Battle of the Headcollars - Halti vs. Gentle Leader

[theterrierman]

Thanks for all the advice everyone. I know a few have stated that the headcollar is more of a band-aid, but the thing is, my mom (who walks Fender when I'm at school) doesn't seem to want to try with him (a little cruel, I know, but it's true), so therefore, all the good work I do every evening is undone every morning. Even if I have something that we just use when my parents walk him until I have him good and trained on a flat collar, will be perfect. I probably should have clarified.

Andy

P.S. Mike, no need to press the prong collar issue. I appreciate your input, but my parents would never use something like that. I know it's nowhere near as painful as it looks, but I can't see my mom putting that around a little Brittany's neck.

[mike001]

he he, yes I can understand your mom's feelings about the prong. To inexperienced people they do look barbaric. But hey, whatever you can use and make it work is all you need.

[Giselle]

Terrierman, can you ask your parents to play fetch or something with your pup? How about frisbee or scent retrieving or some other type of fun game? That way, they can exercise Fender without utilizing a leash. Fender will get his fair share of exercise, and all your training will not be lost. Then, when you get home, you can tune up on his leash manners. It provides a good distraction from the monotony of leash walks, and it doesn't require much effort on the handler's part either. I have a feeling your parents would like that

[cali]

I firmly believe that any and every dog can be taught loose-lead with a simple flat-buckle. The problem is that most people jump ahead of themselves. Before your dog learns to walk nicely outdoors, he has to do it well at home. It's like training Sit. Before your dog can do it in your front yard, he has to learn how to do it in your living room, in your bathroom, in your backyard, and, eventually, you add in distractions. The dog has to learn that there's only one way to walk. In order to teach that, you have to start from the very very very basics. Be consistent, be firm, and be patient. How about exercise Fender a bit before you go on walks so that he's not so amped up? Then, go through your loose-leash routine in your backyard. Work your way up to your front yard. Do some figure 8's down the street, and then go for your walk. Even if you don't make it past the neighbor's house, at least Fender will start to "click" with the idea. Good luck! It can be very hard at first, but the rewards are well worth it!

I dont agree at all, I tried consistantly for many many YEARS to to train her this way, I now have a dog that walks fantastic anywhere on our block lol I cannot walk a border collie around the block a few times and expect her to be tired. she will be 5 years old this year, thats 5 YEARS it took to get her to walk nice on my block only. it got to the point that I simply could not exersize her she yanked so hard, pressure and pinch type collars were usless, she simpley didnt care. I tryed the Halti, it worked, at first I used it all the time, then I would start to fade it(putting it on, but hooking the leash to flat collar etc.. until I didnt have to use it at all. does she still pull? yup. but now she listens, and a voice reminder alone will stop her pulling.

yes I put the haltie on for a scrawny 11 year old girl to walk her, when she gets exited she still pulls, I can stop her with a voice command, but I have no reason to belive she will listen 100% to a stranger, and I am NOT willing to test it.

[Jakesmom]

My 2 cents, from a sap who couldn't train a golden retriever or a cocker spaniel to "walk nice" on a leash. They are however, lovely, loving and extremely friendly dogs...

My golden is now 10 1/2 year old and too arthritic and weak in the back legs to be a problem (most of the time).

My ECS, however, is 2 1/2 and quite "energetic". I taught her to walk on lead with "clicker training", and she loves the walk, but she is a devil of a puller, especially when we get close to water or home. I tried clicker, I tried the turn and stop, I tried no forward movement, etc, but she is DETERMINED. Finally, I had herniated a disk in my neck (not because of the pulling) and had to do something. I got a gentle leader. IT IS GREAT. She can't pull too hard, and she listens better when it is on. She's not thrilled with it (rolls and such in the grass when its on), but she doesnt' fight at all when I put it on her, and it hasn't dampened her enthusiasm for walks in the least--she comes running when I pull out the leashes. No one has acted like she was wearing a muzzle (but, she is a cocker).

So, if you have the time and know-how to train your dogs to walk nice on a leash, go for it, but if you need a fix for an otherwise great dog who pulls,
I've been very happy with the gentle leader. Just read the instructions (or watch the video) to fit the thing right.

jakes mom