Gentle Leaders?

Question

Do gentle leaders really make a big difference in stopping the dog from pulling? my dog gets super excited when we see other dogs on walks. would wearing one of these hurt his neck when he goes into a frenzy?

Answer 1

The Gentle Leader, like any other tool, must be used properly to work properly. The theory behind it is where the head goes, the body follows, just like on a horse. If the dog pulls, the loop over the muzzlet tightens, which is uncomfortable but doesn't hurt the dog. If he moves back into a polite position, it loosens. The dog figures this out, and once the light-bulb goes on, voila.

If the dog figures a behavior out on it's own, that behavior will be much stronger and longer-lasting than us yanking and pulling and guiding the dog - he learns nothing that way.

I find Gentle Leaders preferable over the Halti's because they adjust around both the head and muzzle, so you can custom fit it to your dog's face and neck. The Halti is good, but they make about 16 sizes and they are usually a bit too big or a bit too small. The Gentle leaders come with a DVD to show you how it's to be used. It's imperative you don't lead the dog around with it. The leash needs to be kept at your side so there's enough slack to be loose when the dog walks properly and tightens if he pulls. You just keep walking with your arm straight, hand with leash at your side.

Some dogs immediately walk beside you beautifully once it's put on, some balk, some will try to get it off (which is when you distract them with treats and praise when they leave it), some take a few days to get the idea, some take longer. The key is for you to use it properly and persevere. It's a lot easier on both you and the dog than yanking or pulling to get the dog back under control, and if anyone asks about the "muzzle" just explain it's a tool to keep your dog from pulling! Gentle Leader's manufacturer even has a button you can put on your shirt that says "It's not a muzzle!"

Answer 2

For some the Gentle Leader is a blessing. They usually walk very nice with one.
People who don't know, think that it is a muzzle, being used because the dog is aggressive.
My Dane hated it. He clawed his face constantly trying to get it off. By the time we got home from Pet Smart, his face was bleeding so I never used it again.

Answer 3

One thing I have heard about the Halti's are the fact that when people see them, they believe you have a rabid dog. They mistake it for a muzzle.

My dog (a lab/shep mix) used to get SUPER hyped when she saw another dog. She would whimper, whine, lunge... the whole nine yards. I was at my wits end and really about to give in to the pinch collar line.

Then, I read something that was a little bit of common sense:

Going forward on a walk is a reward.

Doesn't seem like anything, but when your dog gets so excited - turn around. Don't say a word, don't indicate anything. You just turn on your heel. Yes, it's going to jerk your beloved pooch, yes, you may not get to your destination on time - but if you turn around, your dog is going to get the message that barking/lunging/etc. means you don't go anywhere near the other dog... you turn away.

My dog still whines a little, but now I can walk her by other dogs (not very very close, but at least a streets width across) and all she does is look at them as we continue walking. Same with dogs that bark at us from their back yards. All I used was a buckle collar and a leash.

You should also be sure your dog isn't walking in front of you. The same technique above can get you a dog that walks at your side. They learn to watch you for their cues, and it also stops them from thinking they have to protect you/themselves from other dogs.

If your dog is barking aggressively, I'd recommend doing something where he is desensitized to other dogs. Classes are about the only setting I would recommend, as a dog park may just get your dog and someone else's in a fight.

I hope you find luck!

Answer 4

Would not hurt his neck and would give you the ability to control him much easier and better.
They are nice collar for a dog who pulls. They are not going to hurt the dog and you can get the control you need with out having to learn how to use a choke or prong collar. These are much easier to use and safer for the dog.

Answer 5

I used it for about 2 weeks. Than I found that click an treating works jus as well if not better. An its positive reinforcement

Answer 6

I think they are an excellent training tool. Be sure to get the video that goes with it.