skippy783
Member
Reged: 05/14/03
Posts: 500
Post Bucks: $1.32
Loc: Dysart, IA
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I've got a Walker Coonhound/Beagle mix and it has never been good at going on walks (the nose likes to take over). We have tried a couple different harnesses for her but she still pulls enough to make it not real enjoyable. Last night after a recommendation from one of the wife's cousins, I bought a gentle leader head collar. It took the dog about 10 minutes or so to get used to having the collar on, but once she was comfortable with it we went for a nice walk. If she got too far ahead, the collar would turn her head just enough that she stop going forward. After about 3-4 blocks she walked right beside me the whole time.
With the leash hooked to her regular collar, she pulled my mother in law to the ground once. With the Gentle Leader, I'm pretty sure that a young child could walk Macy without any trouble.
The only thing I don't like is that when other people see her with it, they think its a muzzle she's wearing and that she may be dangerous, but in reality it is far from a muzzle as she still has full movement of her jaw.
I give the Gentle Leader Head Collar two big thumbs up and would suggest anyone that has a dog that pulls on walks to spend the $15 and save your arms and shoulders from the abuse of a pulling dog.
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"Just partied through college, aquired some knowledge
never did get a degree
We did it our way, looking back on the good days
There's not a lot I regret
Nights I can't remember, With friends I'll never forget"
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Don Hanson
IDA Pro-Staff
Reged: 08/26/02
Posts: 2018
Post Bucks: $4.64
Loc: Wisconsin
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I would still go through some obedience training and get the dog to walk at heel. Also on walks I like using a checkcord so the dog can range out. Again obedience must be in place for an immediate recall or sit. I have used the gentle lead and here is the problem. When it is adjusted so the dog can't get it off with its paws or rubbing on the ground, it does not allow them to open their mouth to properly pant. So be aware of this when it is warm out or you go on long walks. Don't believe me? Take a walk with a dog not wearing one while yours is wearing it. When they start panting, you will see the dog wearing the gentle lead only can open his mouth about 1/2 of what he should be able to.
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Don Hanson, www.hjioutdoors.net
Minn Kota Promotional Team
In-Depthangling Pro-Staff
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The_Bladepuller
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Reged: 10/09/03
Posts: 110
Post Bucks: $1.20
Loc: Wahkon / East Bethel
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I'd 2nd what Don said about actually going through w/ the obediance training.
I have used both choke chains. chain spiked, and really like the JASA force collar for that kind of work.
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Perch_44
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Reged: 12/29/05
Posts: 66
Post Bucks: $0.52
Loc: One step ahead of the Warden.
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I never did buy into any of these gimmicks (IMO). I just do 10 minutes or so of obedience training everytime i'm out training. and that is put the dog on a leash and chokechain and walk around doing sitting, heeling and laying down commands. for me it has worked so far.
I usually will do a very short session before training, and then after running the training session, once the dog has cooled down a bit, i will do the 10-15 minutes of obedience.
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smackem
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Reged: 07/01/08
Posts: 31
Post Bucks: $-0.38
Loc: Central Iowa
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Sounds like a great purchase that many dog owners could use. For the most part, not that many dog owners spend the time to train or know how to train to walk at heel. When my wife and I first met she couldn't believe how well my dogs acked. I responded by "they weren't born that away". 
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skippy783
Member
Reged: 05/14/03
Posts: 500
Post Bucks: $1.32
Loc: Dysart, IA
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We've been through obedience training with her and we did not have any progress with loose leash walking. I also have to disagree with the not being able to properly pant. When she has it on, she can get her mouth open plenty wide to grab a hold of a large ball and she doesn't open nearly that far when she pants even on hot days before we started using the gentle leader.
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"Just partied through college, aquired some knowledge
never did get a degree
We did it our way, looking back on the good days
There's not a lot I regret
Nights I can't remember, With friends I'll never forget"
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Don Hanson
IDA Pro-Staff
Reged: 08/26/02
Posts: 2018
Post Bucks: $4.64
Loc: Wisconsin
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Just keep an eye on it. I have seen dogs side by side and the ones wearing the gentle lead only open their mouth half as wide. While wearing it they still can fetch bumpers or balls.
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Don Hanson, www.hjioutdoors.net
Minn Kota Promotional Team
In-Depthangling Pro-Staff
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