Gentle Leader

I've re-homed a number of rescue dogs since 1984 shortly after my last German Shepherd dog died.

Anyone who has adopted a rescue dog will know that there's a great probability that your chosen dog will come with some kind of behavioural and/or training problem. I speak from experience that this is likely to be the case but once you've taken the time and effort to train your dog, they are a joy to have in your life.

Usually, it's leash training (or lack of it) where this can be rather problematic! I've watched various dog training TV programs over the past 3 - 5 years where they've recommended various items of training equipment that you can purchase, though spending lots of money will not help you or your dog if you're not prepared to spend lots of time with it's training.

I purchased a Gentle Leader head training harness (manufactured by Canac) two years ago as a replacement for a similar Halti head harness which my dog had snapped while he was pulling it off his head. The Gentle Leader is quite simple to fit over a dog's head as all you do is form a loop at the Double D buckle and fit the loop around the dog's snout. Bring the two separate ends of the quick release fasteners around the dog's neck and click them together. Some adjustment may be necessary for a comfortable fit.

The difference between this type of head harness compared to a more traditional collar that goes around it's neck is that whenever your dog pulls on the leash, it's head will move to one side thus preventing it from pulling hard. E.G., if like me you walk your dog on your left side, the dog's head will pull to it's right (or to it's left if you walk the dog on your right side) when it tries pulling. Whereas with a traditional collar around it's neck, your dog will usually continue pulling which can sound as if it's choking. I've seen Terriers pulling their owners about, never mind by the much larger breeds! Thankfully it didn't take my dog long to acclimatise to his new harness and now he seems to jump into it as he knows this harness means he's going for a walk.

However, there is one downside to this type of head harness. Far too many people will think that your dog bites as it's wearing a muzzle! On such occasions when I've been asked if my dog bites, I always explain what it is and why it's on my dog, and no, he doesn't bite!

I would recommend this product to any dog lover having problems leash training their dog but remember that it's very important to have a good training regime too. It is not a magic cure though it does come close to being one!