Features
- Straps are made of supple nylon.
- Won't choke
- Pressure is applied at the back of the neck v. the front of the throat.
- Not a muzzle
- When fitted properly a dog can open its mouth to eat, drink, pant, fetch, and bark.
- Can be used with dogs eight (8) weeks of age or older.
- Can be worn up to 18 hours/day.
- Comes with easy-to-follow fitting
instructions, an abbreviated training guide, and a more comprehensive
training DVD. A 66-pg. training booklet is also available.
- Fully adjustable
- Both neck strap and nose loop can be adjusted independently to create a custom fit.
- Converts to a regular collar for greater flexibility
- Immediate results
- Most dogs acclimate within minutes and respond very quickly.
- Controls unwanted behaviors
- General aggression and dog-on-dog aggressive behavior, anxiety issues, and a wide range of compulsive disorders.
Sizing
First - determine the dogs weight.
Then, look at the shape of the dogs 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.
| Size | Weight | Breed | | Medium | 25 - 60 LBS
| Dalmatians, Spaniels, Pointers, Sight Hounds, etc
| Large
| 60 - 130 LBS
| Danes, Goldens, Labs, Rotties, Shepards, etc.
|
Fitting the collar the first time is very important.
Be sure to watch "The Gentle Leader Way" DVD included in the package and follow the instructions for properly fitting the Gentle Leader head collar.
The First Few Minutes
It may take your dog several minutes to adjust to the new sensation of the Gentle Leader. As soon as you have completed fitting, it is recommended that you immediately encourage your dog to walk at your side for 5 or 6 steps, then sit (reward with a treat or praise), then walk and sit again.
Repeat 5 to 10 times or until your dog walks and sits quietly under your control.
Your dog may resist by pawing at the nose loop. Remember that he is not in pain, he is simply resisting the new message telling him he is no longer in control. Don't try to "comfort" him with petting or soothing praise. If you do this while he is resisting you'll be reinforcing unwanted behavior.
The Proper Fit - It's an Absolute Must!
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 a V for Victory. If the neck strap is too loose, the Gentle Leader will incorrectly resemble an L for Lemon.
- 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 dogs eyes and
behind the corners of the mouth.
Without a proper fit, you may experience unnecessary problems - excessive pawing, rubbing and resistance, or chafing of the nose.
The Nose Loop needs to be as loose and comfortable as possible, moving freely from just in front of the eyes to the beginning of the fleshy part of the nose - but not so loose that it can come off. The proper fit of the Nose Loop is totally dependent on the proper fit of the Neck Strap, which must be high at the very top of the neck (touching the skull) and very snug (only one finger barely squeezes underneath) so that it cannot rotate.
Cautionary Statements:
- Follow instructions carefully when fitting and using on breeds with genetically limited airways or flat noses. It is typical for these dogs to experience breathing difficulties when exercising or under stress. If their usual breathing difficulties increase when wearing the headcollar, immediately discontinue and consult your veterinarian.
- A dog needs to open his mouth to pant/breathe during physical activity or stress. Do not keep a constant pull on the leash for more than about 20-30 seconds. Your dog will be able to open his mouth as needed when there is no tension on the leash.
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