Experience Using Gentle Leader / Harness?

[vandynole]

My rescue dog, who is about a year old and looks like a 35-pound dachshund, is terrible on walks. When he's not trying to turn around to go back home, he's pulling ahead of me and practically gagging himself on his collar (it's a standard nylon collar). Loud sounds, such as buses braking, rattling cars, staple guns, etc. are what really set him off.

I realize the key to correcting this is through proper training and desensitization, and I am working on that. However, while he learns in the meantime, I would like to replace his collar with something that will not be as potentially damaging to his trachea.

I saw that Gentle Leader has a collar that fits over the chest rather than the muzzle (Easy Walk Harness); has anyone used that? I know their traditional head collar is popular, but I worry that my dog could injure himself if he makes a sudden movement after hearing a loud noise. Perhaps just a regular harness would be better?

I'd love to hear about any firsthand experiences with any of the Gentle Leader/Halti products, specifically in working with anxious dogs who pull. Thanks!

 

[otch1]

They work well! I'd be careful about a Dachs that bolts from sound as a Halti can do damage to vertebrae/neck because of their conformation. I'd try the harness for an afternoon with a store that has a return policy if it's not appropriate for your dog. On the otherhand, a 35 lb Dachs is a big boy! A Halti might be just fine for him! Either one should work if used properly.

 

[dr2little]

Out of the front clip no pull harnesses, I really like the Halti one better than the Gentle Leader. The Halti brand has a floating front attachment (some people don't like it but I think it's no problem at all) but it also has a safety attachment to the collar that goes from the mid chest up. I feel that this feature not only adds backup safety but also keeps the chest strap in the right place (a little higher on the chest).

The GL one has no attachment to the collar and I find that the chest slips too low to be as effective. With a large capable breed I think that its just so much safer to have the double attachment, collar and harness.
I also love the fact that I can fit any clients dog with the Halti brand, the GL is harder to fit for sure. You'll have to see though which one works best for your wee one.


One more thing, I'm of course all for training rather than using tools but I so understand the need for tools at times so that walks can continue while triaining progresses. The Halti also has a great multi purpose leash that you can attach to both the collar and the front clip harness so that when the dog is responding well with regards to leash training, the collar end gets the owners attention and when control is needed focus can switch to the front clip end. This leash can also be used as a waist leash and for desensitizing it's terrific for freeing up clicker/treat hands as well as minimizing leash signals because you take your hands out of the equation while still maintaining control.

 

[otch1]

I agree with you about Halti verses Gentle Leader Dr2!! I prefer them for the additional safety factor!