Acclimating your dog to a Gentle Leader (LONG)

[FlashyTitus]

I have a question about the gentle leader. Do you have a problem with training the dog when the leader is off? For example the come command. With the leader on the dog knows that if he doesnt come he will get a correction. Without it on he will know that he won't get a correction and won't come. I have heard it refered to as collar smart. I can see the effect it will have if the dog pulls, but what about training?

 

[ASTNC]

Yes, I think this might be a problem with some dogs and some training. My dog uses a gentle leader and did very well with it for 3 classes now. The problem is that it is sometimes hard to do the training without one on because he only associates to training when it is on. The agility class we are in now does not want one on the dog, and it is harder to get him to pay attention. It is somewhat like retraining him with some things, but with others he still does well. He still recalls very well for instance. Also, I heard that they do not let you use one (at least where I live) if you want to take the CGC test. I think they are a good tool to use, but look at it as just a tool and realize that you might possibly have to do some retraining if you stop using one.

 

[dkay]

Originally posted by Krikkit
We are fortunate here as we have a wonderful make of head halter - 'Black Dog'. It suits a Boxer more than any other brand we have tried.

I started with the standard 5/8 GL and Austin just hated it. In the months we tried working with it Austin still tried to paw it off his little nose. Not only did the constant pawing make me feel bad but the standard GL also looked uncomfortable because it pooched his eyes out. I ordered the Black Dog Head Halter and it is just wonderful. Austin acts as if nothing is even there. Amazing his reaction . Happy mom it made me. Thanks to BW

 

[mellars family]

Originally posted by Bella's Mum
Does anyone know if the Gental Leader is available in the UK? [/QUOTE

i have just got my two boxers a halti from pets at home, i have not seen the gentle leader anywhere in the uk but the halti seems to work as well]

 

[KruzinK-9s]

F.Y.I
The 3/8 Is the G.L made for shorter snout dogs
Also, one of the goals of the G.L is to train out of it. The G.L converts to a flat collar.
Happy Training

 

[frankokelly]

I got rid of the gentle leader about a month ago.

He tolerated it, but it put him in a foul mood.

I found out that it didnt really train the dog. I am back to his regular collar and leash, and our training sessions are going much smoother, and he seems to be learning a lot faster.

Also he snapped at 2 people while on the gentle leader.

Maybe it distracted him too much?
Maybe he didnt like it so he didnt want to listen?

He enjoys his walks a lot more without it. And we just train train train every day.

Now instead of "Cant you control that dog!" from passers by, I am getting "Wow what a good dog!" And boo boo is smiling and happy.

It is amazing what these dogs can learn. "Especially when they are in a good mood "

 

[wmhawk]

Gentle Leader

I recently purchased a Gentle Leader for my 4 mos old male boxer. Before ordering it, I called the company to confirm that it could be used on a boxer. They said it would work fine and no special design was needed, and that the special design one was mostly for the flat faces of dogs like bulldogs. When I received the new collar, I watched the video they provided and fit the collar on my boy (of course using treats!). At first he didn't like it, but after a few minutes he was fine. I have taken him for walks (without all the practice sessions) and it has worked great! It really has been like a miracle and now walks are actually enjoyable. There is no pulling at all and he remains right by my side the whole time. If you can't get the collar to work at first, keep trying!!

 

[pearl]

Yes you can buy the Gentle Leader in the UK, I bought one for Bella in th local set shop, Only trouble was she hated it, so I tried the Halti and it was much better, the nose strap isn`t so wide so it doesn`t irritate her so much.
They also make a padded Halti for short nosed dogs, I bought one but its pretty much the same as the normal Halti.

 

[bmisiuda]

Gentle Leader is great but itches

It is a wonderful product and works as advertised with one problem. He won't stop rubbing his nose against the walkers leg and bum as though to get at an itch. He is definetly not trying to take it off (we already whent through that battle and he has given up.)

I have tried it tight and loose around his nose to see if this helps and it did not.

Has anyone else experienced this? .. any Ideas why its bothering him so much.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[pearl]

Thats the same as Bella used to do, every few strides she was rubbing her nose on any thing she could.

Thats when I tried the Halti, the nose strap isn`t as wide as the Gentle leader.

She still tends to rub her nose but not nearly so much, now she waits untill we get to a patch of grass then has a good rub.