Gentle Leader Headcollar

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Gentle Leader Headcollar - How To 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. Not be able to rotate around neck. Fit very snugly at top of neck so that you can barely squeeze only one finger underneath, like a belt, watchband or shoe. This is the MOST important part of the entire fitting process! Please resist the temptation to make the Neck Strap loose - if you loosen it, either your dog will be able to paw the Nose Loop off, or you will wind up making the Nose Loop too tight or the Nose Loop will rotate causing discomfort. The Nose Loop should be loose and comfortable so that your dog can freely open his mouth (even fetch a ball!). Be able to move freely from just in front of eyes to beginning of the fleshy (wet) part of nose. Rest behind the corners of mouth. Not be so loose that it can be pulled off over the nose (after snap clamp is adjusted).

FITTING STEP BY STEP

Throughout the fitting process and during initial use of the Gentle Leader®, motivate and encourage your dog with praise and special tasty treats. If your dog is especially wiggly, have someone help you by feeding treats while you fit and adjust.

1. Attach leash to Control Ring. (Fig. A)

2. Open Neck Strap and hold one end in each hand. Nose Loop and leash should hang down, like the letter (T). (Fig. B)

3. Prefit Neck Strap high on the neck touching base of skull in back, with Center Bar Ring in the niche just above the Adam's apple in front. Center Bar Ring should be parallel to neck, not the underside of jawbone. (Fig. C-1) Neck Strap must be snug so that only one finger can squeeze under it, and it cannot rotate around neck. Gently grasp skin at back of neck and pull downward toward shoulders, while at the same time holding Neck Strap against base of skull - this pulls any excess skin or coat from under the Neck Strap, improving the fit. Check again to be sure that only one finger can barely squeeze under Neck Strap, and tighten if needed. (Fig. C-2) Notice that even though the Neck Strap fits much more snugly than other collars, your dog is comfortable, able to easily pant and shows no signs of distress. Give him a treat and see for yourself that he acts as if nothing is even there! (If using "Buckle"-style Neck Strap, mark the appropriate hole for future reference.)

4. Take Neck Strap off your dog. Slide Adjustable Snap Clamp down to Control Ring (as in Fig. A). (To open, lift tab with thumb, dime or key; to close press tab until it snaps into locked position. The snap is designed to lock firmly into place and not slip - therefore, it requires a bit of pressure to open and close.).

5. Pull Nose Loop up through Center Bar Ring. (Fig. D)

6. With dog at your side or between your legs, hold Nose Loop open. Reach under dog's head to slip Nose Loop onto base of muzzle (Fig. E-1), and give a treat to keep him occupied. Snap Neck Strap high on neck at its prefitted position. (Fig E-2) (Some people find that taking a few moments to gently "massage" their dog's muzzle and cheeks prior to putting on the Nose Loop may help him more quickly accept the new sensation.)

7. Make final adjustment to Nose Loop. It should be behind corners of mouth and loose enough to pull forward to fleshy part of nose, but not so loose that it can be pulled entirely off muzzle. Slide snap clamp up or down to adjust (Fig. F-1). With thumb and index finger, pinch Nose Loop underneath snap clamp, temporarily holding it from moving. Test size of Nose Loop by pulling it forward as far as it will go (Fig. F-2). When it touches the beginning of the fleshy part of the nose, but is not so loose that you can pull it off, close the snap clamp by pressing down on the tab - you'll hear a snap as it locks.