How to Use a Gentle Leader Collar

The Gentle Leader Headcollar is a type of dog collar used to control pulling, lunging and choking problems that are common when walking a dog. The Gentle Leader collar has a nose strap. A tug on the leash exerts pressure on the dog's muzzle and causes it to instinctively slow down or stop. This is similar to the way a mother dog disciplines puppies by placing her mouth across the puppy's muzzle. She doesn't bite down; she just applies mild pressure. The collar is very different from a buckle or choke collar, and it's important to use it properly.

Things You'll Need

  • Gentle Leader Headcollar
  • 6-foot leash
  • Instructions packaged with collar
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put the Gentle Leader collar on your dog. The neck strap of the collar buckles high on the neck, behind the ears. A loop goes around the muzzle and attaches to the leash under the dog's chin, not on the neck. Refer to the illustrations included with your collar. A proper fit is crucial for the collar to work well and to make sure it doesn't rub against the dog's coat and irritate its skin. Don't be afraid to have it fit snugly. You should just barely be able to get one finger under the neck strap. The nose strap should be loose enough so the dog can open its mouth.

    • 2

      As you put the collar on, give the dog a special treat to help it accept the new collar and associate the collar with something positive, a treat and a walk.

    • 3

      Use a light touch on the leash when walking. Yanking is an extremely harsh correction in a dog's language. Never yank or drag the dog when using this collar. You can easily guide a large dog with only two fingers of pressure to pull the leash back for a correction. When you pull the leash, the dog feels pressure behind the ears at the top of the neck and on the muzzle.

    • 4

      Anticipate the dog's actions and pull gently on the leash at the first sign it is moving ahead of you. Don't wait until the dog is far ahead of you to initiate a correction. After pulling on the leash, immediately release the pressure. If necessary, give a second light correction by gently pulling back on the leash. Don't apply constant pressure because that will teach the dog to ignore corrections.

    • 5

      After the walk, don't give the dog a treat or any special attention while you are removing the collar. Reserve special attention for putting the collar on. Nothing special should happen when the collar is removed. Although it can be worn for up to 18 hours a day, the Gentle Leader should not be left on an unsupervised dog.