The Gentle Leader head collar system is a specially designed harness/leash made for dogs. Corresponding with pressure points on the dog's snout, head and neck, the head collar adds slight pressure to those areas to provide the animal with a calming sensation that also reminds them that their owner is the leader. The device is designed to prevent pulling, choking and behavioral difficulties during walks, training and stressful situations.
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Training
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Consistency is a very important aspect in training any animal, especially a canine. According to the article "Dog Training Gentle Leader Vs Training Collar" on PositiveDogTraining.org, you first want to be fully aware of the proper placement of the Gentle Leader on your dog. The strap that goes just behind the animal's ears should only allow you to fit one finger between the strap and the back of their head. You should also make sure that before placing the head collar on, the dog is in a calm and relaxed state. The article also suggests that you allow your dog to get used to the feel of the Gentle Leader for a few hours before beginning a training session or taking it on a walk.
As an owner, you should also be aware that communicating with your dog through tugging the leash is slightly different when using a Gentle Leader. You don't need to pull nearly as hard as when using a regular leash and collar, as the head collar rests on area's that the dog already finds sensitive.
Walking
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After letting your dog get used to the feel of the Gentle Leader, begin with a brief walk. You can either walk back and forth a few times the length of your backyard, or take a short jaunt the distance of your nearest street corner and back home. This way, you will allow both yourself and your dog to get familiar with the feel of the Gentle Leader. Remember, if your dog pulls, tugs or jerks during the walk, you want to either stop completely or turn around in the opposite direction. This method of training ensures that your dog doesn't get what it wants from the jerking and pulling.
Anxiety and Stress
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The Gentle Leader head collar can also be used to calm down your pet during stressful situations. If your dog gets nervous during thunderstorms or inclement weather, try placing the head collar on it. Don't coddle your dog or act excessively clingy. Reinforce the idea that a thunderstorm or other bad weather is a normal occurrence. Dogs react to the stress that their owners feel, so if you react as if nothing is wrong, it will ease the dog in addition to the head collar.
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