Balking at Gentle Leader

[Judy Wheeler]

We just purchased a Gentle Leader head collar for our 6 month old Sammi.  We've used it about 3-4 days.  At first she fought it some, but gradually walked and behaved wonderfully.  In the past two days we've had her to Lowe's and also went to a very crowded festival at a local park.  She was an angel.  Did not jump or lunge at anyone.  (I might add that is why we bought the GL.....she was a nightmare jumping and lunging).  Yesterday evening and this morning, when I tried to walk her, she just planted her feet firmly and would not move.  I tried praise, treats....to no avail.  I can't pull her.  So what do you think is up?

[Cathy w/Shiloh~Cody]

You may have done a little too much, too soon. My dog "shut down" using it when I

took him to a training class, They kept going in circles, changing directions,

walking walking walking-and the dogs nose got a little sore. They never will love

the leader because it does control them. I always treat him when putting it

on and even then-he sometimes pulls his head away. I would treat heavily now when

using it and putting it on-and be very conscious of how much pressure its putting on his nose.

Be careful no fine hair gets caught in the area where it snaps together. He will

come around in time. Good luck!

[Cathy w/Shiloh~Cody]

When I said nose below-what I really mean is the muzzle area. Its sensitive.

If using the leader-it worked better for me if you do not cut the hair in that

area. Keep it full and fluffy and it does not bother them as much.

[Jane Smith]

While Lucy does not like wearing it (she hides behind a chair when she see is) she still does fine with it.  Ethel on the otherhand jumped around like a bucking bronco the entire walk trying to get it off using her front paws.  SHe even went as far as rubbing her face on the street to get it off. 

Maybe you are putting it too tight.  I can get 2 fingers under the strap just under their chins.  It's just suppose to turn their heads sideways if they pull, not be uncomfortable.

 

Try having them wear it just in the house.  We finally did that with Ethel and she just forgot all about it. 

[Judy Wheeler]

When some of you say "keep on walking, they will get the point", I would have to be dragging her to keep on walking and I'm afraid that I would hurt her.  She is 40 lbs and when she decides to sit and not move, she's alot of dead weight!  I'm going to try again to go for a walk after while.  My husband and I just took her to friends house and she gets in the car and moves around fine going into the house etc.  It's just when she's on a regular walk that she balks.  Will let you know later how she does this evening. 

This is a great site for "doodle" questions.  Thank you all so much.

[Carol Brand]

I dislike the Gentle Leaders (GL) for so many reasons and you have just run into one of them.   Sammi doesn't like the GL so she has gone on strike.  With a GL it is almost impossible to give her a correction that will convince her to get back on task.  She now has control of the situation and that is a bad lesson for a dog to learn.

 

GLs are about containing, not training.  What you need with a dog this age is real training.   My recommendation is that you go back to a buckle collar or better yet to a prong collar.  The prong collar will allow you to give a correction that your dog will respond to.

 

The fix to your current problem?  You need to show Sammi which side her bread is buttered on.  

 

Leash her up and give the walk command:  LETS WALK!   If Sammi plants her feet, you keep going.  As you walk, give a series of small pops on the collar that tighten and then release... tighten and release.  Don't look back or give her any attention.  Don't drag her because this will only start a pulling war.  You want to pop...pop...pop.  Eventually (depending on stubborn she is) she will realize that it is a whole lot easier to walk than to get popped over and over again.   When she does start to walk, make a huge deal about it.  Tell her, "WHAT A GOOD GIRL! YOU ARE JUST THE SMARTEST GIRL EVER!"  etc etc  Don't stop walking.  If you want to give her a treat, do it as you walk and without turning your head.  Just reach the treat down with your hand and keep going.

 

Don't be afraid of hurting her.  If she gets "hurt" it will be a logical consequence of her failure to walk with you. Understanding that life has logical consequences is one of the best lessons you can teach a dog.