Gentle Leader

MandyMom · #1 16th October 2001, 10:10 PM

Cooper had his first training class today. The instructor recomended to all of us that have dogs that pull on their leashes (and pull our arms out of socket!) to try using a gentle leader. There are three boxers in the class, out of 10 dogs, and guess what! Every boxer got one!

Along with others of course! Anyway, Cooper HATES it! I had it on him for about an hour and he threw a fit the whole time. I just borrowed one from my teacher and will try using it daily for the next week to see if I can get him used to it. How long did it take your dogs to ajust to wearing one?

Kellie · #2 16th October 2001, 10:28 PM

Tess took a little while too get used to it. She hated it at first, but she knew that it meant going for a walk. Just keep using it, they do get used to them. After a while we didn't need it anymore. We used it to teach her how to walk with us and after she got that down pat, we didn't need it anymore. Doesn't it save your arm though?! It is much kinder to them.

**Jan** · #3 16th October 2001, 10:29 PM

I think they all hate it at first. Try distracting them with lots of treats and make it as positive an experience as possible.

Good luck!

MandyMom · #4 21st October 2001, 07:11 PM

Thanks for the helpful hints! I am proud to announce I will be buying a gentle leader when I go back to class on Tues! I have only used it a few times in the past few days, but I see tons of improvement everytime!

Cooper does not mind it much anymore and has been so much more fun on our walks now that he is dragging me behind him!
For all those out there that are being pulled around,
buy a Gentle Leader!

Linda · #5 21st October 2001, 10:08 PM

I read a training book that said these are NOT designed for short-muzzled dogs, like boxers. :

:

It made sense to me.

I have never used one. I know lots of people here have and like them.

I've seen a boxer with a horrible raw spot on top of his muzzle from a Halti or Gentle Leader. (Probably ill-fitting.)

MandyMom · #6 22nd October 2001, 04:32 PM

Great. Not what I wanted to hear now that he is doing better.

It was our trainer that fitted him for it, and I not heard from anyone else that its a

. I guess I will talk to the trainer about it at class tomorrow and ask our vet.
Thanks for the info Linda!

Krikkit · #7 22nd October 2001, 05:17 PM

Mandy, I don't think it will be a problem at all. I'm not sure when the article Linda read was released but but over the past few years head halters have changed and more varieties and brands are on the market and we have always been able to find one which fits any dog head shape. If you take a look at this thread Acclimating your dog to a Gentle Leader (LONG) Kim and Claudia both mention a GL brand of halti designed for shorter nosed dogs

Sharon

MandyMom · #8 22nd October 2001, 06:06 PM

I remember reading about the ones for shorter nosed dogs. I have never seen them for sale though. I'll check into it, but the one I was going to buy seems to fit ok.
Thanks Krikkit!