There are many types of head halter on the market today and despite design differences, they are all designed to help prevent pulling problems and to maintain better control of your dog whilst out and about.Head halters can be invaluable.
In order for you to get the best out of a head halter you MUST take the time to introduce it properly. Most people get fed up of their dog pulling so they go to the pet shop, buy a head halter, slap it on the dog there and then and take the dog out.This will cause the dog to hate the head halter and he will fight it till it’s taken off.In some cases this method of introduction can work and the dog will adjust quickly but more often than not it’s simply too much too soon.
So what’s the right way?
Make sure you buy the correct size for your dog.It should fit securely but not too tight.
Get some tasty treats and with the new head collar sitting over your hand, reward your dog.Allow him to investigate thoroughly.Repeat this process.
Next, as your dog takes the treat, sit the nose band on your dog’s nose and continue to reward him.After a few rewards take the halter off and repeat the process.
As your dog gets comfortable with the nose band sitting loosely over his nose, hold the nose band up with a treat on the other side and encourage him to put his nose into the loop and again allowing it to sit on him for a while, rewarding him as he goes.Gradually increase the length of time the nose band is sitting over his nose.
By now your dog should be comfortable with the nose band on his nose and with a little food encouragement he should allow you to do up the straps around the back of his head.Make sure the straps are fitted loosely.Reward him for wearing the halter by doing something positive such as feeding him his dinner or playing an exciting game with him.As soon as he is finished take the halter off.Gradually increase the length of time he is wearing the halter and use reward in any form to allow him to make a firm positive association with it when he has it on.In time your dog will perceive the halter as a physical cue for reward.Take your time with this process, at least a couple of weeks of playing before moving onto the next stage.
Once your dog is completely comfortable with the halter on, you can take him out on a short walk, rewarding him as you go.In no time at all you will be happily walking along the pathway with your dog nicely at your heel.In time reduce the amount of reward you are using and allow the halter itself to be the reward as a cue to going out.