The benefits of dog head halters
Although it is impossible to find one type of device that works the same for all dogs, it is important to find the one that works best for your dog. If you have a bigger breed or an overly energetic one, you will probably find the head halter to be a great asset in your dog's training.The way the head halter works is by pulling your dog's head down and making it impossible for him to walk until he stops pulling. It in no way hurts or injures your dogs and is a great alternative if your dog has a sensitive trachea or esophagus. TheGentle Leader Headcollaris a particularly good head halter that tends to fit most dogs well. It has a adjustable strap for the neck and another for the muzzle. The leash is clipped under the chin of the dog. Similar to a horse halter the, dog head halter controls the dog's movements by controlling his head. It is not a muzzle as the dog's mouth is free to do what ever a normal dog does. Your dog will still be able to catch a ball, eat or bite while wearing the head halter so be careful not to leave him unsupervised. It is important to slowly introduce thehead halterto your dog. Two weeks is usually enough time for your dog to learn to use the head halter. Of note is that anytime you are introducing a new device to your dog make sure to do so in a positive way. If your dog believes that wearing his head halter is a good thing a is going to be fun then he will be much more inclined to not only wear it but learn while using it.
Follow the steps below along with your clicker and some fantastic treats:
- Handle the halter in front of your dog and click him for investigating it.
- Hold a tasty treat in front of the open muzzle loop and click and treat when your dog sticks his nose through.
- When your dog feels comfortable putting his nose in through the loop, treat him to a good-sized morsel and as he is busy chewing on it fasten the neck strap with the muzzle loop already over his nose.
- As your dog moves around click him for not scratching at the halter.
- If your dog does manage to take off the muzzle loop, then take off the whole halter. Ignore your dog for about ten minutes before you come back and try again from the beginning. Ignoring your dog for undesired behavior not only reinforces the fact that there are consequences for misbehavior but it also tells the dog that if he wants fun and treats then keeping the halter on is the fastest way to these good things.
- Once your dog has become accustomed to wearing the halter clip on the leash and repeat steps four and five. Any time you bring in a new variable and your dog doesn't try pawing at his face make sure to click and treat.
- Your dog is now ready to take brief walks using the head halter. Go slowly don't rush the experience. Keep these first walks to about five minutes. Reinforce the correct behavior with tasty snacks.
- Now you should have a dog that is able to wear the halter in public without much problem. At this point you can begin bringing in new distractions and variables while engaging in the training sessions to help him reach the goals you have set for teaching him to walk without pulling.
If your dog still has problems adjusting to the head halter it is probably because you rushed him into wearing it. Be patient and give your dog plenty of time and attention while he is learning to wear the halter. In the case that the problems persist, even after you have exhausted your supply of training tricks. Seeking professional help would be a good option.
