Gentler Leaders

The Gentle Leader is a head halter and training tool that goes on the dog's muzzle and around the top of their neck that generally helps handlers control their dog more effectively.  It is very similar in concept to a horse's halter.  While it will not train your dog for you, it can makes life easier in many different areas, making it one of the best dog training tools out there, especially for larger breeds.

I recommend Gentle Leaders because:

1. They give you a safe, effective way to control your dog.  Because dogs build up resiliency in their necks to flat collars, and harnesses encourage your dog to pull (think dog-sledding), the GL goes on the dog's head.  Heads don't have lots of muscle and very little pulling strength.  Additionally, where the head goes, the body follows.
2. It's relatively cheap.  Shock collars are a $100 plus, while the GL is $30 or less.  Besides the fact that I am not an advocated of using electronic collars in 99% of the cases, price is another good reason to go for the GL over other training devices.
3. As mentioned previously, a dog who is wearing a GL cannot pull with even half the strength they normally have.  Many dogs have behavioral issues because they don't get enough exercise and don't get that walk because they pull. With a properly adjusted and fitted GL, people can almost immediately take their dog for a walk, getting him or her exercise and thereby beginning to work on those other issues he or she might have.  
4. When used properly, the GL helps the dog to focus and have fun with the handler.  When the GL is on, the dog knows it is time to train, do agility, go for a walk, and get special attention from his or her human.  It acts as a signal to behave because the dog associates the feeling of the GL with those good things.

Those are just some of the reasons why I am a Gentler Leader advocate.  However, if not fitted properly and introduced in a positive manner, it loses much of its efficacy.  To address the former, here is a video put out by Premier (the makers of the GL).  It is a little lengthy, but definitely worth watching if you either currently use a GL or are planning to in the future.

The video mentions a few ways to introduce the Gentle Leader, but here is what I typically do after it is all fitted:

• Lure their nose through the nose strap with a treat.  Put on the back strap, give them several treats.  Take it off immediately.  Do this several times a day for a few days.  

Lucy learning to wear her Gentle Leader

• Repeat step one, but before taking it off, walk away from them and have them follow you with a happy voice.  Once they get to you, give them another treat.  Take off the GL, repeat.  Make sure you are excited and happy the whole time.
• To build, if your dog is toy motivated, have him or her fetch a toy with it on.  If your dog is more food motivated, have him or her eat their meals with it on (this is only for dogs who scarf their dinner the moment you set it down-not the ones who munch and walk around).  If you dog just loves to be loved, put it on and give the dog a full body massage.  Do this for two or three days.
• Repeat step three, but before finishing the session, hook on the leash, and take a quick walk around the house or yard.
• After this point, your dog should have a positive association with the GL.  Continue to give your dog treats, build up the length of time he or she is wearing it, and you can now start going on longer walks, go to training classes, and do other fun things with your dog while he or she is wearing the GL.

Here are a few other tips: 

• After the initial introduction process, the pup should only wear the GL when on leash.
• It is NOT a muzzle-the dog should be able to open his/her mouth to hold a toy, eat, drink, etc.
• If you are not going to pay attention to your dog, don't have them wear the GL. 
• If the dog rubs, give him or her a negative marker, distract his or herr attention, and praise when the rubbing stops.

And lastly, let me just say a few words more.  Over the years, the public perception of Gentle Leaders has changed greatly and many people know what they are and are also advocates of them.  However, just like anything else, there are many people who don't completely understand this training aid.  Some people think it's a muzzle (yet it doesn't keep the dogs from barking, biting, or playing with toys if they wanted to), others believe that the GL will injure the trachea, and for the most extreme, some people think that if the dog lunges hard enough, their neck will snap.  Through all the years I've been training, I have never personally heard anything negative about the Gentle Leader from people who use it other than, "my dog tries to rub it off."  However, if you have concerns about the physical health of it, talk to your vet who should be able to give you sound advice.