Using A Head Halter On A Dog, Why My Approach Is So Different #40
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 มิ.ย. 2024
- Today I’m sharing how I get brilliant behaviours with my dogs. No matter what you are training, the key to success is to build value for what you want your dog to do and avoid your dog rehearsing undesirable behaviours. I’ll walk you through it step by step using walking on a leash as an example, and for me, that starts with using a Head Halter. Now before you turn off, you need to know that how I use a Head Halter is very different to nearly everyone out there. I’m also covering how not to use a Head Halter and clearing up common misconceptions.
00:00 Use a head halter properly for loose leash walking.
00:28 Two-step formula for dog training success.
00:58 Behavior chains explained.
03:04 Safe dog training in outdoor distractions.
04:57 Why head halters have a bad rap.
05:46 Two rules for leash walking dogs.
08:46 The correct way to fit a head halter on a dog.
10:48 3 Don’ts of using a head halter.
11:33 Create a positive conditioned emotional response for a head halter.
12:21 Step 1: Create value for the Reinforcement Zone.
13:05 Step 2: Play the Collar Grab game.
13:18 Step 3: Dog’s name = head whip
13:37 Step 4: Hand targets.
13:53 First head halter training session.
14:28 Demo: Turn away from oncoming dogs.
15:20 Condition turns at home first before adding distractions.
16:37 Demo: Leash handling when dog lunges on head halter.
18:58 Using ‘ItsYerChoice’ and distance around distractions.
19:47 Be calm with your dog’s choices.
20:19 Tips when encountering high intensity distractions.
21:04 Why I train head halters this way.
22:29 Biggest head halter mistake people make.
22:47 How to fade the head halter properly.
In the episode you'll hear:
• Why behaviours get inadvertently chained and how to avoid it.
• How to set your dog up for success and keep your dog safe.
• Why the use of a Head Halter is controversial.
• What walking your dog has to do with driving a car.
• About the importance of protective gear.
• What you should never do with a Head Halter.
• Why I have to earn the right to put a Head Halter on my dog.
• How I condition my puppy or dog to a Head Halter.
• Why you need to know what you want your dog to do.
• The 3 things I train for the times my dog and I come across a distraction when walking.
• Everything I do differently when conditioning and using a Head Halter.
• How we can be fair to our dogs by rehearsing success.
• Why I let my dogs have choice.
• Strategies to use in the face of distractions when you are out with your dog.
• What my ultimate goal is when I use a Head Halter.
Resources:
Blog Post: How Do I Train My Dog NOT to Jump Up? -
susangarrettdogagility.com/20...
Podcast Episode 29: Understanding and Preventing Reactivity and Aggression in Your Dog -
• Understanding and Prev...
Podcast Episode 39: Is a Resistant Dog a Stubborn Dog? -
• Is a Resistant Dog a S...
Podcast Episode 4: T.E.M.P. (Tail, Eyes/Ears, Mouth, Posture) -
• T.E.M.P. (Tail, Eyes/E...
Podcast Episode 24: Help for the Dog who Chases Chipmunks, Bicycles, and the Neighbor’s Cat -
• Distraction Intensity ...
Video Blog Post: How do I Stop My Dog from Pulling on the Leash? -
susangarrettdogagility.com/20...
Video Blog Post: Quick Tip for Dog Walking and Distractions -
susangarrettdogagility.com/20...
P.S. Subscribe to our TH-cam Channel so you get notifications of new videos!
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Dogs That is brought to you by Susan Garrett and the Say Yes Dog Training Team.
Susan Garrett’s interest in animal behaviour started at the University of Guelph where she earned a Bachelor of Science majoring in Animal Science. Since then she has developed into a preeminent dog trainer and canine sports instructor and competitor. Susan is one of the most successful agility competitors of the last three decades. She has won multiple Gold Medals at National or World Championship events with every dog she has ever owned over the past 30 years.
A natural teacher and an entertaining speaker, Susan is world renowned as a leading educator of dog trainers. Her understanding of how to apply science-based learning principles to both competitive and family pet dog training has been pivotal in changing how dogs are trained.
Susan is now helping many thousands of dog owners in 82 countries have the best relationship possible with their dogs. The real joy for her comes from bringing confidence to dogs and their owner through playful interactions and relationship building games that are grounded firmly in the science of how animals learn.
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Check out our video on shaping a puppy or dog to wear a collar and transitioning to a head halter - th-cam.com/video/ticB_1Twx6E/w-d-xo.html
Our video on creating a positive conditioned emotional response to a muzzle also applies to head halters - th-cam.com/video/zhtp_UUeq_I/w-d-xo.html
Great insight and will for sure be reintroducing Nola to this. We are doing your Nuance series now and we are growing so well. Nola is a rescue that I adopted at 5mo old. We have come a long way in our 1 year together (just celebrated 1yr on June 3, 2024). Between her unknown allergies (lots to point I make her food) and massive leash anxiety and aggression we have truly come a long way. Now we are working on making it her best life ever. We will spend next couple of weeks reintroducing and then working with gentle leader for making leashed walks even easier. She still will pull and walks just a bit ahead of me so this will help with the seen on seam work. Her fear is gone but still at 1.5yrs old easily distracted. But the Nuance games are helping big time with that too 🎉
Hi Sisan!
