Head collars, also known as \u201chead halters,\u201d attach to your leash just like a harness or a collar would. <\/p>\n

But rather attaching to your dog’s body like a harness or their neck like a collar, a head collar attaches to your dogs face. <\/p>\n

It\u2019s similar to a halter that you might see on a horse, and works very much the same way.<\/p>\n

The leash generally attaches to a small metal ring under the dog’s chin, which enables you to lead your dog around gently, encouraging them to walk alongside you or in the direction that you, as their owner, choose.<\/p>\n

All dogs move to the where their attention is focused – <\/span><\/span>head collars are designed around this fact and allows you to control your dog’s attention therefore making them better leash walkers.<\/p>\n

Dogs who are fearful when out and about can often exhibit a wide range of undesirable behaviors while walking, such as excessive pulling and jumping.<\/p>\n

While head collars are not a replacement for proper training and socialization, they work with your dog’s natural instincts to assist in keeping them calm and focused, and function under a very basic principle that applies to all animals: where the head goes, the body is sure to follow.<\/p>\n

\u200bHead collars are also a more humane method of leash controlling difficult dogs and when used correctly, should cause no pain.<\/p>\n

\u200bOther collars such as prong collars and choke chains can cause both emotional and physical harm to dogs if not used properly. These types of collars should only be used by professionals in certain situations.<\/p>\n

\u200bIntroduction To A Popular Type Of Head Collar – The Gentle Leader:<\/p>\n

What are the Benefits of Dog Head Collars?<\/h3>\n

While using a head collar can be beneficial for pretty much any dog, head collars are particularly useful for reactive and nervous dogs.<\/span> <\/p>\n

Think of a head collar as horse blinders, but for pups!<\/p>\n

There is definitely a science behind head collars- they work with your dogs \u201copposition reflex,\u201d<\/span> rather than against it. <\/p>\n

While you might not recognize the terminology- you probably have had plenty of experience with this reflex! <\/p>\n

The opposition reflex is a dog\u2019s tendency to pull against pressure or tension rather than lean into it.<\/p>\n

Have you ever noticed your dog pulling on their leash? <\/p>\n

You tug them back, and they seemingly pull harder. That\u2019s your dog\u2019s opposition reflex at work<\/span><\/span>.<\/span><\/span> <\/p>\n

Head collars, because they attach under your dog’s chin rather on the back of the neck or between their shoulder blades, won\u2019t trigger this innate reflex in your dog,<\/span> leading to a more pleasant walk for everyone.<\/p>\n

For nervous or reactive dogs head collars can be extremely useful. <\/p>\n

Because the leash is attached to the front end of your dog, if your nervous dog pulls on the leash, either to escape some perceived threat or because they\u2019re simply anxious, your dog will simply turn in a circle and face you.<\/p>\n

Head collars deter your dog from either running towards or running away from something, as they won\u2019t be able to pull you along with them. <\/p>\n

Head collars can also be very useful for dogs that have a tendency to get distracted during walks, either because of other dogs, cars, etc.<\/p>\n

Simply using the head collar to gently<\/span><\/span> redirect your dog is much simpler and safer than tugging roughly on a regular harness or collar. <\/p>\n

Rather than simply jerking your dog around, a head collar, when used properly, is used as a redirection tool<\/span>, which can help keep your dog calm and focused on the task at hand.<\/p>\n

Are Dog Head Collars Safe to Use?<\/h3>\n

Generally, yes. While using a head collar isn\u2019t as straightforward as walking your dog with a regular collar or harness, they are safe as long as they are used properly.<\/p>\n

First off, it\u2019s important to determine whether or not your dog is a good candidate for a head collar. <\/p>\n

Head collars aren\u2019t the right choice for all dogs for<\/span> a variety of reasons<\/span>.<\/span> <\/p>\n