Frequently Asked Questions

How does a Gentle Leader® Headcollar work?

The principle behind the Gentle Leader Headcollar is one that allows owners to communicate with their pet in a way that dogs instinctively understand. The nose loop encircles the dog’s muzzle and applies light pressure in the same manner in which the lead dogs naturally communicate with dogs lower in rank. Because of the placement of the nose loop, the dog immediately understands his/her place in the hierarchy. The dog considers the owner his/her leader.

What does the Headcollar look like?

The collar has two soft nylon straps – the neck strap portion fits high and snugly at the back of the neck above the windpipe and the other portion loops loosely around the nose behind the corners of the mouth. When fitted properly, a dog is free to open his/her mouth to eat, drink, pant, fetch and bark – except when one closes his/her mouth by gently applying pressure to the leash.

What are the advantages of a Gentle Leader Headcollar?

Advantages for people

• Eliminates pulling on the leash. With the Gentle Leader Headcollar…steer the dog’s nose and the body will follow. It’s virtually impossible for a dog to drag its handler down the street when his/her head is turned. The GL Headcollar operates on the same principles as a halter for a horse. Knowledgeable horse owners use halters to control the most unruly horse by steering its head. Throwing a rope around a horse’s neck doesn’t offer the necessary control.
• Offers control for all people, no matter the size. A dog handler only has to compete with the strength of a dog’s neck and head not all of the power packed in the body. Thus, the Headcollar is a great size, age and gender equalizer.
• Unlike the choke chain or prong collars, the Gentle Leader Headcollar is safe to use on puppies as young as 8 weeks old. There is very little pressure applied to the dog’s muzzle and no pressure on the throat.
• Offers flexibility. The Headcollar can be sized to fit all dogs with an adjustable nose loop. And, people have the option to convert the Headcollar to a regular collar if desired.

Advantages for dogs

• Eliminates uncomfortable pressure on the throat. The Gentle Leader Headcollar is a positive, no-pain option for controlling a dog.
• Because of the placement of the collar, the dog understands his/her place in the hierarchy. The dog considers the owner the leader.

Don’t a choke chain or prong collar work just as well as a Gentle Leader Headcollar for controlling lunging and jumping?

All dogs have a natural “opposition reflex” – if you push against them; they push back. Any collar that puts pressure at the front of the throat actually works against the owner by increasing the dog’s instinct to pull forward. Not only do these products not solve the pulling problem, they can cause choking and pain for the dogs. The Gentle Leader removes a dog’s instinct to pull forward by eliminating pressure from the throat area.

How do people make sure they have the right size?

First examine the dog’s weight.

• Less than 5 lbs.; select Petite
• 5-25 lbs.; choose Small
• 25-60 lbs.; go with a Medium
• 60-130 lbs.; select Large
• Over 130 lbs.; it’s an X-Large

Then, look at the shape of the dog’s head and snout. Breeds with long slender heads may take a smaller size than other dogs of the same weight. Breeds with wide muzzles may need a slightly larger size. When in doubt dog owners should go the next larger size.

How does one fit a dog with the Gentle Leader Headcollar?

Fitting is very important with the Gentle Leader. 99% of problems that occur with the product are due to an improper fit. When one first purchases the product, it is best to take a few minutes to watch the DVD and read the training guide. Here are a couple tips:

• When fitted properly and viewed from the side the Gentle Leader will be in the shape of “V” for “Victory.” If the neck strap is too loose, the Gentle Leader will incorrectly resemble a “L” for “Loser”.
• Neck Strap fit – The neck strap must be positioned as high on the neck as possible, directly behind the ears and touching the base of the skull in back and above the Adam’s apple in front. It should fit very snugly at the top of the neck so that one can barely get a single finger underneath, like a watchband. It doesn’t cause discomfort to the dog.
• Nose Loop Strap fit – Loose and comfortable so that the dog can freely open his/her mouth, but not so loose that it can be pulled off over the nose. It should rest close to the dog’s eyes and behind the corners of the mouth