Does your dog pull you when you go out for walks? Are they “reactive” when they encounter other dogs and try to go after them, taking you along for the ride? A head halter for dogs can help you take control of your walks from your dog for a more pleasant, pull free experience.
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What Is A Head Halter For Dogs?
A head halter for dogs is a lead that goes around your dog’s nose and allows for better control when out on walks. It may also be referred to as a headcollar or gentle leader.
Some people may mistake a head halter for a muzzle, being that it goes around your dog’s snout. Unlike a muzzle, a headcollar allows your dog to open their mouth to eat, drink, pant, bark, and play.
Are Head Halters Good For Dogs That Pull?
Being that a head halter wraps around your dog’s snout, it allows you to control where your dog’s head goes while walking.
If your dog tries to pull you while walking, you have control of which way they are facing and can lead them in another direction.
This is also beneficial if your dog reacts to other dogs. If they attempt to lunge at another dog, you can gently steer them in another direction.
How Do I Find The Right Size Head Halter For My Dog?
To find the correct size head halter, it is important to measure your dog correctly.
To do so, check with the manufacturer of the head collar you wish to buy for measurement and sizing information.
For most head halters, you will need to measure the size of your dog’s neck.
- Using a paper tape measure, place it around the highest point of your dog’s neck, behind their ears.
Others may want a measurement of your dog’s snout circumference.
Still others may just go by the weight of your dog to determine what size to get.
How Do I Get My Dog To Wear A Head Halter?
Getting your dog to feel comfortable wearing a head halter may take some time. Be patient with your dog throughout the process and provide plenty of positive reinforcement with treats and praise.
First, have your dog get used to the presence of the collar. Introduce your dog to the headcollar by giving them treats and praise when they smell or touch it with their nose.
Next, have your dog get used to the nose piece. Give your dog a treat as they place their nose and mouth through the opening. Keep doing this until they feel comfortable placing their snout through the opening.
As your dog becomes accustomed to placing their snout through the opening of the nose piece, you can actually put the nosepiece on your dog and fasten it.
It is normal for dogs to paw at and attempt to take the head halter off. If your dog does this, try to distract them with their favorite toy. Allow them to eat and play with the headcollar on so they associate wearing it with something positive.
You are now ready to walk your dog with their head halter.
How Do You Walk A Dog With A Headcollar?
When starting out with the headcollar, walk your dog for just a few minutes each day to get them used to it.
Gradually increase the amount of time you walk them.
When you are walking your dog, keep them at your side with a slack leash.
If your dog begins to pull, stop walking and gently lead them in another direction. Never yank or pull your dog when wearing the headcollar.
What Is The Best Way To Stop A Dog From Pulling On A Lead?
The best way to stop a dog from pulling on a lead while walking is to stop moving once your dog pulls.
This lets your dog know that pulling will not get them anywhere.
When using a head halter, if your dog pulls, stop and then gently lead them in the direction you want to go.
What Is The Best Head Halter For Dogs?
To determine the best head halter for your dog, there are a few thing to keep in mind:
- Size. Make sure to measure correctly to get the proper size for your dog.
- Adjustable Straps. Look for a headcollar with adjustable straps. Some head halters are equipped with adjustable nose straps and neck collars, others with just one of the elements adjustable. Having adjustable straps will help you get the best fit for your dog.
- Padded Nose Strap. Padding on the nose strap will make it more comfortable for your dog to wear.
- Reflective Stitching. This is helpful if you walk your dog at night by increasing your visibility.
- Instructions. Most headcollars come with instructions or a DVD to help you train your dog properly with it and get the most out of your head halter.
Pros Of Using A Head Halter For Dogs
- Helps you have more control over your dog on walks.
- Stops your dog from pulling on the leash when you are walking by allowing you to gently correct your dog.
- Allows you to control where your dog’s head is, thus preventing your dog from picking up and eating any objects off the ground during your walk.
- Enables you to redirect your dog if they become reactive and attempt to lunge at another dog.
- When fit properly, the headcollar allows your dog to eat, drink, pant, and play while wearing it.
Cons Of Using A Head Halter For Dogs
- Takes time for your dog to get used to wearing it.
- Your dog may paw at and attempt to take it off.
- If it’s not fit properly, it may rub against your dog’s snout, causing discomfort. If the rubbing continues, it may lead to a rubbing away of the hair or cause a sore to the snout.
- Not made for use on dogs with a short snout due to breathing difficulties.
- They are usually made of nylon, which is easily chewed through by dogs.
Best Head Halter For Dogs That Pull
These are the most popular head halters for dogs. Product information is according to the manufacturer.
Each of these is safe to use on your dog when used properly.
All of these allow your dog to eat, drink, play, and pant while wearing it.
All headcollars allow for adjusting the neck collar, the nose loop, or both.
Each of these head halters has a padded nose strap for your dog’s comfort.
Petsafe Gentle Leader Padded No Pull Dog Headcollar
- Available in 5 sizes, from Petite to X-Large.
- Comes in 8 colors.
- Allows your dog to open their mouth to eat, drink, pant and bark.
- Made of Nylon with padded neoprene on the nose loop.
- Has a quick snap neck strap.
- Adjustable nose loop.
- Gently moves your dog’s head toward you if they pull.
Pros/Cons:
- Stops dogs from pulling.
- Can be hard to fit and size.
- Some dogs were able to take it off.
- Dogs can chew through.
- Some users had difficulty with the metal clasp.
Halti OptiFit Training Dog Head Collar
- Stops dogs from pulling.
- Includes a training DVD and instruction guide.
- Adjustable chin strap.
- Cheek strap designed to keep the halter from sliding into your dog’s eyes or down to their lips.
- Neoprene padded noseband.
- Reflective webbing.
- Allows your dog to pant and yawn.
- Has a safety loop that attaches to the D ring on your dog’s collar, which allows continued control if the halter comes off.
Pros/Cons:
- Stops dogs from pulling.
Walk ‘N Train Polyester Dog Headcollar
- Available in 6 sizes from X-Small to XX-Large.
- Gives gentle pressure to the snout if your dog pulls.
- Made of polyester.
- Quick release snap.
- Includes a safety loop that attaches to their regular collar for continued control if they slip out of the headcollar.
- Padded nose band.
- Allows your dog to drink and pant while wearing.
Pros/Cons:
- Stops dog from pulling.
Having a dog that pulls you on a walk is no fun, especially when you come home with a crushed hand and feel like your dog pulled your shoulder out of its socket.
A head halter for dogs allows you to train your dog not to pull while out for a walk by providing gentle correction on your dog’s snout rather than their neck, allowing for a more pleasant walking experience.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.