#head collar

[booksandbrainsandsoftthings]

Dog Walking on Head Collar

No, it's not a muzzle

No, it isn't keeping his mouth closed

No, it doesn't mean he's going to bite you

No, he's not sad he's wearing a thing on his face

No, it doesn't hurt him

[donkeylugs]

Yard Life

[pawsativityy]

In case you can't tell, gray is my aesthetic (totally not the reason I have a blue merle...just maybe a slight contributing factor. Also, I've stopped using Mav's head collar and transitioned to using a harness. Maybe it's just because of the high mileage we do, but it was starting to rub the hair off across his muzzle. There's a faint pink line on the white at the base of his muzzle. He never acted like it was uncomfortable, but I was worried about it rubbing him raw and the hair potentially not growing back. Have any other dogblr users had similar issues with head collars?

[servicecorgisanti]

Halti Head Collar?

To all dog people (especially SD users who use them) is the Halti a good option for a head collar/harness? I got a basic head collar for Santi (it was on clearance) to see if I liked it for feedback reasons when I was in public, based on a post by another SD user. I absolutely love how I can tell where his head is looking even without looking down at him (though I still look down to see how he's doing). However, because I like it so much, I thought I would invest in a higher quality one that might be more comfortable and a nose strap that shifts around less. I keep seeing Halti everywhere, and I know I don't want the basic Gentle Leader, so I was wondering what other people had to say on it. I would be getting the Halti OPTIFIT if I do go with the Halti. Also open to other recommendations if people have them. Thanks!

[trainingfaith]

I noticed you use a gentle leader with faith. I was considering using one with my dog(not because she pulls but to get greater control and I can feel her alerts better/faster). Do you get a lot of people who think it's a muzzle? How do you answer these? I've read a lot online that people don't think a fully trained SD should use one. What do you think?

Unfortunately much of the public is not educated on what a head collar is, and they therefore mistake it for a muzzle. If this is the case, I’ll kindly explain what the head collar is for, why I choose to use one, and how it differs from a muzzle. Faith still has full range of motion in her jaw when using the head collar. It doesn’t prevent her from doing anything with her mouth such as eating, drinking, carrying objects, biting, etc. If it did then she wouldn’t be able to perform some of her tasks (picking things up off the ground for example). 

There are some handlers who believe that a fully trained service dog shouldn’t be using ANY training tools because they shouldn’t need them. Yes… a fully trained service dog shouldn’t NEED a training tool due to behavior issues. They should all know how to heel beforehand. However, I personally really like using a head collar due to the increased communication Faith and I have when using one, so I don’t let these comments get to me. And I know many other handlers feel the same way ;) 

I hope this helps!~ Lex (& Faith)

[trainingfaith]

I previously used a head halter on my service dog, but I stopped using it because he would pout when he had it on. He always looked so unhappy, especially whenever I'd ask him to do something. We've been working without one, but I find that I am wanting to use one again to keep his attention more on me/improve communication. He was taught that head halter = good things, willingly puts his nose through for me, and doesn't struggle to take it off. Should I use it for the pros or ditch bc cons?

Hi Anon! Every dog reacts to the head collar differently. Some dogs (such as Faith) take to it easily and with little issue. Other dogs (like Yuki) cannot function with it and will shut down if you try and force them. Nevertheless, a head collar can be a very powerful communication tool, and one that several service dog handlers and trainers recommend using. 

If you’ve done desensitization work and he’s learned to associate the head collar with good things, then by all means… try to go back to using it again! Just be very aware of his body language. If you notice him shutting down, resisting commands, sluggish moving, ears back, not willing to pick something up off the ground in it, etc; then I’d just accept that he’s not the kind of dog who can use a head collar. It happens. If this is indeed the case, you can try a chain collar. I’ve heard they have similar effects communication-wise. I use them (thin ones) for my show dogs every weekend. Just like with the head collar– if the dog is trained to heel beforehand, then it’s a perfectly acceptable and humane device :) 

Good luck!~ Lex (& Faith)

[blazed-chestnut]

Are You Fitting Your Nylon Halter Right? - Runnings

Let’s face it, when it comes to leading and handling your horse, a halter is the first and sometimes only safety feature. Having a halter t

[peacefulriotttboy-blog]

Went on an adventure with my boy and his new head collar today! He was fussy at first but then he really adjusted really well. I even took him inside a store for the first time! He sat and waited patiently while I looked at displays and even laid down a bit while I was kneeling down looking at something. I’m so proud of him!