). They all differ slightly in design.

However, the head halter has some precautions. They should not be used with a tight leash or a spring loaded “flexi” leash. They should also not be used with the old school style of tugging the leash for “correction”. If improperly adjusted, the Gentle Leader could result in your dog pawing his nose or resisting more than he normally would. Proper fit is even more important for flat-nosed dogs and may not always be appropriate. Just like using a muzzle for aggressive dogs, you need to make sure you aren’t constantly exposing your dog to the things that make him aggressive, as this will only make the aggression worse. You should also not develop a false sense of security that you will have a “safe” dog.

While some dogs try to paw off head collars, studies have shown that wearing one doesn’t increase their stress levels. But desensitizing your dog to wearing a head halter (pdf download) should prevent this, as should properly fitting your dog to wearing a head halter. You may be interested to see the video post: How to Customize and Introduce Your Gentle Leader Like a Pro.

How to deal with dog aggression

You are much better off making your dog a safer pet with a systematic approach like the one we offer in The Dog Aggression System Every Dog Owner Needs e-book than relying solely on a muzzle. You should learn to recognize signs that will help you take action before aggression even begins, and create a prevention and management plan so you avoid the circumstances that cause aggression.

Then help your dog learn to better manage the thing that triggers his aggression with a treatment plan aimed at keeping his anxiety below the “threshold.” This is a much more humane way of dealing with the problem, and most canine aggression can be improved if you just use the right methods.

Harnesses for aggressive dogs?

Harnesses do not prevent biting and if the dog is aggressive it can be dangerous to reach around the neck to put the harness on unless trained to accept it calmly. However, it’s good for dogs that pull or lunge, and the no-pull harnesses offer more humane control for dogs with short muzzles where head halters don’t work. The two main no-pull harnesses are the lupi and the spur or no-pull harness.

If you are interested in learning more about treating dog aggression, you may be interested in purchasing The Dog Aggression System Every Dog Owner Needs e-book.

You might also be interested in

How to Match and Introduce Your Dog to a Gentle Leader Like a Pro.

Using a muzzle on an aggressive dog

5 methods to avoid when training dogs

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Estimated reading time: 12 minutes

Dog Head Collars: Teach your dog not to pull on the leash

Pulling on the leash is the most common problem faced by dog ​​owners. If you’ve ever experienced this while walking your dog, you know how stressful, frustrating, and embarrassing it can be.

Not to mention the risk of injury if you are dragged off your feet.

In this post, we explain what a head collar is and help you decide if it’s the right training aid for you and your dog.

Why we? We’ve helped over a million owners around the world like you enjoy walking their dog on a loose leash. No pulling, frustration or stress.

Happy dogs and happy owners. Let’s start.

What is a headband?

A halter is a tool designed to teach your dog to stop pulling on the leash and to walk with good heel. It is also sometimes referred to as a head halter, halti collar, anti-pull collar, or dog nose leash.

There are several brands of dog collars on the market. The best for you and your dog is one that is comfortable, easy to apply, easy to use, and effective.

“The best head collar for your dog is comfortable, friendly, safe and effective”

What are the advantages of a headband?

The most obvious benefit is that a head collar can help teach your dog to walk on a slack leash without pulling. Like any tool, it makes the job easier.

Headbands also often have a calming effect on some dogs. There is less excitement and/or distraction when training, so your dog is more focused on you.

Although their primary purpose is training, halters can also be beneficial for dogs that jump or lunge at other dogs, passers-by or traffic. You can control your dog more easily if you can control his head.

A head collar can discourage your dog from picking up leftover food and other unwanted objects off the floor.

Why is my dog ​​pulling on the leash?

Dogs respond to a tight leash with an “oppositional reflex” or thigmotaxis. This means they will retract in the opposite direction to any pressure they feel on the line.

This leads to a constant tug of war with the stress, embarrassment, and potential for injury for both of you. As owners, we think that if we pull hard on the leash we are in control of our dog, but we clearly aren’t.

In order to stop the pulling, we need to teach our dog what to do when he feels that leash pressure.

“You’ll never walk a dog well on a tight leash”

A loose leash is essential when walking your dog

If our leash never slackens, we’re simply stopping our dog from moving forward rather than teaching him not to pull. Head protection can help here.

A good head collar will relax around your dog’s face when the pressure on the leash is released. This will teach your dog to stop pulling.

If you apply slight backward pressure with your leash, your dog has to stop moving forward. By immediately releasing the pressure, your dog will know that the leash is becoming slack.

Their momentum then allows you to catch up and loudly praise them. She learns the position you want her in when you go for a walk.

“Training, not restraint, is the name of the game”

Do headrests work?

Yes, for most dogs. A head collar helps dogs learn good walking habits. This works for young puppies and older dogs that may have had limited training before.

