Have you ever been on a walk and seen a dog wearing what looked like a muzzle? It may have been a nice color, and the dog was walking very calmly, not at all what you’d expect from a dog wearing a muzzle. In fact, that dog was most likely wearing something called a Gentle Leader or Halti headcollar, and those who own one often swear that they simply could not walk their dog without it.

Many people, whether they have a big or small dog, have been pulled over and subsequently injured from having their dog become excited while on a leash and then lunge forward. I know of an elderly woman who, while walking her little terrier, was pulled off her feet and then broke her hip when her dog saw a squirrel and took off after it. When I see a dog come into our clinic pulling so hard that it is literally choking itself, I take that as a chance to recommend to the owner a different way of walking their dog.

The concept is simple – if you have control of the head, you have far better control of the dog versus a collar around the neck or a harness around the body, which can almost encourage a dog to pull. The 2 straps (one over the nose, one behind the head) apply control and light pressure to the head and mouth. A dog is still free to bark, pant, eat or drink, but the person walking the dog will notice that it is much easier to walk Fido. Other advantages are it offers control for all people, no matter the size of the dog or person, so a child can usually walk a big dog, because they control the dog’s head and neck. In addition, it is safer and more effective than a choke chain or prong collar, and can be used on puppies as young as 8 weeks of age.

So if you have a big unruly dog that you dread walking, or a little dog that barks at everything while out on a walk, then consider getting one of these headcollars. I really think you like it.

Till next time, Dr. Steve www.ashburnanimals.com

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