Love your approach to dog training!
If you could talk about multi dog rules in your house and multi dog training, that would be really interesting!
Many thanks for the time, effort and quality that you put into these free podcasts!
Well!! You convinced me, Susan. I wasn't a fan of the head halter.... But the bra metaphor got me on board. Now I understand XXX
This makes me very hopeful that I can work with my border collie to prevent her from staring dogs down. So many great ideas here. Can’t wait for my head halter to come so I can work with it.
Thank you for the most detailed and intelligent explanation of head halter use and now to train a dog to wearing one. I negatively judged people who used them but it was because I didn't fully understand how to use one properly. Now that I do I will have more respect for them when used the SG way. Your training methods make so much sense and I love that they build relationship!
Ha, found it hard to work out the turn into the dog and lead it round. Lots to think about, thank you.
After struggling with our 4month Aussie to not react or pull on leash, I watched your video and ordered a head halter. What a game-changer from the first walk! Yes, she tried to rub it off for the first couple of minutes but now our walks are a pleasure! No pulling and choking! Thank you!
Be present! Gem! So many people with their dogs and on their phones!
even worse with their chldren and they arent usually even on a lead
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ So glad you chose this topic! And great job covering all the details of your approach to head halter success!
You are so gratis, thank you for sharing your expertise 👍
Fantastic breakdown of the use of the halter. I realize there is a lot of work to do, but super encouraged with these pro tips! As always, GREAT info. Appreciate the opportunity to listen to these podcasts!! There are gems in each and every one!!!
Susan keep up the great work you did a great job explaining
Love this episode. The instructions for use of the gentle leader is invaluable.
Thank you, I’m learning a lot from your podcasts
I love the head halter. I had two labs, one never wore one because he just didn’t like it at all, but going to more training classes got a happy loose leash easy walk dog, the other went from walking into a pet store was a chest high sideways jumping dog to a happy easy social dog.
Now I have anatolians and they immediately walk nice just seeing that I’m holding the halter in my hand.
Anatolian…. Checking my mirrors constantly.
I agree with 100% on all of this.
Yoyo leashes were banned in a city I lived in because …. Yikes.
Thanks Susan really helpfull advise and usefull tips to use and wean off a head collar.
Love this video/ thank you Susan
Love the break down of how to use and train with a head halter!!!
Great job. Loved the episode. We are currently working with a rescue dog that has become very territorial with people and other dogs
Thank you Susan, great information and podcast! I was not planning on using a head halter, however after listening to your method and reasoning, think we will get one, invest the time to condition our pup with it and then hopefully be able to have her choose us rather than other dogs - they are just SO exciting! :-). I always am waiting for the next podcast to come out!
Another great episode. Be present, not on ur phone-Yes! Love the explanation of riding ur hand down the leash to ur dog’s chin to turn their head.❤️
Mechanics are SO IMPORTANT. The operating plan is just as IMPORTANT! Thank you for all this detail. You bring your A Game every time! I have to review with you because ( I hate to confess, I don’t consistently journal OR video my training sessions.) You are there. I’m getting better and my dogs and I are happier for the influence you have on me.
This was so helpful! I wish I found this prior to putting the head halter on. I'm going to start using it as if it were day one again since my pup is currently not a fan of it! Thank you Susan!
Wish I knew about all this BEFORE I got my dog. Great advice!
Another fantastic episode from the best Dog Podcast! I always use head halters with my dogs, it gives me more control and I feel like my dogs feel more safe and comfortable when they wear them. They get excited when I pull them out because they know something fun is coming.
Thanks for another great video :)
Brilliant as always! 💖💖💖💖💖 thank you
New puppy soon and I’ll be adding the moleskin to her gentle leader and embellishing the nose piece with silver foil stars. I’ve used the GL on my last 3 dogs and just find them easy to use.
Great detailed explanation! Good analogy to driving a car. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Suggestion: please discuss Don't Wanna Don't Hafta in a future podcast.
Thank you for this video. This makes my choice of training my dog with a head halter much easier and with alot more clarity...
Really appreciate you graphically spelling out the steps of head halter training and usage with various levels of distractions and stimulus. Just got my 1 year old puppy conditioned to the Head Halter and am very grateful this info is here before we get into walking out in the real world. Taking very careful baby steps as we go.
