Head
halters for dogs - Dog
and cat articles - on Pets.ca
HEAD HALTER
What is it?
It is an innovative training tool which is humane, safe, and easy
to use. While respecting the natural instincts of dogs, it has
been scientifically developed to achieve effective control of the
dog and to control undesirable behaviours. The head halter acts
on the dog's head, thus controlling its entire body.
Its uses:
• for easy control without the use of physical force
• for physical handling (veterinarian, groomer, nail clipping)
• for walking with a loose leash, cycling or jogging
• for training obedience, conformation, agility, etc.
• to calm and control an excitable dog
• to make the dog more easily accessible to children
When
to use it?: Depending on the problem, to solve or to prevent...
The head halter may be worn by the dog at all times provided there
is human supervision. It should not be worn at night or in your
absence. The control that a head halter offers should be linked
to human control. Use it to solve or prevent problems of hyperactivity
and disobedience.
The dog's reaction to being fitted with a head halter:
These reactions are due to the unknown and to the threat of the
dog losing its dominant position. The more a dog likes to have
control of certain situations, the more he will fight the head
halter. Dogs which are manipulative are also very creative with
the behaviours they will use in an attempt to have you remove
the halter. These behaviours can include bolting, head shaking,
rubbing on the floor, walls and your legs, as well as bucking
or simply remaining immobile. These reactions are usually expressed
intermittently and they may be quite pronounced at first for
a period of about two weeks. The intensity of the reaction will
vary in relation to the environment and the people present. The
key to your success is a proper fitting. The dog will be more
comfortable if he is convinced that he cannot remove the halter,
and its acceptance will occur more rapidly.
The first time:
Fit the halter on your dog and go for an enthusiastic brisk walk,
encouraging your dog to follow. Ignore all behaviours of frustration
and discomfort, but don't forget to reward (with praise, a pat
and/or food) the absence of these behaviours... Do not pull,
and never give a leash correction. The pressure that the halter
exerts at the nape of the dog's neck and on his snout acts as
a natural correction. He will learn rapidly by himself that it
is far more pleasant to walk at your side.
Maintenance:
If your dog pulls, rubs excessively and doesn’t accept the
halter, it is possible that this will cause some hair loss on the
nose. Don't worry, the hair will grow back. Keep the halter clean
by machine washing it regularly. Keep your dog's nails as short
as possible to prevent injury to his face. Remember that the more
your dog fights the halter the more he needs it!!! The head halter
is a relatively new tool. Some people will think that your dog
is aggressive and that he is wearing a muzzle. Others will find
it cruel to use this device. Take the time to educate those people.
These views will change as the use of the halter becomes more wide
spread.
Weaning:
The head halter is a training tool. Should you want, one day, not
to have to use it, you must train your dog not to pull on leash
or not to jump on people... Thus, you must reward the absence
of these undesirable behaviours. If you remove the snout strap
by passing it over the dog's nose, the halter is transformed
into a regular collar. You can then start your walk with the
halter on, and remove the nose strap on your way back when the
dog is no longer pulling.
The head halter will help you attain the leadership you need to
strengthen the bond with your dog and to help you train him to
become a better friend.
Julie
Sansregret - AHT, Dog trainer
Guides Canins
1313, rue PineRidge,
St-Lazare-de-Vaudreuil, Qué.
J7T 2M7 (450) 424-1469
guidescanins.com
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