For die-hard pullers and rescue dogs whose history is unknown, it can be an invaluable tool. It is sometimes the difference between returning a rescue dog to a shelter or not.

“A halter is an effective training aid that can reduce the time it takes to teach your dog to heel.”

Are Head Collars Safe for Dogs?

Absolutely. It is important to follow the fitting instructions and check that the collar will not slip over your dog’s head before beginning the walk. The fit around your dog’s neck should be snugger than their normal collar.

If you’re worried about your dog slipping off the collar, it’s a good idea to use a double ended training leash. Attach one end to the head collar and the other end to your dog’s regular collar for security.

Never walk with a leash that is too long when using your halter. If your dog is moving quickly and reaches the end of a long leash, there is a risk of neck or spine injury.

A lead of approx. 120cm is ideal. This allows for tight control without the lead getting too long.

Are headbands cruel?

Not at all. They are used by many reputable organizations such as Irish Guide Dogs, ISPCA & Dogs Trust. Many trainers, training schools, veterinarians and animal shelters recommend them as part of their training programs.

Ultimately, he is only as good as the person on the other end of the leash and the time he invests in training his dog. Walking should only require a gentle “push and release” when your dog pulls.

“If a halter is pulled or snapped too hard, there is a risk of injury to your dog”

Headgears that clip under the chin tend to close your dog’s mouth when pressure is applied to the leash, but there’s no real benefit in clipping your dog’s mouth shut if we’re just teaching him to heel .

Others allow your dog to keep their mouth open so they can breathe and pant during exercise.

Your dog’s comfort should come first

The most important consideration when choosing a head collar is that it should be comfortable for your dog. It should be safe for both of you and help you study together.

Some collars have multiple straps around your dog’s face, while others may only have a single noseband. Choose the one you think is most comfortable for your dog’s muzzle type.

A padded noseband is a feature of some brands, but not always necessary when the fabric across the nose is soft, strong and comfortable.

How does a headband work?

Most head collars work on the principle that if you can control your dog’s head, the body will follow. A bridle on a horse works the same way.

Pressure is applied to the nose and released when your dog stops pulling. Letting go is a “negative reinforcement” to encourage the behavior we desire, which is walking beside us with a loose leash.

This “push and release” action uses your dog’s own energy to teach good walking habits.

It’s important to combine this “negative reinforcement” with positive reinforcement training. A halter alone does not replace good training.

How do you adjust a head collar?

Each brand of halter has its own individual fitting guide. It is important that you follow these closely for your dog’s comfort and safety.

Still, some people won’t read the instructions. This is a mistake. Your dog’s success depends on knowing how to use this training tool properly.

“Not all halters are designed the same, nor do they work the same way”

Most brands attach the leash under the chin. Others use a occipital attachment. Your dog will feel a distinct difference between “on” and “off” with this design as there is no continuous downward pressure from the weight of the leash or clip.

An added benefit of this design is that your dog cannot get their paw on the leash and pull the halter over their head.

How tight should a headband be?

A head collar should fit snugly so it doesn’t come loose and potentially endanger your dog. Attaching your regular leash to just the halter is doubly important.

If in doubt, use a double-sided training cable. Attach one clip to the head collar and the other to your dog’s regular collar.

Can a puppy wear a headband?

Start your puppy training with a head collar to get on the right foot. We wouldn’t expect a baby or toddler to adjust to a new experience right away, and neither do our dogs. Start slowly and patiently.

Remember how weird it was when you first wore a watch? Or a bike helmet? For puppies, wearing a head collar can be a similar experience and can feel a little strange at first.

Susan Garrett, the respected Canadian dog trainer, recommends starting early and allowing several weeks to acclimate your pup to a head collar before using it on a walk.

A progressive approach will provide your dog with good training habits for life. We recommend waiting until your puppy is comfortable wearing his regular collar and understands how to walk on a leash. For most dogs, this is around 4-6 months of age.

“A halter can instill good walking habits for life”

Your adult dog and head collars

Most adult dogs accept a headgear right away, and others may take a few weeks to get used to wearing it.

Very few dogs will ever accept wearing a head collar. This is usually due to the owner misusing it or not sticking with it if the dog doesn’t like wearing it at first.

Initially, some dogs don’t like the feel of having a headband on their nose. It is important for these dogs to gradually get used to carrying them.

Condition your dog to a head collar

The basic steps to getting your dog used to wearing a head collar are:

Make a positive association with the head collar, e.g. B. Using your dog’s favorite treats when you bring him out. Let her sniff the collar.

If your dog likes to look at it, the next step is to place the collar piece around his neck and place the noseband over his nose. Hold a treat in one hand and place the noseband over that hand so you can place it over your dog’s nose while still putting a treat in his mouth. Wait a few seconds, then pull it off and ignore your dog.

Repeat this step a few times. If your dog gets the leash with his paws, just stop the treats/attention/vocal praise and ignore it. Wait a moment and restart.