You are wonderful! I just found you on youtube. I have a difficult to control german shepherd puppy and need to get him to pay attention to me on a walk. His neck is getting raw from the different collars I have tried. Finally - a trainer that uses a head halter as a training tool and not an end-all. Thank you!!!
Applying this in the context of the collar grab is very useful to help me understand what you're doing, and why we train it. *just joined home school the dog*
Hi, Susan. I don't know how I missed this podcast before; but thanks to Sharon, here I am! I'm thinking it's back to crate games for some more collar grab and restrained recalls - which Windsor loves. Thank you, as always, for a great podcast. See you all in Do Land!
Love it Susan! I hope you don’t mind if I reference it for clients whom I recommend a head halter to!
That reward zone clip was VERY helpful to learn to do this without luring. Small changes can make a huge difference.
Hi, Susan, I rescued my dog, Chloe, from a shelter last October and was told her history where she had been used as bait in dog fights (how can people do that?!) so she's very reactive. In her short life of 2 yrs she has had multiple litters, been in 2 shelters, foster homes, and has heart worms. I just had her get her 3rd Melarsamine injection so she can't be active for another 6 wks. I've been taking her into my fenced-in back yard on a regular leash but if she sees movement she reacts and pulls very quickly. I've had to let the leash go a few times so I'm not injured...I'm rather small and a senior. She is extremely strong and 64 lbs (I was told she is a Black Mouth Cur). She is my forever dog and I love her and will never give up on her. I'm going to get a head collar and use it as you suggest, getting her used to it in the house and progress to the back yard. Thank you for your guidance! I plan to watch all of your videos!
Maryann - I thank you so much for being willing (and participatory) to incur the journey with Chloe!
Mack is my third pit bull, the first and he was fought. He was physically struck and would cower and piddle at the slightest 'hint' a beating was coming/fear ... his 'owner/s' must have had a high degree of emotional immaturity... absolutely heartbreaking what these beautiful, amazing animals go through at the hands of unstable and sickly-minded certain other's of mankind.
I just found Susan and soon after joined her Itsyerchoice Summit, gaining access to the Starter Pack and training video.
I'll always love the dog whisperer, I learned a great deal from him that helped me to be the home my first dog/pit bull breed needed. Now, almost 10 years later, Susan is an answer to prayer! Her methods/training are profoundly simple - which means they're easy to understand and SO reproducible!
With her free training, tools, and tips, I realize I NOW have what I need to face the unique challenges that his circumstances bring.
He is such a good, smart boy ... I've been so frustrated with the things I did not know what to do to remedy.
Keep watching the videos, take notes, and follow through with her directions in listening to the podcasts that cover what you need to address. If you haven't already, join her Itsyerchoice Summit, begin immediately on the Starter Pack!
Best to you and Chloe - I'm so grateful she has YOU - and that we have Susan! 🫶✌️💪🪷
That's so nice of you to reach out and be supportive. Mack is also lucky to have such a loving home with you after living through an absolutely horrible experience. Blessings to both of you. @@feelthepeace
My revues were rough rescue stories and super vigilant reactive too. The head halter did miracles and now we do weekly outings visiting stores, walking trails, and getting tacos. lol.
There’s also a thing called sniffspot where you can find fenced yards to unleash and safe play without any other dogs or people so your dog can relax and just dog.
@@kelleywyskiel3478 Thanks, Kelley, Chloe is now able to run in the back yard since it's been 2 months since her last Heartworm treatment injection. I'm still afraid to walk her in the neighborhood even with the head collar though because of the extreme reactions she has to other dogs. I need to work with her more, using it in the back yard, but she rubs her face on the ground to try to get it off. Any suggestions for that or do you think it will just take more time?
@@maryannmorley2997 mine too. Mostly I get a head rub on my leg while we walk. But I check to loosen it up around the nose and ears and give more leash to explore but keep moving.
Be patient, be nice, and pretty much ignore it if nothings actually hurting. any reaction is a reward for letting that big emotion behavior become their communication habit. Frustration, fear, anxiety…..So I just act like nothings happening and keep walking. lol.
We have two halter styles. I prefer the gentle lead because it’s easier to put on and lighter. My husband uses one that has more of a buckle strap that honestly works much better. It’s heavier and thicker and the dogs don’t fight it. Once they stopped being leash reactive and weren’t jerking my shoulder out of socket I went back to the gentle lead. I struggled to figure out how to untangle and put the buckle harness on no matter how many times my husband just easily pulls it out and buckles it on. You might try another style if you have trouble.
I also loop the leash from the halter through and under the collar beneath the chin so it will be pulling down instead of backwards if there is a lunge. I also tend to use a much longer length leash on walks unless we’re out in town and change up how much leash I give depending on how happy and relaxed my pup is.
Susan might have a better method. This is just what I’ve done and I’m not perfect.
