The Gentle Leader Dog Leash
The Gentle Leader is a dog leash or head collar (sometimes referred to as a Halti) that is used to stop your dog from pulling while walking your dog.
Will it actually stop your dog from pulling?
Yes. It will stop your dog from pulling while on walks. But it is not suitable for training and addressing behaviors. It doesn’t teach your dog anything. And you have not established yourself as your dog’s pack leader. The Gentle Leader dog leash should be used only as a restraining device. There is a huge difference between restraining a dog and training him.
How does the Gentle Leader dog leash work?
The Gentle Leader slides over the head and muzzle. When the dog pulls, pressure is applied from the back of the neck causing the dog to pull backward instead of pulling forward. Basically, the premise is that it controls the dog’s head. Where ever the head goes, the body will follow.
The advantages of the Gentle Leader are you get definite control of your dog on walks. The Gentle Leader is inexpensive. Although it does take getting used to, a dog can adapt to it rather quickly. You don’t have to be a dog trainer to get him to respond to it.
The disadvantages of the Gentle Leader are that it is a restraining device rather than a training tool. Its purpose is really only for walking your dog. The dog will probably become “collar smart” which means you will have to use the Gentle Leader every single time you want to take your dog for a walk. It is not designed to work on other dog behaviors. Your dog may go through some spastic reactions while learning to wear it.
You will hear claims from head collar enthusiasts and others state that it is a humane device for dogs. It is no more humane than other tools such as training collars, martingale collars and pinch collars if the person using them knows how to use them. In fact, I will go so far as to say that the latter tools will address more behaviors and make your dog more obedient than the Gentle Leader or head collar.
In conclusion, the Gentle Leader will help you walk your dog, but don’t count on anything more. If you expect more from your dog, I would advise investing in a little dog training. The money will be well spent if you get the right dog trainer and you commit to leading your dog.
If you want to purchase the Gentle Leader dog leash, I have found Amazon to be very competitive. Just follow this link below:
Rabies Under Control?
Is rabies under control in the U.S.?
If so, we have to stay vigilant and not take this as a sign of complacency. This is one of the few vaccinations that I believe are necessary for our dogs.
Dog Tricks & Obedience Via the Internet
Do you want see a dog in training on a website? Click here.
This little doggie does a number of obedience commands and a few dog tricks. Just type in one of the following commands and watch what happens:
Sit, down, roll over, stand, sing, dance, shake, fetch, play dead, etc. Don’t forget the Kiss command.
Did anyone see the command(s) that the little pooch did not complete correctly?
Let me know.