Thread: Gentle Leaders
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Old 02-03-2008, 11:58 AM   #10 (permalink)
fogebotom
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Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Iowa
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The biggest thing for pulling if using a halter type device is to never ever let the dog get ahead of you and then pull on it. Regardless of what it might say, it can never be used on a dog that would jerk it or pull into it. The correct use is to hold it firm, the dog has to stay beside you and you use an upward motion for the correction.

Even the service dog organizations that use it will tell you that they never use it on dogs unless they are first trained to walk on a loose lead and obey commands. Then they use it as an additional tool to help those using the dog for service needs.

As a trainer I see it as the most abused device around. For many because they want fast and easy ways to train rather then putting the time and effort into long term training, it seems the easy way out. Many dogs that we have seen in classes that have previously used the halters now have nerve damage in their necks and backs due to it's use. I have been able to show how correct focus, attention and reading your dog can work in all cases. Dogs don't fight that training style inlike the halter which the dog immediately has issues with. Wouldn't want my dog to dislike any type of training I use.

A dog is not the same as a horse-the neck structure is totally different. It does not work in the same way and most of the time you are making a correction when the dog least expects it and can not adjust itself to protect the sensitive muscles and nerves. Many people like to claim that like a horse, if you have control of the head you have control of the dog--two totally different creatures. Heck don't they have eyes in different places due to the prey vs hunter scheme?

I will be blunt about this as many try to be tactful. Karen Pryor and Suzanne Clothier-two of the best trainers and behavioralist around, do not promote it's use. I don't like them, see no use for them unless the dog has severe behavioral issues and it's used by a qualified trainer. In all my classes-it's never allowed. If we can't get it done with a flat buckle collar or a martingle/prong, then we look at why those don't work, not try some new trick.
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