The Bottom Line
Pros
- Clear, easy to follow instructions
- Naturally prevents dogs from pulling, jumping and lunging
- Will not cause pain, choking, gagging, or coughing
- Helpful in many forms of dog training
- Stays securely around back of head so dog cannot escape, even if fromt part is "pawed" off
Cons
- May take a while for dogs to get used to
- May not fit as well on some short nosed (brachycephalic) dog breeds
Description
- Made of lightweight nylon material
- Designed to gently mimic the way a pack leader asserts dominance over subordinates
- Straps wrap over dog's nose and back of neck to control body movement from the head
- Available in 5 sizes
- Adjustable within specific size range
- Includes a training booklet and DVD
- Cost: approximately $19.99
Guide Review - Gentle Leader Head Collar
The Gentle Leader comes with a detailed instruction booklet as well as an informative DVD. It is essential to follow instructions for use of this product - especially those for fitting and acclimation techniques. Following the directions exactly makes success highly likely.
To some, the Gentle Leader looks like a muzzle, but it is not. The nylon material wraps over the nose and back of the neck. The design gently mimics the way a mother dog might correct her pup or a pack leader asserts dominance. A dog wearing the head collar can still eat, drink, pant, bark and carry toys. It is lightweight and should not cause pain, coughing, choking or gagging. Be aware that the product may not work as well on very short-nosed dog breeds. Though some dogs may be try to "back out" of the head collar or paw at it, the Gentle Leader (unlike some other head collars) remains secure around the back of the head if fitted properly.
After proper fitting, I began using the Gentle Leader on my "test dog." She seemed mildly confused and tried to rub the head collar off of her face. After spending a few minutes on the instructed acclimation procedures, we were ready for a walk. To my delight, my dog walked quite well. Each time she tried to pull or jump up, the light resistance on the head collar caused her to stop. After several walks, she had stopped pulling and jumping almost completely. She still occasionally paws at her face, but this is improving over time.
Though it may take some time and training for you and your dog to get used to the Gentle Leader, it is worth the effort. With some dedication, you can expect to see truly positive results.