My biggest reminder is that I’m giving more freedom more exploration and a happy safe bonding walk instead of trying to control how I think my dog should be doing it.
If you want to get out of the yard but still stay away from dogs it’s gonna sound crazy… but we get up early and go to a local fenced cemetery. I don’t think I’ve ever encountered other dogs and it’s a very long walking path to train on.
I take a bag and pick up trash, fix flowers, straighten decorations up that fall over and generally taught the dogs that they were going to work. So it’s their job now and they’re very at work respectful.
The city workers stop by to say good morning when they’re out there.
I think you sound like you’re doing great. It’s just love, boundaries, consistency and patience. Our dogs act like how we’re feeling. and you’re being so awesome that you’re going to end up with a super awesome dog!
I love head halters. Used to have a a huge rescue st. Bernhard. A head halter was the only way to avoid failures.
Yep, I have Anatolian and Pyrenees and just putting the head halter on as a collar lets me be social because I can loop the nose when I walk into a crowd.
It’s kinda like walking a small horse. lol.
More great info!!! Recently switched from no-pull harness to Halti. 100% improvement first walk, but then subsequent walks Ruby would sit and freeze. Realize transitioned too quickly without properly building value first.
Interested in hearing tips on how to properly introduce a new kitten to home with a young dog.
This will be KEY when we bring our puppy home in a few weeks! Gives me so much more confidence in getting a Halti
Thank you for answering my question via this podcast before I even had an opportunity to post it on the Facebook group.
I need to clean up the swiss cheese holes in this dogs training. He is approximately 8 years old...
We are returning to the tool of a headholder as a direct result of viewing this podcast.
Thank you Sharon for recommending it.
I have a Blue Heeler and your methods work best for her.
Thank you, lots of great information. I have rescued three dogs and would be interested in tips for walking with a group. I currently walk all three on leash as we live in a wooded area with lots of distractions. We are busy working our way through the Recallers program but I am not yet comfortable walking off leash outside of our fenced yard. Thank you for putting together this excellent resource.
I will try this with our newly adopted dog. Sounds like great advice
Hi Susan. Great job on the podcast! Please discuss how to avoid food envy from the dog when dealing with little children which may drop food, enticing the dog to maybe even eat out of their hands? Thanks!
I've been having a ton of trouble with my girl--she started pulling aggressively at about 1 year old (not sure why, I guess I thought the RZ was solid...), and had been using a prong. I'm SO glad I've found this and am conditioning my girl to the head halter, and she;s already so happy! Thanks you
Thank you for this very helpful video Susan! Have you ever used the K9 bridle? It's another type of head halter that I may consider for my 7-month-old hovawart boy!
oof what a contentious topic to speak on, I applaud that, as well as acknowledging how your methods have changed. I wish you'd mentioned some cases where the halter would not be a good option. However, my main problem with halters is how they're typically used, that is, the first time the dog ever sees the halter, lure them through with a single treat and take them on a walk right away while they're trying to rub their face on the ground non-stop. Often they are simply used as a way to hurt the dog more for pulling without conditioning first.
Wow what a different way of using a head halter. I need to re watch this a few times to absorb it all. Thank you.
We are so glad to hear you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching
Excellent Susan as always! I’ve switched over to a different head halter from New Trix. The leash attaches at the back of the dogs head rather than under the chin and I found it much more responsive with my dog whom I’ve used the Gentle Leader and the Halti on. Have you tried this New Trix and if so what is your opinion of this halter. Thanky ou for all your info you put out. I’ve been in your Recallers twice and you certainly have taught me how to be a better dog trainer.
Perfect podcast! ❤️Could you do one about breaking up unwanted behavior chains? 📝Sooo many people struggle with this concept! Another interesting topic would be sounds and dogs! 🎶Some sounds get our dogs to freak out (noises of prey - baby crying), what to do about it? Lots of TV shows present very bad solutions for that issue and it would be nice to hear from a kind dog trainer about it. The dog community I'm in also discussed retreat places for dogs at home - how to provide them (small home❓), how to explain them to family and what kind of place is best (crate dog bed, etc.). Another more challenging topic is conditioned reinforcement, great tool, almost nobody has a clue about! Next the dog community here discussed no reward markers❎ recently, a lot of misunderstanding about this topic. Susan, you could bring some clarity! Another fun one would be dogs as helpers at home (Swagger fatching the papers🗞️). Get them bored dogs something fun and helpful to do! 🐕
Love the details on how to more effectively use the head halter! My poor therapy Golden dislikes it so much, so I can't wait to condition her to accept it. Thank you! ❤️
Happy training, Robyn!
Susan, would you consider making a video on small breeds? Show us how your mechanics change with a small one (Jack Russel, small sheltie, dachshund etc)?
I’m ready to buy a head collar and move forward! The pod cast is fantastic Susan. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Audrey, happy training!
