I'm sure there's been a time, we've all seen a dog with a strap over the top of their snout, and wondered, what is that? Is it hurting the dog? Is that some kind of muzzle? We at DogZenergy would like to help explain just exactly what that strap is; a very effective and safe training tool accessory called a headcollar. We went to the creator of the most popular type of headcollar called the Gentle Leader, and their website to explain just scientifically how it works, and all of the benefits it brings when in use.
Gentle Leader Headcollar
The Gentle Leader® headcollar has been scientifically designed to work with the dog’s natural instincts to control unwanted behavior.
Gentle Leader® was designed by a foremost veterinary surgeon and a past President of the National Association of Dog Trainers in the USA. The Gentle Leader® enables owners to prevent their dog or puppy from pulling on the lead and makes training in basic obedience (sit, stay, down, come etc) really quick and easy because of its three-fold natural effect on the way dogs think, relax and behave.
Gentle Leader® simply & easily converts into a regular collar for greater flexibility.
How does the Gentle Leader® work?
The nose loop goes around the dog’s nose & jaw and acts in the same way as a pack-leader’s mouth – this is a clear signal to the dog that you are the leader.
The neck strap puts pressure on the back of the neck which causes an instinctive relaxation response when the dog tries to pull forwards. The dog will instinctively lean back against the pressure, putting an end to pulling on the lead forever.
Traditional collars put pressure on the front of the throat, causing dogs to keep pulling even while choking.
Gentle Leader® does not choke your dog. It has been scientifically designed to direct the dog’s entire body by controlling its head & nose – and wherever it’s nose goes its body will follow.
What are the benefits of using a Gentle Leader®?
First and foremost Gentle Leader® stops your dog pulling on the lead
Through its calming effect Gentle Leader® can help shy, nervous or fearful dogs to relax and gain greater confidence. It will also calm boisterous dogs of all sizes
Gentle Leader® enables dogs to be trained to be sociable & obedient, calmly, quickly & effectively
Makes training at home quick, simple & fun – helping create a positive & joyful relationship with the owner
Even whilst wearing a Gentle Leader® dogs can still eat, drink, bark, pant, etc
When happy with the level of control Gentle Leader® can easily & simply be converted into an ordinary collar simply by using the neck strap as you would an ordinary collar and using the nose loop as an extension of the lead
Of course like people, each dog is different. Some dogs will take an immediate liking to the headcollar, while others may require more training. Along with multiple sizes for small to large dogs, detailed instructions are included in the packaging to make sure the fit is just right for your dog. Also, many companies have created their own version of this training tool, letting you figure out the best brand and fit including the 3 most popular: Gentle Leader, Halti, and Control Ease.
We hope this helps to inform, educated and reassure, the next time you see a dog wearing a headcollar.