There are times when it can be beneficial to use a head halter with a dog in order to maintain a high level of connection between the dog and handler. This can be a great tool for dogs that are distractible, reactive, and for large or strong dogs with handlers who may have mobility challenges.
With a little work, dogs can learn to wear a head halter comfortably, but if you just try to put it on without some acclimation time, they are likely to struggle. The video below show the process I used to teach 7 month old Bee to wear a Gentle Leader. I was able to proceed quickly through the process because she has a history of being handled and didn’t have previous associations with the head halter, but many dogs will need several session at each stage of the process.
I don’t recommend head halters for puppies until adult teeth are all in, because I think they can be aversive during the teething phase.
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