Once your dog accepts wearing the head collar, let him wear it around the house with the leash attached for a short period of time.

Now you can walk in the yard or in front of the house in an area with few distractions. Do short workouts of up to five minutes. Be sure to reward your dog with loud praise/treats when he walks well on a loose leash.

What is the best head collar for my dog?

When it comes to choosing a collar that will stop your dog from pulling on the leash, every brand will claim to be “the best”. But there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

The best head collar for you and your dog is the one that is most comfortable. It should be easy to assemble, easy to use, friendly, safe and effective.

Your choice will depend on your dog’s size, breed, and temperament, as well as how much training you want to do. Do you want to use your halter permanently? Or do you eventually want to teach your dog to walk on a regular collar and leash?

Some brands recommend permanent use. Others are designed so you can put the noseband on and off during your workout. These collars are best if you want to gradually get your dog used to using them.

Some breeds like Pugs and French Bulldogs have virtually no nose and a halter just won’t work for them. Others, like boxers, have a short, wide muzzle, making some brands of headgear unsuitable. When in doubt, invest in a body harness.

“Choose the right halter for you and your dog”

The Canny collar

The Canny Collar is a simple dog collar with a single, self-adjusting and detachable noseband.

The innovative “behind-the-head” design makes it easy to attach and simple to use. That means it also won’t gouge your dog’s eyes or yank his head to one side.

“The Canny Collar was voted ‘Best New Product’ by the UK Pet Product Retail Association shortly after its launch and is now being used by trainers, vets and shelters worldwide.”

How does the Canny Collar work?

The Canny Collar works with the recommended “press and release” system. When your dog pulls on the leash, he will feel pressure on the bridge of his nose. If she doesn’t pull, there’s no pressure.

Once the pressure is instantly released, the leash will loosen as your dog walks by your side. When the arm is relaxed, the Canny Collar automatically takes over the corrective work. You are free to praise or reward your dog for walking calmly at your side.

Your dog will quickly learn that the walk is more comfortable for both of you if you choose not to. They can positively reinforce the experience with loud praise and/or their favorite treat.

Why is the Canny Collar different from other halters like Halti or Gentle Leader?

Aside from its unique design, the Canny Collar works differently:

The Canny Collar fastens behind the head and not under the chin. The immediate benefit is that you don’t have to pull your dog’s head to the side or ride into his eyes.

. The immediate benefit is that you don’t have to pull your dog’s head to the side or ride into his eyes. The Canny Collar uses a single piece of material across your dog’s face that attaches to the leash at the back of the head. It expands to fit a boxer’s wider snout or contracts for a greyhound’s narrower snout. This results in a perfect fit without sacrificing functionality.

which is attached to the leash at the back of the head. It expands to fit a boxer’s wider snout or contracts for a greyhound’s narrower snout. This results in a perfect fit without sacrificing functionality. The Canny Collar can be quickly and easily converted into a normal dog collar. Simply put the noseband on and off your dog’s nose as needed. This way you can eventually teach your dog to walk on a traditional flat collar.

. This way you can eventually teach your dog to walk on a traditional flat collar. The Canny Collar does not need to be removed when your dog is off leash and can be safely left on while your dog is free to roam.

and can be. Because the leash attaches behind your dog’s head, he cannot get his paw over it and remove the Canny Collar.

A friendly head collar

The collar itself is generously padded and the single noseband is soft and comfortable. This allows your dog to breathe freely, open its mouth and enjoy its walk.

“The lightest touch is required when your dog pulls”

When the leash is slack, your dog won’t feel any pressure on their face at all while walking calmly at your side.

A million owners can’t be wrong

If you want to stop your dog from pulling on the leash, you’re in good company. More than a million dog owners worldwide have now discovered the simple pleasure of walking their dog on a loose leash.

If you have a giant breed, the Canny Colossus is the larger version of the Canny Collar and is a head collar specifically designed for large dogs.

But don’t take our word for it, read some Canny Collar reviews here. Join these happy owners today and make walking your own dog easy and enjoyable.

A halter does not replace dog training

While headbands can help train your dog, they are not a substitute. This is something all responsible dog owners should do to ensure that your dog becomes a responsible canine citizen and is welcomed by other dogs and owners.

Dog trainer Susan Garrett is well aware that a head collar is not a “set and forget” device. You can’t just put it on and then absentmindedly walk your dog down the street.

Susan has used a head collar on every dog ​​she has ever trained since the 1990’s. She does this because it obliges her to an exercise session every time she walks her dog.

Be a responsible dog owner

Leashing your dog is like driving a car – you don’t just switch off. Your responsibility is to be aware of what is happening in the moment and to know what is going on around you.

When walking your dog, look for potential hazards so you are prepared for what might distract your dog. The goal of halter training is to shift our dog’s focus away from everyday distractions and back to you.

