Advice on "Gentle Leader"

[astankovic]

What do you guys think about this product? http://www.gentleleader.com/pages.cfm?ID=29

Our vet recommended we use it to teach Thomas to properly walk on a leash.

Thanks,
Alex                    

[*Jay*]

Well, Ive used the halti, which is very similar, and I was pleased with the results but then Vegas is a puller How old is Thomas? If he is just a pup, I would probably try and train him to walk to heel without resorting to the gentle leader using treats and/or praise.                    

[KellyP]

Hi Alex,

I agree with Gill - only resort to a gentle leader / halti type device if you can't teach Thomas to heel using praise, treats and a normal lead. Perhaps joining a local training class to provide you with help and advice - your vet or local grooming parlour should be able to help you locate a good training class, or even try your local paper for details on available classes.

I have to say that we used a gentle leader on Millie and were pleased with the results - however it irritated her face terribly - she was always stopping to try and scratch it off - even though we had had it fitted properly by our trainer and again by the vet. Now Millie has a kinda "habit" of scratching her face after having been out for a walk - even though we walk her on a normal collar and lead now.

HTH

Kel                    

[KellyP]

Hi again,

had another thought - check out this thread I started when Millie was having "issues"

http://www.cockersonline.co.uk/forum/viewtopic . php?t=2247

About halfway down on the first page Pammy gives advice on preventing pulling - this was whats we did with Millie in the end - she's not perfectly to heel, but she doesn't pull anymore !