I got him one today and when I put it on him he started rolling around and pawing to get it off. He does not seem to like it at all. Will it just take time to get used to? Any advice??? Thanks!!
2007-12-21 10:49:10 · 8 answers · asked by dudefromnewmexico666 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
It depends on the dog. Most dogs don't like them at first...just like most dogs that haven't worn some sort of collar since they were little bitty puppies will flip out and roll around on the ground the first time you put a collar and/or leash on them. With my dog, she ONLY got to go outside if she was wearing the gentle leader. She figured that out pretty quickly and learned to tolerate it because she likes to go outside. My obedience instructor recommends GL for many of her clients. She helps them fit it properly, then it's around the room doing basic heeling/walking exercises. If the dog's feet are moving, it's more difficult for them to paw at their face or roll on the floor. And remember to give LOTS of praise (could be verbal or verbal and treats) ANY time he isn't actively trying to get the halti off his face.
If your dog is particularly food motivated you can also build an association between the halti and treats and try to desensitize him to it through operant conditioning. Take the halti out and show it to the dog, then give him a treat. Once he starts looking for the treat when you break out the halti, move on to touching him with it. Then put it on his muzzle and give him a treat while it is on his muzzle but immediately take the halti off. Then progress to leaving it on for longer intervals (a few seconds at a time and increase the number of seconds to a half minute or minute). Then snap the halti on his head, treat, and remove. Then move on to leaving it snapped on his head for longer periods of time. Eventually he will look forward to you getting the halti out because it means lots of treats.
The worst possible thing you could do is to take it off while he is acting up. He's throwing a tantrum, and just like a small child who throws a temper tantrum every time they want a toy at the store if you give in he will quickly learn that this is the way to get what he wants. Ignoring the behavior and making him do what you want/need him to do while he is wearing the halti is what you need to enforce.
2007-12-21 11:14:11 · answer #1 · answered by ainawgsd 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get some wonderful treats, not dried dog food. Try cooked chicken, liver or hot dogs. Let your dog know whats on offer, tease him by letting him see what you have. then fastened the Halti and immediately throw a treat for him, when he eats this remove the Halti. Walk around and show him the treats, then put on the Halti again and throw him another treat.
Keep repeating this and your dog will think that the Halti is wonderful.
2007-12-21 11:16:10 · answer #2 · answered by dorothy s 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When you introduce a new tool, you have to establish with the dog that this tool is to be respected. Always have the dog come to the Halti, never chase the dog around with it. Dogs come to leaders and only followers chase. If he doesn't come to the halti just by command use food to get him to come.
When the dog respects the tool he won't paw it off. If he tries to, just keep on walking and pulling forcing him to focus on walking taking less of the focus on the halti. Don't stop and give in to his fits. Ignore the unwanted behavior and lead the dog.
2007-12-21 11:04:30 · answer #3 · answered by Aeries 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the part about him coming to you, but also make sure he is calm-submissive, not fighting or pulling away while you put on the collar. Have him sit calmly (ears back, not panting, whining, etc.) and then gently put on the halti. Make sure you are calm and assertive, not fearful, tense, frustrated, etc. because he will associate that negative energy with the halti. When it is on and if he accepts it, give him affection while remaining your calm assertive energy. If he tugs at it, rubs on the ground, etc., correct him (whichever works for you...I feel calm and assertive when I snap my fingers to correct my dog, but you could say a simple no). Just remember to stay calm and believe in yourself and your dog. Read _Be the Pack Leader_ by Cesar Millan. The guy is amazing and there is a whole section about different leashes and tools, haltis included.
2007-12-21 11:18:14 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It takes time. When you put it on, have him do some sits and downs for a treat and tell him what a good dog he is. When you put a leash on, I'd also hook another leash to his regular collar so that he will get uses to how the halti fees and if he gets out, you'll still have control.
2007-12-21 10:54:58 · answer #5 · answered by yeehaneeha 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Definitely takes time to adjust to, and just to let you know, they'll ALWAYS rub against the ground, their paws, and even YOU, in hopes of getting the halti off.
2007-12-21 10:51:59 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes it will definitely take time for him to get used to this foreign object wrapped around his body. It also will take some consistency on your part, meaning to not take it off just because the dog is showing some harmless discomfort. You might also want to take him to some obedience classes so they can teach him so basics on walking, and they also teach you how to effectively interact with the dog. These classes are sometimes crucial in a dogs life, and its better to get the process started now when the problems are minor, rather than large.
2007-12-21 10:54:58 · answer #7 · answered by Leo 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Mine never did. She learned how to take it off, so I gave up. (Even the obedience trainer was impressed at how quickly she got out of it!) She's 11-1/2 now, so we managed ok with out it, but I have a Beagle, which is a pretty small dog.
2007-12-21 10:56:41 · answer #8 · answered by la buena bruja 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