“A head collar is not a device that can help with more serious behavioral issues that arise when walking your dog.”

If your dog is unsociable or aggressive towards other dogs or people, see a qualified dog trainer or behavioral therapist.

Should a halter be used forever?

A good head collar combined with training means your dog should be able to walk on a regular collar and leash without pulling. The Canny Collar is designed for this purpose.

If the headgear is loose around your dog’s face and you’d rather just leave it on, you can continue like this. The goal is to make walks easier and more enjoyable for both of you.

Conclusion

You may need a head collar to help your dog walk well. But it can speed up the learning process.

If you decide to buy one, the best collar will be comfortable, friendly, safe, and effective for you and your dog. It should be easy to assemble and easy to use.

A head collar is not a substitute for exercise, which every responsible dog owner should do.

Now that you have read our guide to dog headgear, we would like to ask you about your experience. Please let us know below!

Teach your dog to use the gentle lead collar

The Soft Lead Halter (GL) can best be described as a training collar used to reinforce proper leash walking and distraction training. The dog can fully open its mouth and therefore the gentle handler won’t stop biting or barking. Although it can be used for dogs with mild behavioral issues, that is not its primary purpose and will not help with larger behavioral issues. The gentle leader can be purchased from Amazon or any pet store (our dogs wear a size medium). We tried the Gentle Leader versus the Light Walking Harness and decided we preferred the Gentle Leader for our dogs. Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Gentle Leader for dogs…

Does the gentle barking leader work? does he bite nope! and nope! GL will not control an aggressive dog or a dog with major behavioral problems.

How do you give a dog a gentle leader?

The GL harness attaches behind the ears. The loop goes over the snout. The leash is attached to the loop under the muzzle. Pulling on the leash tightens the muzzle strap and prevents unwanted behavior.

Is the Gentle Guide a good tool for my dog?

Dogs respond differently to exercise equipment, so there is no right answer to this question. The GL worked for us, but we know some people prefer other tools for training.

Why did you choose the gentle leader?

A couple of reasons…but let’s start by saying that not all training methods will work for every dog ​​and that we respect different training options.

Skin Irritations: The skin under Calvin’s armpits is the most sensitive part of his body. He has very little hair there and it keeps getting infected, even without his harness. We’ve tried countless harnesses…hundreds of dollars later, only the GL saves his skin from irritation.

Best Results: For the US, the GL had the best results of any exercise machine we tried. We were introduced to it by a professional trainer and found that it is often the drug of choice in San Francisco because it does not harm the dog but can be extremely effective. Within 4 weeks Calvin was able to pass the CGC test WITHOUT GL.

Reinforce Boundaries: GL allows us as handlers to reinforce boundaries. It’s a reminder that he must turn to us for guidance and not focus on the distractions around him.

Pressure from the neck: We wanted to minimize any pressure on the neck and possible trachea problems. When a lab gets stubborn… they don’t care how much pressure is being applied.

Which gentle leader do you use?

We use a size medium PetSafe quick release skewer and a size 3 comfort trainer. You can also search for ‘halti’ or ‘head collar’, these use loops instead of plastic clips and are more durable.

What are the key use cases for the gentle leader?

When used correctly, the gentle leader is great for teaching proper line etiquette and perfecting the leave-it command. As a result, the dog is more focused while awaiting the next directions from its handler.

How do you train with the Gentle Leader?

Like all training tools, the Gentle Leader does not automatically correct behavior. Rather, it is a tool that should be used to enforce appropriate behavior. The gentle leader is used with a leash correction – if the dog leads the way or is fixated on a distraction, quickly slam the leash in your direction with your correction word. The snap of the leash in your direction draws the dog’s attention back to you (the handler). This reinforces that the dog does not have the autonomy to tug on the leash or focus on a distraction – rather, it should always report to its handler. Focusing on their handler is now a non-negotiable behavior!

Our etiquette bid is heel + leash pop as soon as Calvin walks more than 2 steps in front of us. Our distraction command is “leave it” + leash pop. Give the dog a chance to correct himself before you snap the leash. Over time you will find that you no longer need the fix, just the command. Without using a correction and a word, the dog will be confused as to why he is being corrected.

How long do you need to use it to get good results?

We saw significant results after a month and then see better behavior every time we use it. Now we use the GL for 50% of trips, at the airport and in the office. In assessments like the Canine Good Citizen Test, dogs are not allowed to use exercise equipment. After a month, Calvin was able to pass without GL.

How do you get your dog to become familiar with the gentle leader? Lean?

The answer is no…your dog will not like the GL. He may be indifferent, but if asked to choose, no dog would choose the GL! The truth is, dogs don’t like to give up control and the GL does just that. It was a few weeks before Calvin stopped touching his face, but eventually he did. Sometimes he still rubs his snout on things. People who use the GL will agree that it’s not always about what the dog wants, but what’s best for structure, training, and good behavior. A dog that is allowed to do what it wants and pulls on the leash is still a great dog, but a dog that does its homework.