I have enjoyed all of your podcasts and this one especially so. I have been using a head halter for the past 2 decades. At the beginning of this learning curve, I had made sure I purchased the correct sizing but I certainly didn't follow any guidelines about introducing it or as you say, earning the right to use it. I just put it on and away I went. Well, that was a disaster. One that was rather disturbing as I watched my dog go from pawing at it, to looking like a bronco horse. Let's say, due to the disastrous outcome, I was exhausted from thinking how to incorporate this halter into training. Fast forward 10 years....Yup, I figured it out and so darn thankful I did. It wasn't something I read or learned about from any sight etc, it was trial and error. So, at this moment I am in the beginning stages of earning that right with my McNab who is solid like a rock. I bought the new halter from England this year (at Crufts) and came home only to be knocked to the ground by Covid19. I had spent over 2 weeks on a ventilator and another 2 weeks recovering enough in hospital to return home. My training didn't get back into a rhythm until a month ago and it's moving in the direction I want. Listening to your podcasts are part of my routine now and thank you so much for sharing your valuable info with everyone. I do unfortunately see many handlers improperly using head halters and the dog's head get swung around.
First video of dog training I've seen that I absolutely LOVE and makes sense! Everything you said about what NOT to do I realized, crap, that's me!
Love your approach and how informative you are about communication and relationship with our dog. You are my inspiration to me that I can learn the RIGHT way on training and have a BETTER relationship with my dog. Now on to watch the rest of your videos! Thank you!!!
Thank you, Jenny, and welcome to our community! 💕
OMG you just made me realize I started a chain. And doggies are so smart. Koopa mimics the good behaviors ONLY for the treats! Thank you. Now I can begin to undo that.
I am so overwhelmed by so many head halters to choose from online that is how I landed on this video! I am so glad I did I just learned so much! I rescued from a shelter a 3yr old Carolina dog (they said it was a German Shepard mix at the shelter....nope! lol) She is trained to sit, and doesn't get into the trash can in the kitchen, and doesn't chew on things! However.... She pulls so darn hard on the leash no matter the tools I have tried by watching videos. She also lunges and barks like she is gonna attack other fluffy cute dogs a block away! So a head halter sounds awesome to try! With your rules of course!
Good info! I never had a dog that required a head halter until I adopted a Carolina dog. It was the one halter & technique that took her from being a nut job that pulled us everywhere we tried to walk, to a dog who listens & walks quietly. There's no reprimands or pain involved. If head halters work for livestock, they will definitely work for a dog.
Brilliant! Love your explanation of why and how to use it properly. Going back to watch #4 and #39 now! Have you worked with a Canny Collar? It clips from behind neck instead of under it. Suppose to be even more humane than gentle leader.
Wow. You’re amazing
Thank you Susan for this video. I have been using a head collar on my 100 pound dog simply because when she gets distracted, she ‘s strong and it’s hard for me to control her. The way you described how to condition a dog to a head collar is fantastic and something I didn’t really do….now back to square one lol.I think it’s a brilliant tool and hopefully I will be able to starting weaning my dog off it with time. Thank you for your great tips. I admire how you train your dogs, with positivity and letting them make their choices😊
💕💕💕💕💕
I recently stumbled upon a few of your videos and am now a new subscriber. A couple of months ago my 13-year-old Golden Retriever passed away and I'm starting to think about another dog. I'm still not through the grieving process but starting to think about it. I just wanted to say that I love the "be present" and "mirror check often". Such sound advice and should be mandatory instructions to all owners at the onset of getting a dog. I used head halters (k9 Bridle) with both of my dogs on walks from the start. After conditioning, it became the new normal unless at play or working or course. Great content on your channel. I'm looking forward to diving in more. Thanks.
Thank you, and welcome to our wonderful community! ❤
Thank you for help with this matter. I have two dogs that both need a head collar. I felt like a failure to turn to a headcollar with these guys until I listened to your podcast. I physically could not walk these two dogs together. Now we are well on our way to having two mannerly pups. As a sidenote, have you thought of posting your videos on Nebula? I would love to watch them there.
Thank you for this video, I am having issues with distractions and use a harness and a retractable lead for our sniffaris as we are in a very busy town and there is little availability for walking in a low DII zone. Interested to see what you say about retractable leads and how this can be good/not so good!
This episode was just SO informative!! I have a 2-year-old pup who has “forgotten” what a leash is for. When she had just turned a year old, my elder dog became ill and eventually passed away. We stopped walking because of the illness and never really got back into it. She got lots of exercise with me on our property so it didn’t seem like a big deal. Now I am ready to address the leash again and she has absolutely no idea although she was a good walker as a 1-year-old. This has given me wonderful direction on how to approach her leash training going forward. Not only the “what” but the “why” which is why I find your podcast so valuable. Thank you!
