Head collar help
Training aide uses positive reinforcement on pets

"Why do you have a muzzle on your dog? Does it bite?" This is the type of question I get when I am out in public and training a dog with a head collar. What amazes me is most people think that using a head collar is cruel. Trainers who employ such a device generally chalk up such remarks to the general public's lack of knowledge of the different types of training devices available to them.
The main reason for this misunderstanding of head collars is that there are still plenty of "traditional trainers" around who recommend only choke or pinch collars. These trainers are themselves products of the old school of dog training and have no time for such "cookie-cutter" methods of dog training. What traditional trainers fail to explain to dog owners is that there are a variety of correction collars available to train dogs using a softer, gentler means.
So what is a head collar? You could liken it to a halter, called a hackamore, that is used on horses. But it is not anything like a hackamore. Instead, it's a collar that fits over the dog's muzzle and fastens above the neck. The dog's lead is then attached to a ring below the dog's throat. It allows a dog that pulls on a lead to self-correct without any jerking, yanking or pinching. The dog then learns through its own behavior that pulling on the leash leads to undesirable consequences.
Trainers that use positive reinforcement techniques have also found an additional benefit of the head collars. Head collars have the tendency to calm aggressive dogs and aid the owner in gaining control of the dominant dog. Studies in canine behavior have found that properly applied pressure on a dog's muzzle allows the trainer or owner to display dominance without inflecting pain on their animal.
One type of head collar that is used by trainers is the Halti. Invented by Dr. Roger Mugford, it works on the principle that a dog does not like to walk with its head turned to the right or left. As the dog begins to pull ahead from its owner, the Halti will gently turn the dog's head. The dog learns very quickly not to forge or lunge ahead. If he does not remember, a slight wrist correction will remind the dog to stop or slow down.
There are other types of head collars such as the Gentle Leader, the Snoot Loop and Promise Collar. All these collars work on the same principle.
There are a many things to remember when using a head collar. A head collar must fit snugly but you should be able to get one finger under the portion of the collar that snaps behind the ears. Using lure, reward-type training or clicker training will increase the effectiveness of the head collar.
When you first introduce a head collar to your dog, be aware that they might resist having it put on. Most owners report that their dogs react to a head collar similarly to the way they did when first introduced to a collar and leash. That is, most dogs tend to put up a big resistance to the collar. You can redirect any resistance by holding a piece of food out in front of the dog as you put the collar over their nose. This will distract the dog as you apply the head collar. As you secure the neck strap, allow the dog to have the treat. The dog will then associate the collar with a positive reinforcer.
Be sure to make your first sessions with the head collar short, adding treats to redirect the dog away from any resistant behavior it might display. Most trainers recommend not attaching a lead to the head collar during these introduction sessions. This allows the dog to get use to the feeling of having the head collar attached to them. After the dog begins to accept the head collar, attach a leash to the head collar and lead it around with it on.
It is very important that the owner never yank the dog's head away from the direction in which he is heading, nor should an owner ever allow the dog to run to the end of the leash forcefully while using this collar! It is important to use a gentle pull in your direction along with a food lure. This will help prevent vertebral damage in your dog's neck and upper back. Again if you have questions about the proper use of a head collar, contact a qualified trainer to help you.
The head collar is by no means a magic, cure-all for your training problems. Like any other training tool, it can be a complement to positive training program and the developing a stronger human-pet bond.
Eamon P. Riley is a professional dog trainer and animal behavioral consultant. For suggestions or comments, he can be emailed at dogmanusmc@aol.com or by calling 689-9483.