How do you measure the gentle leader?

Like a harness, the GL is fully adjustable. Our dogs wear a Gentle Leader size medium. Ideally, you should be able to slip two fingers behind the head strap and the muzzle loop should be loose enough to slide down to the tip of the nose without being able to slip off completely.

Can he still open his mouth?

If your GL is the right size, the dog should be able to fully open its mouth, hold balls, and pant.

Do you get funny looks outside?

Every day … but the GL is becoming more and more popular. We like to joke that you can tell a city’s dog-friendliness by how many people know the gentle leader. Luckily, it’s nobody’s business what exercise equipment you use or how much you choose to exercise your dog. As our social media account has grown, we receive a lot of comments about how we should be doing things. Raising dogs, raising children, and life in general is nobody’s business, so just do what works best for you. We choose the GL and dog training is important to our lifestyle, but we fully understand that some people don’t prioritize the same things. you do you!

Are you getting stopped less on the street?

Yes! Calvin socializes with people and other dogs all day long. He hangs out with friends in the park and on the beach – when we’re on the road, we actually prefer to be able to go about our lives without constant interruption. We don’t let Calvin greet him on a leash, and he’s learned to ignore strangers calling him when we tell him not to. We have GL to thank for all these learned behaviors! The added benefit is that GL reduces the likelihood of people approaching your dog, making it easier to teach the dog to ignore crowds and other dogs!

How do you explain the gentle leader to strangers?

We tell strangers that GL is a training tool best used for line etiquette and pulling. It has nothing to do with barking or biting and he is as friendly as they come.

How do you educate people when they ask “Does it bite”?

“Nah, never… but he could if he wanted to!” Is our joke and then we’ll show you how Calvin’s mouth can open with the GL. If the stranger is particularly rude, we don’t entertain them with our time and just say “no” and walk away. Don’t take rudeness about how you train your dog!

Good luck with the GL

-Your buddy Cal

What is a headband?

Sometimes referred to as a gentle leader, one head collar fits around your dog’s neck while another strap ties around the muzzle. A head collar gives you more control over the dog. It also reduces excessive barking and snapping.

Why does my dog ​​need a headgear?

Halters are an effective and humane way to prevent a dog from pulling on the leash. They can be a last resort for owners who have exhausted all other training options.

If your dog isn’t a fan of the leash or harness, he won’t be thrilled with a head collar. Nevertheless, lead training is very important. A dog that tears and pulls too much could easily injure itself. It’s also the kind of “bad” behavior that can lead to bigger problems. Think of it this way: when a dog pulls on the leash, its owners usually go with it. Some get angry and just let the dog off the leash. In either case, the dog thinks it has “won,” and in a way, it has. The dog begins to think that no matter how stubborn he may be, he can always get his way. A dog like this is not going to make a fun, healthy, or safe pet.

The 5 best dog collars

1# Halti Padded Halter

That of Dr. The padded Halti collar designed by Roger Mugford in 1970 is recommended by veterinarians and animal experts from around the world. It’s easy to attach and really easy to use. It is made of a lightweight but durable nylon fabric that combines comfort and safety. Available in sizes from small to XX-large.

Price: £6.49 – £10.00

2# Dogmatic Padded Halter

A luxurious halter made from a lightweight nylon webbing lined with extra padding for extra comfort. The adjustable strap makes it suitable for almost any dog ​​and ensures a snug and secure fit with a quick release buckle for added security.

Price: £24.99

3# Pawaboo dog head halter

A high quality nylon dog collar. Lightweight, strong, comfortable and durable, this halter offers complete protection for you and your dog. Easy to set. Equipped with 2 luminous reflectors to keep your dog visible and safe. Available in small and medium.

Price: £9.99 – £10.99

4# Big Dog Styles Head Collar

Handcrafted in the UK from a strong, padded nylon fabric. No chewing design. Lined with 2mm neoprene for extra comfort. Provides total control for every owner. Available in four sizes.

Price: £34.95

5# Ancol Dog Training Collar

The Ancol Dog Head Collar is easy to fit and perfect for unruly dogs. The Ancol collar is available in sizes S to X-Large and can be adjusted to fit most dogs.

Price: £5.99 – £7.00

How to adjust a head collar

You may need to “bribe” your dog with some treats, or at least distract them! Start by simply showing them the head collar. Let her sniff it. Then give them a treat. Do this for a few days in a row before even attempting to put the collar over your dog’s head. Then it’s time to get her used to actually wearing the halter. Work slowly again. Start by attaching part of the collar that fits around the neck and leave it loose. If your dog seems ok with this, try clipping it around his snout. And stay patient! This may take some time, but it’s definitely worth it.

