Tue 07 Aug 2007 02:08PM PDT by Marni | 155 views | 0 barks

Gentle Leader

The Gentle Leader headcollar is a humane and effective tool in handling and training a dog. It is NOT a muzzle. In fact, when fitted properly, a dog is free to open his mouth to eat, drink, pant, fetch, bark and even bite (although we hope not). The GL stops pulling and lunging on walks, prevents jumping, helps control barking and begging, and does not choke the dog. Each strap has a distinct and important effect.

The nose loop was designed to mimic the way a pack leader demonstrates his position. He gently, but firmly, grasps a subordinate’s muzzle in his mouth. This is a non-aggressive, clear signal that conveys who is boss! The nose loop encircles your dog’s muzzle in this same manner, letting him know in his own language that you are his leader. This is a good thing! Dogs feel more secure when they know who the leader is.

The GL neck strap applies pressure to the back of the neck rather than the front of the throat, which calms a dog. It’s similar to a mother picking up her pup by the scruff of the neck. Also, dogs tent to pull against pressure so the gentle pressure at the back of the neck causes the dog to pull backward, not forward. This means an end to leash pulling and allows pretty much anyone to walk large or difficult dogs. Dogs as young as eight weeks old can wear one.

As for the dog getting used to the GL. Some dogs will adapt to it right away and others will not. The ones who don’t often times will do what I call the “death roll” and spin around on the ground, paw at the mouth and do just about anything to get it off. The key here is to keep the dog moving forward. The dog can’t be on the ground if you are moving in a forward direction.

When and only when the dog is NOT trying to get the GL off, priase and treat. This is a big one because if you time your treat giving when the dog is pawing or trying to get the GL off, then in his mind you are reinforcing that behavior. Instead, wait until the dog is not paying attention to the GL and reward and praise then.

Another good trick is when you are home (never leave a GL on a dog unsupervised) put the GL on your dog without the leash attached. Play a few games of puppy push ups, recalls, tricks, anything that will interest your dog. Again, when he is not attempting to get the GL off, praise and treat.

If you find the GL rubs your dog’s nose, you can get some mole skin at any drugstore and apply it to the inside of the nose loop. That should help a bit.  The GL in my opinion is one of the best training methods out there.  You can find GL's at most any PetsMart, Pet Supermarket, PetCo or at http://www.premier.com/.