Please do Sally!
Thanks for another more than helpful episode! You asked for topics we'd like to hear about. I wonder if you have a list of books you'd recommend to dog owners, dog trainers to be and long time dog trainers. Have a great day every one!
Love how you had someone hiding under the desk holding the toy dog!
I’ve been a trainer since 1980. One of the best tools I’ve ever used is a gentle leader. Are use it differently also than is recommended and I have had nothing but success with hard to handle dogs. Very often they’re using them for service dogs these days.
As a Breeder & Trainer for over 40 years, I very often if not always tell my clients, '...A leash on a dog is as a steering wheel is to a car...'
Knew a Rottie breeder who wouldn't pet any of the puppies unless they were sitting. Pretty soon the whole litter would be sitting, waiting to be petted. Even years later when the dogs would visit, they would come flying up to the breeder then screech halt and sit right in front of her. Just thought you might want to try it if you don't do it already. Also heard from other puppy owners whose puppies love their crates because their breeders got them started off getting familiar with the crates - what a great thing, especially when traveling. So important for them to be quiet and ok being in a hotel room so the people can go out to eat without any barking, calm as can be in their crates. Hope that helps.
Thanks for doing this episode! One thing you don't mention is that often when people are walking dogs, they want the dog to have opportunities to sniff (and pee?). I give that as a reward, I don't want my dog walking along sniffing the ground when he is walking on the head halter unless I tell him to sniff. I'm not consistent enough though, sometimes I let him sniff because I feel like a big meany if I don't, but that opens up the can of worms where he might drag me over to sniff something. So I'm trying to get more clear in my own head about when he can sniff around and when not. Love you so much!! Thank you for enriching my life as a trainer so much!!
Thank you for explaining this. Much needed! Question-what about the before you’ve conditioned the halter time? You still have to take your dog out before you’ve done the in between steps to make the halter fun. How to practice safe outdoor skills before the dog is ready to use the equipment?
I'm overwhelmed with how much this video speaks to basically all the major aspects of both my 2 rescue hound mix pig hunting dogs training needs. This entire video can be broken down into many different skills to form an entire program and that program fits my hounds and I perfectly. My newest hound mix girl is 1 year old and has been having lots of issues while walking with bending her head down as we walk and grabbing up things to eat in her mouth like grass and wood. I'm certain that this exact method of using a head halter is perfect and will help tremendously.
Hi Jason, thank you for sharing, please let us know how your training goes!
@@DogsThat Thank you! Can you please recommend a head halter brand?
I swear by the head halter. I got my dog in mid 2003.... Before TH-cam, before online shopping, before Google. So if the pet store didn't have it, we didn't know about it. I used a head halter when she was a puppy until about 1-1½ yrs old. After that, I kept it in my pocket whenever we went out.... Just in case. If she pulled, I'd put it on for a few minutes. But the majority of the time, she walked NEXT to me b/c of the head halter. It was a game changer. It made walking my puppy, less stressful.
So right! I put the head halter on and don’t use the nose loop. So it’s a bit of a leash extender and if I notice I’m approaching a situation I’ll slip the nose loop over and then take it back off if there’s no reaction of we’ve passed by.
Just having it on them gets an easy loose walk instead of a pull lunge.
But they do wear a vest for trail training exercises. The harness just didn’t work well for them on a walkie
I would love a video on leash work w a tiny dog. I’m used to big dogs like Rottweilers and goldens etc. I’ve inherited a senior miniature dachsund who had zero training. Took some work getting her used to walking on a leash and for the most part she does well. I’m struggling w heal/ reinforcement zone. Like how do I smoothly give a treat to a dog that’s at ankle height while continuing to walk? Does a head halter work for a dog so short? Obviously she’s not getting away from me or pulling my arm off but she’s a barker, a friendly barker but still not the behavior I want. Thanks!
I would love your thoughts on the Canny Collar.
I love this podcast!! Just the best. I wonder if there are any differences between conditioning a head halter and a muzzle? My dog is at times in the future required to wear a muzzle and chill at home, to keep a crawling child supersafe. It is an added challenge to train the dog, to wear the muzzle without pawing it out of boredome, if he is not distracted/chewing something! I'm planning to use conditioned relaxation for this issue. Any tips? ? Other precautions will be taken place, too.
chirag patel has great info on muzzle conditioning. be aware they can affect whiskers....! i have my dog in a muzzle, different colours for recreation and 'outings", almost a fashion accessory abd getting a good fit very important.
Request:
Please make a podcast outlining how to enjoy glamping or even roughing camping with a dog that is not off leash ready for such an environment.
- Would you use a muzzle for the dog that tries to snatch random tidbits from the ground?
- what kind of crate or tether system would you use if you were backpacking in?