Best Tips

Never yank or jerk a dog wearing a head collar. This will be very uncomfortable for your dog and is generally an ineffective training method. Instead of working with you, the dog will likely fight back.

Never put the headgear on if your dog seems anxious or restless. This too is counterproductive. It only reinforces the dog’s negative feelings towards the halter.

If you own a flat-faced breed, like the pug, don’t even bother buying a headband; they just don’t fit.

Headbands may not look very comfortable, but they are designed specifically for our dogs. A head collar protects them, provides comfort and encourages proper behavior. But headbands are not for every dog. If yours seems extremely reluctant or continues to resist the halter, look for alternative methods. But in general, a halter is a really effective training tool.

GENTLE GUIDE

Dogs don’t pull on the leash to make life difficult for us. Dogs pull on the leash because it works for them. The more opportunity they have to pull to get where they want to go, and often faster than we would like, the more they are rewarded by the pulling behavior (itself). Practice creates masters. Like barking and jumping, leash tugging is a self-rewarding or self-reinforcing behavior, and each time the dog is successful at tugging, the dog will pull even more. Simply put, pulling works and dogs do the work for them.

The Gentle Leader is a leadership tool, not a training aid. The Gentle Leader PREVENTS the dog from being successful with the pulling behavior. With proper adaptation, the dog simply cannot pull and is therefore not (himself) rewarded by the behavior. This allows the human to have control over the dog. Walking a dog with a gentle handler does not teach the dog how to walk well on a loose leash. Establishing reinforcement zones and lots and lots of practice, starting in low-distraction environments and gradually working your way up to more distracting environments, will teach the dog to be good on a leash.

The Gentle Leader is not physically uncomfortable for the dog. Most dogs initially resist this, just as young puppies flinch the first time they are collared. Dogs have no head control when wearing the Gentle Leader and it takes a few times for the dog to get used to not having head control.

We want to make the transition process easier for our dogs and desensitize them to the Gentle Leader. There are exercises we can do with our dogs using the Gentle Leader before actually walking the dog. Below is my Shaggeypaws Gentle Leader desensitization protocol.

SHAGGEYPAWS GENTLE LEADER DESENSITIZATION PROTOCOLS

The Gentle Leader is a wonderful device to use as a management tool. The dog is not allowed to pull the Gentle Leader. Remember, rewarded behavior is repeated, repeated behavior becomes a habit, good and bad habits are hard to break. We don’t want our dogs to have the ability to successfully pull on a leash. The Gentle Leader is also very useful for dogs that react to other dogs or people. The dog is not allowed to lunge because the Gentle Leader controls the head that controls the dog. For this reason, it is often referred to as an attitude slider. I recommend reactive dogs to wear the Gentle Leader in public.

The Gentle Leader will not teach your dog to walk well on a leash. It is not a teaching tool. It’s a management tool. To teach your dog to walk in stance or to walk politely on a loose leash, continue to work on your slack leash walking lessons.

Your dog will not like wearing the Gentle Leader. When properly adjusted, it will not cause your dog any pain. It takes away control of the dog’s head and he won’t like that. The Gentle Leader may feel a bit uncomfortable for your dog at first. If you ever wore braces as a child, you will remember how uncomfortable it felt. Same as when we first had to wear underwear during puberty. The restrictive garments didn’t hurt, but we had to get used to them. It is the same with the Gentle Leader.

Below is the Bar Open Bar Close exercise. The Gentle Leader does not need to be donned at this point and must not be fully donned to the dog.

Simply place the muzzle loop loosely over your dog’s snout.

The bar is open!!!!

Place the Gentle Leader’s snout loosely on your dog’s snout. Be very quiet and don’t talk to him. Continuously feed him special treats while his gentle leader is with him. Leave the Gentle Leader on for about 10-15 seconds during the first attempts.

Take the Gentle Leader off your dog’s snout.

The bar is closed (ah…shucks!!!!) No more goodies.

Wait about 1 minute and repeat –

Gentle Leader on – The bar is open

Soft guide off – the bar is closed

Do this exercise 3 to 4 times a day for 3 to 4 days. We want the dog to get used to the muzzle and combine this with really tasty treats.

Make sure the Gentle Leader has been properly fitted by a trainer. The muzzle loop should be tight enough so the dog cannot scrape it off, but loose enough for the dog to eat and drink. The attachment piece should sit high on the head behind the ears and be snug. If you can barely slip a finger under the headgear, it’s on correctly. Once the fit is right, continue with the following steps:

Put the Gentle Leader on your dog. Open the bar

THE BAR IS OPEN!!!!! Feed lots of delicious treats for 15 seconds.

After 15 seconds, take off the Gentle Leader and remove the treats.

THE BAR IS CLOSED (Oh shit!!!!)

Repeat this 3 to 4 times a day.

