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Blog Entry 12 of 14 Ask the Dog Guy

The Dog Guy (me) answers questions about dog behavior/misbehavior.

Blog Url: http://denver.yourhub.com/~AsktheDogGuy

Head collars ... yes or no?

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Contributed by: Dave Pearson on 4/16/2008

Dear Dog Guy,

I have a puppy and he's really pulls when I walk him. I'd like to fix that before he gets much older. Do you have any suggestions?

Pulled by a pup...

Dear Pulled,

Funny you should mention this subject, as I am currently engaged in trying to convince a 4 1/2-month-old Norwegian Elkhound puppy that pulling while walking on the leash is not a good idea.

I generally do not like trick harnesses or collars, but in this case the pup lives with small male children who play with him pretty rough, and the children are not likely to have the patience to deal with him slowly, so I am looking for something pretty easy and quick.

I sometimes recommend a head collar, so I thought I'd try one out on this guy (it's a male pup). I purchased one and am attempting to use a Gentle Leader head collar. The trick to these things is getting them on right. Getting the fit right. It comes with good instructions and even a CD that is pretty good. However, like most things, it works a lot better on animals who know what it's about. Getting it on the pup was a real struggle, but once it was on, it worked as advertised. Although it resembles a muzzle, it is not. It has a strap that goes over the snout, and that strap drives dogs nuts until they get used to it.

The principle is sound. Where the nose goes, the body follows. The hook for the leash is on the bottom, attached to the strap that goes over the snout. So if he tries to pull, his head is turned down.

When it is on right, it works fine. I would recommend that if you decide to use a head collar, the Gentle Leader is a good choice. I would also recommend that you study the instructions and watch the CD and make sure you get the fit right. I would also recommend that you allow the pooch some time to wear it before attaching a leash so he/she gets used to it some.

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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Dave Pearson

Arvada , CO

Dave Pearson has posted 14 blog entries and 0 comments since joining on 1/7/2008. Dave Pearson 's average blog rating is 5.

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