Gentle Leader

You can use a gentle leader head collar to stop your dog from pulling on the lead. This is a quick, caring and very effective way to stop your dog from pulling on its lead. There are a number of other unwanted behaviours it can help to control which include lunging at other dogs and jumping up.

The gentle leader has a loop that fits round the dog’s muzzle, make sure it is comfortable and secure and does not get too close to the eyes. It can be used on puppies as well as older dogs as it come in a variety of sizes. The strap for the neck fits high and comfortably round the neck. Once the lead is attached it allows you to apply gentle pressure to the gentle leader.

At first your dog will probably not like the gentle leader and will try to rub his nose to get it off. Be assured the gentle leader is true to the name gentle leader and does not hurt your dog in any way. Once the leader is in place the first stage is just to walk around in a circle with your dog on the outside of you. The leader makes the dog turn towards you and move with you. All you need to do is to keep moving around the circle. Do not worry if your dog seems to fight the leader, assuming you have fitted it correctly, just keep moving. Your dog will soon get the message that you are leading and he is following you.

As an example in one lesson I fitted a gentle leader to a really head strong spaniel that had been pulling both the owner and her 11 year old daughter around and they were getting desperate for help. Within ten minutes the dog had accepted the leader and was walking to heel. Two very delighted owners had started their way to being able to go for a walk with them taking the lead and not being pulled around by their dog.

The leader does not stop your dog having a drink, taking treats for walking at heel or from fetching his ball. So the dog and the owner can enjoy all their walks.

There are a few small points you should be aware of. The leader should be worn when you are taking the dog out on a walk. There is no need, other than to get your dog accustomed to wearing the leader, for your dog to wear the leader at any other time. The leader should not be worn when riding in your car, just put it on before you get your dog out of the car.