Most suitable head collar for very energetic pup

[Emmajamma]

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I have a 6 month old collie who has alot of energy! This is not an issue as I live very near an isolated beach so am able to let him run free and have as much exercise as he needs ( I have a 1 acre garden which is secure and he has access to in the day) The problem is when I have him on the lead to walk into Town or fetch my 3 young sons from School he pulls non stop on the lead. He is due to start dog training in the New Year but im desperate to have something to control him in the mean time as once hes on the lead he will pull constantly.

He is generally a very well behaved dog and has become a huge part of the family. Im keen for him to be able to socialise with the extended family over Christmas and go for walks etc where he would have to be on the lead.

I look forward to any head collar tips.

The ones I have looked at so far are.. Halti (I keep reading it rubs in the dogs eyes) Dog matic ( I havent found much info on this one) and Gencon (looks good to me and I like the idea of an allinone lead and collar approach)

Thanks

:flowers:

 

[goldenbear2013]

Hiya!

My dog Bear was the same whislt he was a young pup. He just wanted to go wherever he wanted to go and not go along next to me! I got dragged pretty much everywhere!

I found the figure of 8 lead was really good. Mt trainer recomended it. It doesnt rub the dogs eye like the halti does and it is soft and comfortable for your dog.

Mine HATED his! it took a long time for him to surrender and walk to heel, so be prepared for a dog that will challenge you. You may look a bit silly in the street when your dog starts to throw a tantrum because he doesn't like it but just grit your teeth and keep going!

he will give it up eventually and you end up with a dog walking to heel with no problems sooner rather than later!

have treats on hand to praise him when he walks to heel with it. this way he will associate the lead with food

Good Luck x

http://www.k9-petshop.co.uk/shop/ecom-prodshow/figure8lead.html

 

[gypsysmum]

It is trial and error with halters. Gentle Leader is another one to consider!

Introduce it in the house with lots of treats and praise. Just a couple of seconds wearing it at a time to start with then little and often until he can be fed while wearing it.

Heelwork is extremely concentrated work and needs to be broken into tiny little, successful, sections. Just a couple of paces with a loose lead before a treat or toy is given. Move up gradually and be prepared to go back to basics if he starts to pull. Keep it really interesting with lots of stops and turns. It may be a long time before you can dispense with the headcollar on a long straight walk where he will get frustrated and start to pull in order to get there. Remember to only release him from his lead when it is slack, otherwise you are rewarding him for pulling. Put him in sit if necessary.

I have "loose lead" walking for dog walks and "heel" for more formal training. A loose lead gets praise and treats on long stretches where we tend to ignore the dog, The dog often gets more attention when he is pulling and that is the wrong way round!