Head collars...I can't say I am the greatest fan but I don't think anyone really wants to use one however there are times when it may be called for and it's important we know what head collar is right for our dog.
What is a Head Collar?
A head collar is a piece of fabric that goes over the nose to give the handler control over the dog's head, much like a horse bridle. The theory behind them is that a lead clipped to the head collar gives the handler control over the front end of the dog which reduces the strength the dog has when pulling.
It is important to note these are not muzzles and do not prevent biting.
Will a head collar solve my dog's pulling?
No. A head collar is very unlikely to stop your dog from pulling on the lead but it will lessen the impact the pulling has on the person holding the lead. Most dogs are so driven to pull on the lead that wearing a head collar won't stop the pulling anyway. If your dog continues to pull into the head collar it can adjust the way they walk which can cause a whole host of musculoskeletal issues. This is why head collars are not recommended for puppies or growing dogs.
What is the best head collar on the market (UK)?
The best head collar on the market is the Dogmatic (see photo on the right). This is because it slots around the dog's face and the clip works independently which means it doesn't tighten as the dog pulls. In my opinion, this is the gentlest and least aversive option in the UK market.
The most common head collar you will see is the Halti (see top picture). The problem with the Halti is the lead clips onto the chin strap underneath but the chin strap tightens when the dog pulls. This constricts the dog's muzzle and makes it difficult to fully pant but can also make it painful. This can be stressful for a dog and actually exacerbate their pulling or reactivity. Other collars that constrict when the dog pulls include the Figure of 8 lead, the Canny Collar or the Gencon.
What training do I need to do with my head collar?
Firstly, you will need to train your dog to feel comfortable in the head collar. Start by having the head collar on the floor or in your hand and sprinkle treats around it. We want your dog to get excited when it comes out because it means treats. Once your dog is comfortable with it in your hand you can then start to lure your dog's nose through the hole, reward your dog as you go. Once your dog is happy putting their nose through use something like a Licky Mat with some yoghurt on to distract your dog whilst you do the clips up. Once the clips are on, funnel lots of treats into your dog and distract them with scatter feeds, games of chase or playing ball. Keep it short and try and take it off before your dog gets distressed.
Once your dog is comfortable wearing the head collar in the house you also want to teach your dog to give in to pressure on the lead so they don't keep pulling into the head collar and potentially injuring themselves. Put the head collar on in the house with the lead attached. Apply a small amount of tension to the lead (not a yank) and call your dog over to you, reward them when the lead has relaxed. Repeat. This teaches your dog that when they feel tension across their face, they should step back and release it rather than pull harder into it.
Once you have all of this in place, you are ready to take your head collar out on a walk but the training doesn't stop there. A head collar shouldn't be a permanent fixture to your dog's walking gear. Ideally it is a tool to support your loose lead walking training. See my top 10 tips for loose lead walking here.
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