Shih Tzu- Training With A Head Collar

There are many devices used in the world of shih tzu training,
and some are obviously more effective than others. One of the
shih tzu 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 shih tzu and then attach behind the head. It uses
the pressure points on the shih tzu’s nose and head to apply
pressure which stops the shih tzu 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 shih tzu 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 shih tzu 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 shih tzu 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 shih tzu 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 shih
tzu 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 shih tzu
quickly learn to tell the difference between the head collar and
the normal collar, and adjust their behavior accordingly.
Therefore, the shih tzu 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 shih tzu training program should be to create a willing,
obedient shih tzu that can be controlled by nothing more than
the handler’s voice.

Even if you plan to never allow your shih tzu to go outside
without a collar and lead, a well trained shih tzu 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 shih tzu 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.