Training your dog with a head collar

There are many devices used in the world of dog training, and
some are obviously more effective than others. One of the dog
training devices that does work well, however, is known
collectively as the head collar.

The head collar is a device that is designed to wrap around the
nose of the dog and then attach behind the head. It uses the
pressure points on the dog’s nose and head to apply pressure
which stops the dog from pulling, jumping and straining against
the leash.

Many people who see head collars mistake them for muzzles. This
can make many people nervous when the dog is out and about, and
it bothers some dog owners as well. Beyond that, however, the
head collar can be a valuable training tool for many dogs,
particularly large breeds that may have learned their own
strength and are difficult to control with a normal buckle
collar.

There are two main brands of head collar on the market, the
Halti and the Gentle Leader. Most people find the Gentle Leader
easier to use than the Halti. In addition, the Gentle Leader is
designed to fasten around the dog’s neck. With this design, if
the dog manages to remove the muzzle portion, it is still
wearing a collar. While it is difficult for most dogs to get out
of the muzzle portion of a head collar, some dogs do figure out
how to perform this trick.

The Halti version, on the other hand, generally provides better
control of the dog, and it is often favored with those working
with large, aggressive dogs for that reason.

Training the dog with a head collar is often easier for
beginning dog trainers and inexperienced dog owners than is
training with a regular buckle color. Head collars are quite
good at stopping even the strongest dogs from pulling and
straining, since these devices use leverage to give the handler
more control.

Head collars are often favored by many people for handling dogs
in difficult situations, such as being around other dogs or
taking a trip to the vet. A head collar can be quite effective
at controlling the dog in frightening and difficult situations,
even when it is not used for regular training.

It is better, actually, to use head collars as occasional
training tools or reminders, not as a replacement for a regular
buckle collar or training collar. That is because many dogs
quickly learn to tell the difference between the head collar and
the normal collar, and adjust their behavior accordingly.
Therefore, the dog that behaves perfectly while wearing the head
collar may suddenly jump and strain out of control when returned
to the regular collar.

That fact, of course, points up the limitation of any training
device, even one as effective as a head collar. The goal of any
quality dog training program should be to create a willing,
obedient dog that can be controlled by nothing more than the
handler’s voice.

Even if you plan to never allow your dog to go outside without a
collar and lead, a well trained dog should be capable of walking
with you without a leash, even if there are a great many
distractions around. The head collar can help guide you to this
goal, but it is till up to you to gain the respect and trust of
the dog that will allow it to become a truly well trained member
of the family.

If you are unsure how to use a head collar, or if you are unsure
if a head collar is right for you, you might want to consult
with a dog trainer, your veterinarian or the staff at your local
pet store. These experts have probably seen many head collars
used, and they may be able to provide valuable insight on the
type of training device that will work the best for you.