How to Use a Halti

If you want a well trained dog but don't like the training collar, there is a great alternative a "halti" (also referred to as Gentle Leader). Many dog owners find the halti gentler than a training collar.

A halti is very similar to a horse's harness and works on the same principle. As soon as your dog starts to pull, the head turns towards you. You can get a halti at most pet shops.

There are four types of dog owners that should use the halti instead of the training collar:

Those that are forgetful! The training collar works like magic only if you are 110% consistent and snap every time your dog is pulling.
Those who will give a very mild or slow snap, for fear of hurting their dog, etc. The training collar only works if the snap is lightning fast
Those who have trouble snapping the leash because of a physical problem such as tendonitis, arthritis, bad balance, etc.
Those who have a very powerful and/or large dog. The halti is like power steering compared to the training collar for those mule or moose-like dogs!

If you fall into most, or all four, of the above categories, please do your dog a favour go with the halti.

WARNING: Your dog will hate the Halti with a passion if you take any shortcuts here. It will take most dogs 3 times longer to get used the halti than to a training collar. Knowing this, it is very important that you practice the following instructions every day until your dog is completely relaxed with the halti.

Getting your Dog used to the Halti

The best time to get your dog acquainted with the halti is after a good run because he will have burned off excess energy. Now give your dog a really nice belly rub for 2 minutes so your dog is even more relaxed. Have an assistant clip the halti on while you keep scratching the tummy.

Be sure your dog is on leash and can't run and hide under the bed. So long as your dog is totally relaxed, you can keep the halti on as long as you wish. When your fingers are tired (or after a few minutes), take the halti off, then skip the belly rub (in that order). Repeat this as often as you can throughout the day, even if it's a 3-4 minute session. The second day repeat. The third day, try putting it on without the belly rub.

If your dog starts pawing at it, try to distract him with a food treat or with a favourite toy. If you can't get his attention after a few seconds, go back to the belly rub. After the fourth or fifth day, your dog will probably be fine wearing the halti around the house. Start to have him wear it around the house on a regular basis.

Attaching the Leash

Day six or seven, clip the leash on the halti and go for a "walk" in your yard where there are no distractions. Use food treats and favourite toys, run backwards, clap your hands, jump around like a clown. Use a "Squeaky" and animated voice.

Your neighbours will think you are nuts but your dog will love you! After two days of "walks' in your yard, start walking in your neighbourhood; after another day or two start to snap if your dog is pulling. Follow this method and your dog will love the Halti!! If you take shortcuts, your dog will never tolerate the Halti.

When you first put the halti on, be very very sure it is adjusted tight enough that your dog can't paw or rub it off If you dog gets it off one time, they will always remember this victory and there will be no end to the pawing, etc. For this reason, never take the halti off when your dog is pawing or struggling with it. Only take it off when your dog is relaxed and not struggling.

Good luck!

Your dog can wear either the halti or the training collar around the house or yard as long as you are present. There is a slim possibility that the collar or halti will get caught on an object and injure your dog. All the more reason to buy the correct size to ensure a snug fit.