Just any tidbits you could share that could help a family or a group of friends enjoy taking the dog along rather than regretting it.
Great topics! Yes, please!!
Hi Susan, Thank you for the great info. I'm trying to get my Dobermans off a prong and I have a new Great Dane puppy who I want to start on a head halter. I loved what you said about using the most human tools in the most han ways. I want to train differently than I have in the past. Is there more detailed instructions in one of your paid programs?
I have seen how you teach hand targets and the collar grab but would like more step by step instructions for the reinforcement zone and the head whip as well as some visuals for being out w the dog on a head halter and dealing w distractions. Thanks in advance.
Hi Amalia, thank you for tuning in! Dobies are lovely, and Great Dane puppies are super adorable, you have so much joy with your canine family. Our Recallers program covers all that and more and is the foundation for everything we do. We have a free workshop as an introduction to the foundations of ItsYerChoice and how we grow the game called the IYC Summit which is a great intro for you - recallers.com/iycsummit-join/
@@DogsThat Thank you! I am making my way through ItsYerChoice and will get the Recallers too. We are having fun with Crate Games, the Dobes love their crate already and my kids joke that the GD puppy thinks her name is "crate" because she comes running when I open the door and yell "crate" when she's in the yard. Lovin' the training, so grateful for Susan/DogsThat.
Thank you for another great podcast. Susan Garrett has become my most trusted source for training knowledge and inspiration! I have a question about the topic here -- if our dog is not yet used to the gentle leader (she backs away, or paws at it), and if she pulls when walked on a flat collar, then what are we to do in the mean time, until she's able to walk nicely? I don't want to force the gentle leader on her, but then walking with a flat collar is rehearsing bad behavior (even though I stop every couple steps). Do I not walk her at all? With the flat collar, I stop when she pulls, or sometimes move back a few steps, and if that doesn't work then we just cut it short and go back inside. No walk today! Even going to our little backyard to go potty, I stop if she pulls. And in the house, too. I'm working every day on the RZ, and perchwork, but it's had no effect yet on her leash behavior. Do I continue to not allow walks? Thank you.
JP, thank you for such an awesome note! We have a playlist all about Loose Leash Walking to help: th-cam.com/play/PLphRRSxcMHy1mGMfdVKXq_hiJ27Ej1shW.html
I just started obedience school, and our instructor taught me how to create a type of head halter with a slip lead. Would you recommend doing that?
Hi, love your videos thank you. I am knew and did the unthinkable and purchased two chihuahua litter mates. A remake and male. to separate them for training is brutal. The male screams and the female wont move. I bought head halters and I would like to do this correctly. I will watch the video many times and work them in the yard first. My question is can I train them at the same time together. Also I was wondering if its possible for you to reference the suggested episodes below the video for ease? Thanks Sandra
Hi @Willow Tav, thank you for tuning in! Waiting turns to play is a skill we can train for our dogs for their comfort and confidence. Here's a blog post with the foundations for you:
susangarrettdogagility.com/2019/03/wait-watch-work/
For every podcast video, if you expand the description under the video, you'll see all the resources linked to help.
Hi Susan and Team,
Head halter query.
My new 9 week old Border Terrier arrives in 8 days. Not a rush decision, we talked to our breeder a year ago. I have a 6 year old BT too, same breeder.
Should I buy a head halter which will fit the adult dog or something smaller?
I assume conditioning is going to take some time and the halter will not actually need to be snug for the conditioning period.
Hope you can help,
Regards,
Sally.
Wow that what to do with the butterflies was exactly what I needed!! But alas
How do I do this I’m I am walking two dogs together?🤔 do I just hold both dogs low in the gentle leader etc?? Btw they both walk on my left. My 170lb guy is closest the puppy on outside of him.
How did you add the Scholl's moleskin to head halter? Do you have to change it often?
Is there any training instructions for blind dogs?
I've just started using a head collar, I'm wondering if I should ALWAYS use this on every walk? or do I just use it when I want her to walk next to me i.e down a busy street. I often do different walks with her like a sniffy walk, training walks on long line or a hike.
How long should my leash be? My husband likes the retractable leash. Does a switch up of leashes make a difference?
I have a standard poodle that is 43 lbs. is there a head halter you can recommend for us? I actually used your head halter conditioning/training video to get my girl used to putting on a cone for when she was spayed. My husband asked me what the heck I was doing with muffin tins. 😂
So many questions. Our dog is almost totally driven by smell. I’ve been contemplating a head halter but have questions. If I were to pull back he would just find another smell. Other dogs and people interest him only to a point, but smells turn his brain off. I am afraid of hurting him because he is so determined to get the most out of that smell; thus, the interest in a head halter.
Is there a place for a harness and a halter when walking? Is a halter forever or is it simply a training device?
