Anyone use "the gentle leader" for training their puppy or dog? I took my puppy to the vet yesterday and she HIGHLY recommended me using this. She said it is the best tool and non harsh for the dog. If anyone uses this, could you give me your opinion on it. Also, I would love to hear some advice as to how to get my puppy trained with this. Thanks
Gentle Leader??!
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ehayes21
Boxer Insane
I used the GL harness, it helped control Rowdy's pulling while training him to walk nicely on the leash. Let me note though - I don't really see it as a "training" tool - it doesn't "train" them, it merely inhibits the pulling by applying pressure...so when you slap that good old traditional collar back on they are not magically trained to walk nicely and will commence dragging you down the street. 
So, with that said, I would suggest you check out these two training links below to help you teach your little one to walk nicely - no matter what is around his neck or body. 
http://www.clickersolutions.com/articles/2002/pulling.htm
http://www.clickersolutions.com/articles/2002c/llw.htm
On a side note - I still use Rowdy's harness if we go hiking or walking through the trails - he still likes to dart after furry forest creatures and I like my arm in my socket. :rolleyes:
So, with that said, I would suggest you check out these two training links below to help you teach your little one to walk nicely - no matter what is around his neck or body. http://www.clickersolutions.com/articles/2002/pulling.htm
http://www.clickersolutions.com/articles/2002c/llw.htm
On a side note - I still use Rowdy's harness if we go hiking or walking through the trails - he still likes to dart after furry forest creatures and I like my arm in my socket. :rolleyes:
nswain
Completely Boxer Crazy
We use the Gentle Leader headcollar for Grumpy and it has been a big help. . . started using it just for obedience classes, because otherwise she would pull like crazy to get to the other dogs. And now we use it for walks on busy streets or shopping trips (at the park she's usually off-leash). I know it's a crutch, but it's a nice crutch to have. . . I'm not that strong and even at 45 lbs she can tow me around if she wants to, with the Gentle Leader I definitely take her to more places and I think that's good for her.
She also listens better on it - no idea why - and is a lot calmer. Seems to look to me for what to do instead of trying to do whatever she wants.
I have noticed though that now when I do walk her on a regular collar she is less likely to pull - frankly I think she's just gotten in the habit of walking with me instead of 4 feet ahead. Like she forgets to pull now even when she can!
The GL isn't harsh -it's just worn on a more sensitive area, the nose, so that they feel pressure more when they pull. If you have trouble controlling your dog on a regular collar I think it's great - if only because it gives you confidence and you can think about things other than how much your arm hurts.
Not sure how old your puppy is, if you don't need it yet, maybe teaching the puppy not to pull on a regular collar is a better idea. Start young and you might never need to buy the GL.
There is a sticky in the training section on how to acclimate your dog to the GL - helped us a lot, Grumpy never minded wearing the GL and will slip her nose right in when I hold it out for her.
Good luck with whatever you decide to use!
She also listens better on it - no idea why - and is a lot calmer. Seems to look to me for what to do instead of trying to do whatever she wants.
I have noticed though that now when I do walk her on a regular collar she is less likely to pull - frankly I think she's just gotten in the habit of walking with me instead of 4 feet ahead. Like she forgets to pull now even when she can!
The GL isn't harsh -it's just worn on a more sensitive area, the nose, so that they feel pressure more when they pull. If you have trouble controlling your dog on a regular collar I think it's great - if only because it gives you confidence and you can think about things other than how much your arm hurts.
Not sure how old your puppy is, if you don't need it yet, maybe teaching the puppy not to pull on a regular collar is a better idea. Start young and you might never need to buy the GL.
There is a sticky in the training section on how to acclimate your dog to the GL - helped us a lot, Grumpy never minded wearing the GL and will slip her nose right in when I hold it out for her.
Good luck with whatever you decide to use!
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