How do you eventually stop using the Gentle Leader?

[RoxiesEcho]

I used the Gentle Walk harness with Bella when she was young and still use it occasionally today. She tried to pull as a puppy but the harness changed that almost immediately. We continued to use it through 2 obedience classes but it isn't allowed during the CGC testing. Now I only use it if we are going some place new that I know will get her excited. At 7 months Brutus is still going to be testing his limits so the most important thing you can do right now is stay consistent.

 

[whiskers]

I was actually considering using a gentle leader easy walk harness for my girl and was wondering why it was that you dislike them? I currently have her on a collar and am constantly struggling with her and the pulling. I'm also a bit confused, I have read that on boxers, because they are considered a brachycephalic breed that the use of collars is not a good idea?

I think Althea is talking about the actual Gentle Leader--the head halter. I'm not a fan of those, either, but I do use the GL Easy Walk. Reason I don't like the GL is because I find them less comfortable for brachycephalic breeds, a dog can really damage its neck if it lunges while wearing one, and most dogs I know just hate the darn thing. But, whether you choose the harness or head halter... they both need to be weaned the same way.

 

[rpett]

Thank you for all the responses on this, really helpful! I have tried the easy walk on Brutus but they didn’t seem to fit him right. I tried the large first and it was too big especially that strap that went over his back, then I went and bought the medium and it was too small. Neither fit the way the instructions said it should. Guess I will have to wait till he gets a little bit bigger then try the large again.