Work gradually up to 30 seconds, then 45 seconds and then a minute.

You can feed your dog his meals when using the Gentle Leader.

If your dog wears his Gentle Leader for 1 minute without scratching or hitting, then you can proceed to attaching the Gentle Leader to your dog’s leash.

have goodies in hand. Work in a quiet area (indoors) with little or no distractions. Walk your dog 5 to 6 paces. Feed every 6 steps or so after each successful interval.

If your dog thrashes or tries to push the gentle leader away, try diverting their attention with treats. DO NOT remove the Gentle Leader from your dog while he is protesting. Wait for the dog to be quiet (this can be as brief as 1 second of silence, so your observation and timing skills are crucial) and then take off the Gentle Leader.

If you’re thriving indoors, clip the Gentle Leader to your dog’s leash outside in your yard. Again, we want a low level of distraction. When your dog is successfully running around the garden, you can start using the Gentle Leader for walks outside of your garden and house. Remember, you MUST NOT jerk or apply corrections while your dog is on the Gentle Leader. The Gentle Leader prevents the dog from pulling, you don’t have to pull the leash. Keep treats with you as your dog may switch off or not want to walk or move further at first. You also need to have treats with you to redirect your dog if he starts pawing or trying to take off his gentle leader.

Start slow and slowly build up from each successful level.

Catherine Smith

Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants), Professional Member APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers), AKC Canine Good Citizenship Evaluator, Animal Behavioral College Mentor

[email protected]

http://www.shaggeypaws.com/

What is a headband?

Sometimes referred to as a gentle leader, one head collar fits around your dog’s neck while another strap ties around the muzzle. A head collar gives you more control over the dog. It also reduces excessive barking and snapping.

Why does my dog ​​need a headgear?

Halters are an effective and humane way to prevent a dog from pulling on the leash. They can be a last resort for owners who have exhausted all other training options.

If your dog isn’t a fan of the leash or harness, he won’t be thrilled with a head collar. Nevertheless, lead training is very important. A dog that tears and pulls too much could easily injure itself. It’s also the kind of “bad” behavior that can lead to bigger problems. Think of it this way: when a dog pulls on the leash, its owners usually go with it. Some get angry and just let the dog off the leash. In either case, the dog thinks it has “won,” and in a way, it has. The dog begins to think that no matter how stubborn he may be, he can always get his way. A dog like this is not going to make a fun, healthy, or safe pet.

The 5 best dog collars

1# Halti Padded Halter

That of Dr. The padded Halti collar designed by Roger Mugford in 1970 is recommended by veterinarians and animal experts from around the world. It’s easy to attach and really easy to use. It is made of a lightweight but durable nylon fabric that combines comfort and safety. Available in sizes from small to XX-large.

Price: £6.49 – £10.00

2# Dogmatic Padded Halter

A luxurious halter made from a lightweight nylon webbing lined with extra padding for extra comfort. The adjustable strap makes it suitable for almost any dog ​​and ensures a snug and secure fit with a quick release buckle for added security.

Price: £24.99

3# Pawaboo dog head halter

A high quality nylon dog collar. Lightweight, strong, comfortable and durable, this halter offers complete protection for you and your dog. Easy to set. Equipped with 2 luminous reflectors to keep your dog visible and safe. Available in small and medium.

Price: £9.99 – £10.99

4# Big Dog Styles Head Collar

Handcrafted in the UK from a strong, padded nylon fabric. No chewing design. Lined with 2mm neoprene for extra comfort. Provides total control for every owner. Available in four sizes.

Price: £34.95

5# Ancol Dog Training Collar

The Ancol Dog Head Collar is easy to fit and perfect for unruly dogs. The Ancol collar is available in sizes S to X-Large and can be adjusted to fit most dogs.

Price: £5.99 – £7.00

How to adjust a head collar

You may need to “bribe” your dog with some treats, or at least distract them! Start by simply showing them the head collar. Let her sniff it. Then give them a treat. Do this for a few days in a row before even attempting to put the collar over your dog’s head. Then it’s time to get her used to actually wearing the halter. Work slowly again. Start by attaching part of the collar that fits around the neck and leave it loose. If your dog seems ok with this, try clipping it around his snout. And stay patient! This may take some time, but it’s definitely worth it.

Best Tips

Never yank or jerk a dog wearing a head collar. This will be very uncomfortable for your dog and is generally an ineffective training method. Instead of working with you, the dog will likely fight back.

Never put the headgear on if your dog seems anxious or restless. This too is counterproductive. It only reinforces the dog’s negative feelings towards the halter.

If you own a flat-faced breed, like the pug, don’t even bother buying a headband; they just don’t fit.

Headbands may not look very comfortable, but they are designed specifically for our dogs. A head collar protects them, provides comfort and encourages proper behavior. But headbands are not for every dog. If yours seems extremely reluctant or continues to resist the halter, look for alternative methods. But in general, a halter is a really effective training tool.

