How to Put a Head Halter on a Dog

Head halters are also known as Gentle Leaders or Haltis. They can help provide more guidance when training your dog. The trick is to work quickly and get the halter on before the dog can shake it off. If your dog is not well-trained or very large, you may want someone else to help you hold your dog the first few times you put it on. Until your dog gets used to the halter, it may fidget and shake its head to try and remove it.

Things You'll Need

  • Head halter
  • Collar
  • Leash
  • Dog treats
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Make sure your halter will fit your dog correctly. Different brands of halters are designed to fit differently. Read the instructions or check with the manufacturer or retailer if you're not sure how the halter should fit your dog. Most pet supplies stores have staff that can help you find a halter that will fit your dog.

    • 2

      Adjust the straps of the halter so they are a little long. Once the halter is on, you can adjust them so it fits better. If the straps are too short, you won't be able to get the halter on.

    • 3

      Put your dog's regular leash and collar on it to help keep control while you put the halter on.

    • 4

      Tie one end of the leash to a heavy object. This will free both of your hands and keep your dog from running away to avoid the halter. The halter won't hurt your dog, but it can make them nervous at first.

    • 5

      Put your dominant hand through the halter backward and loop it onto your wrist. The muzzle area of the halter should be around your wrist and the two straps near your fingers.

    • 6

      Place the strap that is farther away from your free hand between the fingers of your dominant hand. This step is not necessary but keeps you from having to search for both ends of the halter when it comes time to snap them together.

    • 7

      Gently grasp your dog's muzzle with your dominant hand (the one with the halter on it).

    • 8

      Slip the halter over your dog's head with your free hand and grab the free strap.

    • 9

      Release your dog's muzzle and quickly snap the halter onto your dog's head. Adjust the straps so the halter fits correctly.

    • 10

      Praise your dog and give it a treat. This helps teach your dog that wearing the halter is fun, making it less likely to resist the next time.