Is head halter procedure also effective for dogs that are fearful of people and tend to bark/lunge at them
Hi Susan, awesome stuff. I have a new puppy, he's 10 weeks old. Whenever I put a leash on him, all he can focus on is the leash, and holding it in his mouth. He'll walk along with me for a while, but he is holding the leash in his mouth, and then he'll want to go somewhere else and start pulling. I can't figure out what to do! Thank you!
Hi Barb, focus on what you "do" want your puppy to "do" and put lots of reinforcement into that behaviour. Here is another podcast that may help. Lynda(TeamSusan) dogsthat.com/podcast/53/
My 12 week golden keeps eating grass if i leave in backyard. How to avoid tht?
I have a 5 month old mini aussie. I've owned many aussies in my life, and my love for the breed started back in the seventies. I've never had to take any of them to a puppy class, or any professional trainer for that matter. Well I'm retired and thought a group training class sounded like fun. So today was my guys evaluation day. Everything was going fine, until the instructor informed me that they have all the clients use prong collars. I couldn't believe it. When I asked what if I chose not to use that type of collar, the instructor said well she'd have to talk to the owner. I had brought a gentle leader with me, and informed her I had not had a chance to fit it yet. And of course not used it. The instructor wouldn't even consider that type of a training device. Oh well, all I can say is NEXT, as this program is not my cup of tea.
“for the friendliness of those in my environment I generally wear one.” 😆 Exactly!! And my pup can wear a collar and maybe a head halter too. We can commiserate together. Ha!
Susan, the bra joke cracked me up! Loving your content
Thankful I found your channel/podcast/book. I thought I knew stuff about dog training - and, training in general! Well, maybe I DID know only a thing or two. Neither of them were based on "deep knowledge." Like so many people, I just picked up ideas from non-experts (my university professor who WAS an expert - on teaching viola!). I picked up ideas from celebrity experts who shall remain nameless. I'm a public school teacher with a decent reputation. However, I've taught so long that I can remember the "good ol' days" when all you had to do to get discipline in the classroom was pull the misbehaving kid out in the hall and paddle him. Usually - no, always - it was a boy. I'm glad those days are gone but I also had dogs during those days. When I attended university, B.F. Skinner was THE new model in human psychology and behavior - operant conditioning! Yay! It was better than yank and crank kids or dogs. But, that is where my learning about dogs ended. I'm keeping this very short . . .
Susan Garrett is showing me a much better approach to animal psychology than where my models were grounded (from about the 1970s!).
I do need help, though. My rescue dog has managed to destroy 3 crates and is now working on digging holes in the sheetrock around my front door and chewing up blinds on the windows. I cannot stop going to work. The advice from everyone so far: don't force her into her crate. Ok, what am I supposed to do? Continue to let her destroy my house? I've had dogs who've had much milder cases of separation anxiety and we've worked through it because they never developed a crate-avoidance behavior. This is a serious problem. I go to work on Monday. I cannot just let her loose in the house. I do have a backyard. Should I put up an invisible fence? (She was able to destroy a couple of pickets the last time I tried putting her in the backyard.)
Any help from Susan Garrett's crowd is certainly welcome!
Hi George, thanks for sharing this story, we love that the podcast is helpful for you ❤️. We're so sorry you and your dog are going through this, it must be very stressful for both of you. Did you watch the Shaped By Dog episode on solving separation anxiety? Here's the link for you: th-cam.com/video/nr-qRKBCPUE/w-d-xo.html
@@DogsThatI'm in the 2nd time through the video. I already have set up the camera, the comfy "place", the remote feeder, toys, toys with stuffing...
Good news, she's gotten to trust her crate again! Now, she won't go near it if she senses that I'm going to leave. She also will have nothing to do with treats or the comfy couch thing if she "knows" I'm going to leave. She does not go out of her "allowed" space (marked by baby gates). Another good thing - maybe a good thing - if I leave a cardboard box at the front door she will completely destroy it leaving little shards in the entry BUT she doesn't claw holes in the door or wall! It adds a little friction to the process. I don't plan on stopping the use of cardboard until I run out of boxes!
I'm also thinking that I probably need to work with someone who has dogs who can help with socialization. Is it possible to slow or eliminate dog/people reactivity without working with other people and their dogs?
(HUG) How do you do what you described with a Labrador almost a year old - who is highly energetic and moves so quickly hard to get it on him. with a 70+ year old who loves him and wants to train him correctly.
What if I have cued my dog "go sniff" which means sniff but don't pull, and he starts pulling to follow a scent..
At that point is is acceptable to use your technique to pull him away gently?? I know some force free trainers are against this as it would be considered -R. Thoughts?
I have 2, 9 mo old puppies. They walk well on the gentle leader but now my one dog stops and will not walk. i don't want to pull her. How do I handle when she stops.
I loved the entire video and chuckled at your bra comment. It was like a pause break for me😂😂