Last updated on September 21, 2021

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frequently asked Questions

2 hound skins

Why do dogs pull on the leash?

“Dogs can pull on the leash as a puppy due to hypersensitivity to everything that’s going on around them, as well as a lack of proper leash training,” explained Lillian Baker, veterinarian and owner of Baker’s Mobile Veterinary Services in Houston, Texas. No dog is born naturally with the ability to walk on a leash. They pull because they naturally run faster than us and because they want to go to the park, say hello to another dog, or sniff something interesting. Typically, they move on because they have found that they can then move forward.

Can my dog ​​hurt his neck if he pulls on the leash?

Conventional collars should never be used to restrain or control your dog as they can cause tension and stress on the dog’s neck. “Dogs who pull on the leash have an increased risk of choking,” Baker said. A collapsed trachea is another possible result of pressure around the neck, she explained. A 2020 study published in the journal Vet Record using dog neck models with pressure sensors confirmed the danger and concluded that all types of dog collars have the potential to damage a dog’s neck. The sole purpose of a flat collar is for attaching your dog’s ID tag or for decoration. A clipless body harness is a much safer and more effective way to exercise a dog that is pulling.

How do front clip no-pull straps work?

Front clip harnesses are designed to prevent pulling by turning the dog toward you when the leash is tight. Harnesses come in two basic styles: a Y-shaped chest harness or a harness that lies horizontally across the chest. Y-shaped harnesses better allow full freedom of movement. “Any product that forms a Y-shape around the dog’s neck and under the chest is not restrictive,” said veterinarian Chris Zink, consultant and researcher in canine sports medicine at Johns Hopkins University.

How do I fit my dog ​​in a no-pull harness?

Finding the right harness for your dog is like choosing the perfect running shoes: fit is key. There’s nothing more terrifying than your dog squirming or backing out of a loose fitting harness. An ill-fitting harness is also uncomfortable, and chafing can occur if it’s too tight. Sagging harnesses can completely impair a dog’s shoulder or leg movements.

A well-fitting strap should be snug but not too tight and have enough room to fit two to three fingers under all straps. Check the size charts and read the instructions on how to measure your dog. When buying online, measure carefully and check the return policy before ordering.

Will a pull harness teach my dog ​​to stop pulling?

Front clip no-pull harnesses aren’t a silver bullet that will instantly stop your dog from pulling, but they are a management tool. The best way to stop your dog from pulling is to train them to walk on a loose leash with positive reinforcement. If your dog is an experienced puller, there is no humane device that will teach him to stop pulling, but a good harness will help guide and control your dog while teaching him leash manners. If you keep walking when your dog pulls, you not only miss an opportunity to practice walking on a slack leash, you also reinforce the pull.

What is the best leash for a dog that pulls?

Baker prefers a standard 4 to 6 foot leather leash for walking the dog. She recommends avoiding retractable leashes, which pose a variety of safety concerns for dogs and their walkers.

Why don’t we recommend prong, choke and e-collars?

We considered only non-pull devices that do not cause pain or discomfort to a dog. Prong, choke and shock collars are all designed to punish a dog by inflicting pain around the neck with every pull. Spiked collars and choke chains can also damage a dog’s neck. “In general, I don’t like anything that puts too much pressure on the neck,” said veterinary behaviorist Carlo Siracusa, associate professor of clinical animal behavior and welfare at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. “Definitely no prong or shock collars. Even a martingale collar, which I like, won’t stop the dog from pulling [and] will put pressure on the neck.”

Punishment and pain are not only unsafe, but also create fear, stress, and anxiety in dogs. A study in the journal PLOS One shows that e-collars, also known as shock collars, produce behavioral and physiological signs of stress in pet dogs. In October 2020, Petco, the second-largest pet retailer in the United States, stopped selling all shock collars online and in stores. Shock collars are banned and illegal in many countries including England, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Switzerland and Germany. To train your dog more humanely, effectively, and successfully, use science-backed positive reinforcement and reward-based training and handling methods.

Is there a humane alternative to no-pull harnesses?

Head halters are a humane alternative to body harnesses. Baker recommends their use on dogs that pull. “If you lead the head, the body follows,” she explained. Head halters may not be suitable for every dog. If your pup is easily overexcited or overly reactive when on a leash, Siracusa said using a head halter could result in whiplash or neck or spine pain.

Is there such a thing as a “best” crockery?

There is no commercial crockery. A chewed strap is not a manufacturer defect or the result of poor construction or materials. It takes less than 30 seconds for a determined dog or teething pup to destroy a brand new harness, so take the harness off of them if you’re doing it unsupervised. Be sure to remove the harness as well to avoid injury if dogs get rough, as teeth and limbs can become tangled.