Thank you both for the responses!
I am already counting the days until I can take her to the local dog park, so she'll have some real dog interaction. If the only thing she learns from them is the proper strength to bite without HURTING, then I'll be happy! The only dogs she's been with so far are an unstable miniature poodle and my neighbors 100+lb pitt mix (who has no idea what to do with something so little). So her play with them is limited unless I want her to be bitten by the poodle or stepped on by Rocky.
Karen, a head collar would be a Halti or Gentle Lead. It's similar to a horse's lead, with a strap over the muzzle (she can still open her mouth, pant, bark, eat a treat, the grass, the sticks, the leaves, the rocks...hahaha!) and a strap high on the back of the dog's neck, with the leash connected under the chin. It applies pressure to her muzzle when she pulls and will bring her head down and to the side, without the horrid choking. She's not built like a pitt, but you can see the similarities in the facial structure.
We have a few local pet shops and I have a friend who is a dog trainer (she's just not quick to respond when I have questions lol). So I'm already researching researching researching!
I'm also very aware that I'm hyper-sensitive to her reactions, play, annoyance, etc...with a very young one in the house. It has made me exceptionally cautious, which is something I need to put a lid on, at least outwardly because I have no doubt she's picking that up, and so is my son.
Anyway, thanks again!
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