Getting Your Dog Used to a Gentle Leader ® Headcollar Presented by The Animal Behavior Network

Why is it used? Quickly stops pulling on the leash allowing anyone to walk a dog regardless of age, size or physical strength Quickly stops pulling on the leash allowing anyone to walk a dog regardless of age, size or physical strength Provides a safe manner of handling aggressive, shy or fearful dogs Provides a safe manner of handling aggressive, shy or fearful dogs Aids in teaching polite greetings Aids in teaching polite greetings Discourages “counter- surfing” Discourages “counter- surfing” Interrupts barking Interrupts barking

Start out with: A hungry dog! A hungry dog! –Skip the meal before the first fitting so your dog is even more motivated by the… Delicious food rewards! Delicious food rewards! –Liver or peanut butter flavor treats –Bits of low-fat string cheese or hot dog –Leftover roast beef or chicken (fat & skin removed)

Start out with: A relaxed attitude and a calm voice A relaxed attitude and a calm voice –Your dog’s behavior reflects your behavior during training Patience with yourself and your dog while you learn Patience with yourself and your dog while you learn Knowing that you can make things better Knowing that you can make things better

How do I put it on? Pull the nose loop up through the double D-rings Pull the nose loop up through the double D-rings –The nose loop goes on first –The leash connects to the O-ring under the chin Let the neck strap fall Let the neck strap fall Allow the dog to learn to accept the nose loop the first few times the headcollar is used Allow the dog to learn to accept the nose loop the first few times the headcollar is used

Introduce the headcollar To make a “Wow!” first impression, hold the headcollar like this, stand next to the dog and feed the dog a few food rewards before you try it on.

Introduce the headcollar Keeping your hands still, hold the food reward outside the nose loop so the dog has to voluntarily put her nose through Keeping your hands still, hold the food reward outside the nose loop so the dog has to voluntarily put her nose through Give her the food reward and praise her as her muzzle moves through the nose loop Give her the food reward and praise her as her muzzle moves through the nose loop Repeat this several times so she is excited to put her nose through! Repeat this several times so she is excited to put her nose through!

Introduce the headcollar Allow the dog to get used to the nose loop Allow the dog to get used to the nose loop Be generous with food rewards and praise: Be generous with food rewards and praise: –While the nose loop is on the muzzle –And as you pull down on the bottom of the nose loop to accustom the dog to how it’s going to feel when the leash is attached

Introduce the headcollar Fasten the neck strap high behind the ears so there is barely one finger of clearance Fasten the neck strap high behind the ears so there is barely one finger of clearance –The headcollar can be worn with a regular collar or harness –The headcollar rides tightly at the base of the skull, not down on the neck like a regular collar

Introduce the headcollar Adjust the black plastic clamp on the nose loop under the chin by: Adjust the black plastic clamp on the nose loop under the chin by: –Pulling the nose loop forward to the beginning of the wet part of the nose, and right there… –Allowing one finger of clearance on the top of the muzzle for small dogs, holding two fingers held flat on the muzzle for medium dogs and two to three fingers for large and giant breeds –Snapping the clamp shut at that point

Introduce the headcollar Check the neck strap’s fit Check the neck strap’s fit –Is it riding high behind the ears at the base of skull with barely a finger of clearance? The excess strap can be cut and singed with a cigarette lighter to prevent fraying The excess strap can be cut and singed with a cigarette lighter to prevent fraying –Is it twisted or pinching anywhere? If your dog is nervous, remove the headcollar during adjustments If your dog is nervous, remove the headcollar during adjustments

Introduce the headcollar Check the nose loop’s fit Check the nose loop’s fit –Can you bring the nose loop forward to the wet part of the dog’s nose? –Is the nose loop so loose it can easily be pawed off? –Can the dog pant and open its mouth freely? –Is the base of the nose loop resting behind the corners of the dog’s mouth?

Introduce the headcollar Attach the leash to the O-ring under the chin Attach the leash to the O-ring under the chin –The leash’s snap should be appropriately sized to the dog and shouldn’t slap her under the chin Keep a light touch on the leash Keep a light touch on the leash –Holding the leash taut will frustrate your dog, causing her to paw at her face and try to rub off the headcollar

Do’s and Don’ts Watch the accompanying training DVD provided with the product before attempting use Watch the accompanying training DVD provided with the product before attempting use Do double check the fit daily on growing puppies Do double check the fit daily on growing puppies Always associate the headcollar with walks, playtime, meals Always associate the headcollar with walks, playtime, meals When not in use, keep it in a safe place where it cannot be chewed When not in use, keep it in a safe place where it cannot be chewed

Do’s and Don’ts Never threaten your dog with the headcollar; i.e., “If you don’t straighten up, I’m going to put this on you.” Never threaten your dog with the headcollar; i.e., “If you don’t straighten up, I’m going to put this on you.” Have the dog wear the headcollar during pleasant times, not only before going to the veterinarian or before grooming time Have the dog wear the headcollar during pleasant times, not only before going to the veterinarian or before grooming time

Do’s and Don’ts Don’t use a retractable leash with a headcollar Don’t use a retractable leash with a headcollar –If your dog runs to the end of a retractable leash on a headcollar, he could be injured –Retractable leashes keep constant pressure on the headcollar; the release of tension on the headcollar is the way you tell the dog he’s doing what you want

When should we put it on? During mealtimes During mealtimes During walks, playtime and training During walks, playtime and training

Frequently Asked Questions How long do I need to use food rewards to put on the headcollar? How long do I need to use food rewards to put on the headcollar? –When your dog willingly puts his nose through the nose loop, start giving the reward from the other hand –Give food rewards intermittently from that point on –Remember to praise while you give the treat When can we begin training? When can we begin training? –Immediately! When do we take it off? When do we take it off? –During the acclimation period, whenever you cannot supervise your dog –At bedtime

Frequently Asked Questions What if my dog is afraid of the headcollar? What if my dog is afraid of the headcollar? –Perform several very short sessions 3-4 times per day for 2 to 3 days and… Holding the headcollar as close to the dog as he is relaxed, all the while giving food rewards and praising; Holding the headcollar as close to the dog as he is relaxed, all the while giving food rewards and praising; Gradually bringing the headcollar closer and closer until he’s ready for you to lure his nose through the nose loop, then, Gradually bringing the headcollar closer and closer until he’s ready for you to lure his nose through the nose loop, then, –Connect a leash to the dog’s regular collar, place the dog in a sit in front of you, step on the leash, and put on the headcollar from behind the dog using treats if you wish. Connect the leash to the headcollar.

Frequently Asked Questions What do I do if my dog hates the headcollar? What do I do if my dog hates the headcollar? –Some pawing, rubbing and bobbing the head is expected. When your dog balks, avoid the temptation to coddle him. –Be generous with delicious food rewards before the dog does these things. If necessary, increase the value of the food rewards. –Avoid tugging and pulling the leash tightly; you’ll only create resistance. A slack leash is how you tell the dog he’s “right.” –Revisit the “Introduce the Headcollar” section.

For further info, contact: The Animal Behavior Network More tips on using the headcollar at: Animal Behavior Resources Institute, Inc. Animal Behavior Resources Institute, Inc. Animal Behavior Resources Institute, Inc.