How to Put on a Dog Halter

Dog halters, also known as "haltis" or "gentle leaders," provide the proper guidance needed when training your dog. Halter-style collars allow the handler to control the dog's movements while still allowing the dog the ability to eat, drink, pant or grasp objects. Halter devices go over the top of the muzzle and around the neck. Putting on a dog halter correctly may take several attempts to get right. Handlers should be gentle when attaching and using halters as to not risk injury to the dog.

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose the appropriate size halter for your dog. Dog halters generally come in sizes extra small, small, medium, large and extra-large. Look for a material that will be comfortable and lightweight when put on your dog.

    • 2

      Push the nose loop of the halter over the dog's muzzle. Rest the nose loop on the bridge of the muzzle. Loosen the nose loop if needed as to not restrict breathing. Ensure that the nose loop is not loose enough to slip past the end of the nose.

    • 3

      Fit the collar of the halter around the dog's neck. Snap the buckles into place on the back of the neck where the top of the spine begins. Ensure that the halter does not restrict breathing but is not too loose to slip over the ears. Check to see if you can comfortably insert two fingers between the halter and the dog's neck.

    • 4

      Examine the halter for any material that may have become twisted as you were putting it on the dog. Straighten out any twisted material if found to prevent the halter from uncomfortably rubbing against the dog's skin. Check to see if the leash loop is appropriately fastened to the front of the halter.

    • 5

      Hook the leash to the halter loop located directly beneath the dog's muzzle. Pull gently on the leash as your dog becomes accustomed to the halter being over its face and muzzle. Praise the dog as it walks with the halter.