Gentle Leader head collar vs. harness

[Laura]

I'm interested in hearing feedback from those of you that have tried these.

Our 6 month old girl will stand up on her hind legs and pull when she sees other dogs, and sometimes people (not as often). Thinking this might be a helpful training tool.

[Gwyndolyn Morasko]

After researching a lot of them, I ended up getting the Sense-ation one that is designed almost exactly like the Easy Walk Harness.  The Easy-Walk Harness is a little cheaper, but several of the reviews said that the buckles caused some chafing on their dogs.  The Sens-ation has smaller buckles that seem to be positioned a little better with softer harness material.

My "lead sled dog" had an almost instant improvement in her walking next to me with loose leash after I started using the Sense-Ation.  I didn't choose the Easy Leader on her muzzle just because I like her head to be free to smile and look around more.  But I've heard good results with that one too.  

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013JYDFU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o...

[Elly Koretic]

Ive tried both the easy walk and the gentle lead…I chose Easy Walk because my Darla spent so much time trying to get the Gentle Lead off.  I agree with the buckles on the Easy Walk being uncomfortable..the buckles are big..I will try the Sens-ation after your description.  Thanks!

[Gretchen Nastrom]

Preston does the same thing - I think he just loves people so much that he can't control himself!  I did buy the Gentle Leader, but we are still working on getting it on him.  When I put it on, he rolls around on the floor trying to get it off, so we haven't even stepped outside with it yet. In the meantime I have been using a harness on him.  He still stands up on his hind legs and hops around, but it is easier to control him with the harness.

A neighbor with a goldendoodle swears by her Gentle Lead, and her dog (who is 2) does really well on it.  She used it when she had 250lb St. Bernards as well.

[Gwyndolyn Morasko]

I would roll around too if someone put something on the bridge of my nose!  Ha!  I used to ride horses many moons ago, and the gentle leader reminds me of some of the horse halters we used.  Very effective and I understand the concept and design.  And they get very high reviews on Amazon.  I just wanted to try something that didn't go anywhere near her face or neck first.  And the Sense-ation is working great.  And I REALLY like that she LOVES it when she sees me holding it so  much that she immediately sits and raises one leg to help me put it on her.  Gotta love a happy dog loving her harness!

[Gwyndolyn Morasko]

The Easy Walk and Sense-ation are virtually identical designs.  The Easy Walk is just a little bit bulkier and probably would have been just fine with my dogs very thick hair.  And it is a few dollars cheaper, so I think it would be a good choice for most doodles with thick hair. I suspect that the people compalining about the chafing on their dogs are people with short hair dogs and who run a lot.  I don't run.  I just hurry a bit!  :-)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I used the Easy Walk harness for JD for 5 years, it stopped the pulling almost immediately. (We've since been able to successfully transition to a plain flat buckle collar.) JD never jumped up on people, so I have no experience with that, but I've recommended the Easy Walk to several people for pulling issues, and it's worked beautifully for all of them. 

[Amy N]

We were having significant pulling issues with Archie, so we bought the Easy Walk Harness vs. the Gentle Leader, at the request of our trainer. She said that if he's going to be evaluated for the Canine Good Citizen certification (which he is), the harness was preferred because he cannot be tested while wearing the Leader. I didn't validate that, but it made sense. I went ahead with the harness, and it has made a HUGE difference. He may tug a bit when uber excited, but it has been a vast improvement. Walking him is so much more enjoyable.

Good luck. Hope she responds as favorably as Archie did!

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

I walk Roo in the gentle leader because like your dog he wants to greet everyone, preferably standing on his hind legs!

It made an immediate difference, he never jumps up in the gentle leader.  He is not crazy about how it feels, but has become used to it and no longer complains.  I did not allow him roll around and try to get it off when I first put it on him, but immediately stepped out the door to walk to distract him.  If you try it, be sure watch the whole video. It is very well done.  The key is to fit it snug and then remember let the doodle do all the work holding the leash with only a little slack in it with your hand by your side. Finding the exact right amount of slack takes some practice. When she lifts her head or body and hits the gentle leader she will immediately move down/away from the push on her nose.  Keep your hand steady and do not correct or pull back on the leash.  As she begins to stay down when greeting reinforce with praise.treats. 

[Laura]

Great information, thank you! I just placed an order for the head collar and will let you know how it goes!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I completely agree.  I use a Gentle Leader with Murphy too, and it has been the best of all the other collar choices for him.  I use it for Guinness every now and then when he starts getting "full of himself" and thinking that the "walk rules" may not apply to him...after a couple of walks with the GL he's right back on track.  It's so important not to give in at the beginning when they act like this is some torture device.....just keep right on walking.  Don't ever let them roll around trying to get it off.  After a few minutes they'll realize that it's not coming off and they'll relax.  I designate specific times for the dogs to be allowed to smell (and hopefully potty) during the walk and that's the only time I let them put their nose to the ground.  When we're walking it's all about staying right by my side and focused on me.  

[Rebecca, Kandy & Murphy]

I've used both as well on Murphy, our younger (2 years old, 60 lbs.) dog.  He came to use without any training or socialization  and could pull any of us to the ground when he wanted to (which was often).  We tried training with just a collar and ended up at the vets with throat damage.  We switched to the Easy Walk harness and he was still hurting himself and it didn't really stop him from pulling.  He just didn't seem to notice the redirection and I nearly dislocated my shoulder several times.  So now we use the Gentle Leader and are finally able to go for the oh-so-necessary walks without damage to anyone.  We are, of course, still working hard at training "proper" walking and hope to eventually be able to transition away from the GL back to a flat collar.  Anyway, he doesn't seem to mind the GL too much and quit trying to get it off of his face within a day or two.   Its really nice to be able to accomplish our morning exercise walk with a minimum of damage done to either of us!

[Donna Bay & Buzz]

We love the Gentle Leader. Use on both dogs and both roll around, one more than the other. Occasionally our female gets it off nose but we make sure in addition to the GL, they are hooked on their regular collar as well. Double protection.