How to Put a Gentle Leader on Your Dog

Many dogs have an issue when learning to walk on a leash, including pulling on the leash and running after other dogs. One way to fix this issue is with the assistance of a Gentle Leader, which is a collar that directs a dog's head and body. To ensure maximum benefit of the device, the Gentle Leader must be placed properly on the dog's head.

Things You'll Need

  • Gentle Leader
  • Dog treats
  • Leash
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the Gentle Leader into your hand. Hold a treat in the opposite hand.

    • 2

      Offer the dog the treat while placing the loop over the dog's snout. The loop should remain loose enough to easily slide onto the dog's nose but not so loose that it slips off completely. Keep the dog's head in your lap, and keep its body in place with your knees to help place the Gentle Leader on more effectively.

    • 3

      Give the dog another treat. While the dog is busy eating the treat, wrap the remainder of the collar around the dog's neck and snap it closed. There should be room enough to fit two fingers between the collar and the dog's neck.

    • 4

      Play with the dog after the Gentle Leader has been placed onto its head. Do not use a leash yet. The playtime will help distract the dog from the discomfort of the Gentle Leader. Once the dog has stopped pawing at the Gentle Leader for three minutes, remove it.

    • 5

      Continue these steps for one week.

    • 6

      Place the Gentle Leader onto the dog in the same fashion. This time, place a leash onto the Gentle Leader. The leash should remain loose, and the clip that holds the leash should lay perpendicular to the dog's head for maximum efficiency.

    • 7

      Take the dog for a short walk. Each time the dog's begins to stray, gently pull down on the leash. This will bring the dog's head down. Do not hold this pose for more than a few seconds.

    • 8

      Continue to take the dog for longer and longer walks each day. Every time the dog goes for a walk with the Gentle Leader and does not paw at the device, praise it by saying "good dog."