Gentle Leader Halter Collar

Because the Gentle Leader headcollar is scientifically designed to work with your dog’s natural instincts, behavior changes in minutes, not weeks!
The Gentle Leader is not a muzzle. When fitted properly, your dog may open him mouth to eat, drink, pant, fetch and bark -- except when you pull on the leash to close his mouth.

The Gentle Leader headcollar features two soft nylon straps -- the quick-release collar portion fits high at the top of the neck, and the nose loop fits loosely and comfortably across the base of the muzzle. Each strap has a distinct and important effect.

The Nose Loop -- Dogs are naturally "pack" animals with a highly structured social order. One of the ways the "pack leader" will demonstrate his position is to gently but firmly grasp a subordinate's muzzle in his mouth. This is a non-aggressive but very clear signal regarding who's the boss! The Gentle Leader's nose loop encircles your dog's muzzle in this same manner, letting him know in his own language that you are his leader. Dogs feel more secure when they know who the leader is.

The Neck Strap -- Have you noticed how puppies seem to melt in relaxation when their mother picks them up at the back of the neck? Gentle Leader applies pressure to the back of the neck rather than the front of the throat, working with your dog's natural relaxation instinct with an amazing calming effect. Also, dogs tend to pull against pressure so the gentle pressure at the back of the neck causes the dog to pull backward, not forward. This means an end to leash-pulling forever!

Choosing the correct size of the Gentle Leader headcollar for your dog is simple. All you need to know is the approximate weight of your dog. The only exception is that certain breeds with specifically large or small heads may use a size other than what is listed for body weight. All sizes are adjustable to fit a variety of breeds in the specified weight range.

Petite -- Fits dogs and puppies that will have an adult weight under 5 pounds. This includes breeds such as a Miniature Pinscher, Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua, etc.

Small -- Fits dogs and puppies that will have an adult weight of under 25 pounds. Includes toy breeds and small dogs with a narrow, small muzzle. Examples: Toy Poodle, Lhasa Apso, Dachshund, Bichon, small Sheltie, Pomeranian, Shih-Tzu, Basenji, etc.

Medium -- Fits dogs and puppies that will have an adult weight of 25 to 60 pounds. Also includes small dogs with a broad muzzle. Examples: Cocker, Springer, Brittany, Collie, Border Collie, Beagle, smaller Boxer, Airedale, Australian Shepherd, Samoyed, Norwegian Elkhound, etc.

Large -- Fits larger dogs that will have an adult weight of more than 60 pounds, and some dogs under 60 pounds with larger heads. Examples: Basset, Golden, Lab, German Shepherd, Doberman, Sharpei, Bulldog, Rottweiler, Old English Sheepdog, Coonhound, Malamute, Akita, Great Dane, etc.

Extra-Large -- Fits exceptionally large dogs of 130 pounds or more. Examples: Newfoundland, Mastiff, St. Bernard, etc.

For Puppies -- Puppies of medium and large breeds can start at 8 to 10 weeks with a medium which they can wear until they reach 60 pounds. Puppies of large breeds that are already over 40 pounds should start with a large.
CAUTION: Follow the instructions that come with the Gentle Leader carefully when fitting and using this headcollar on Bulldogs or other dogs which have difficult breathing and limited airways. Even without a headcollar, such dogs often experience breathing difficulties when exercising or under stress. If their usual breathing difficulties increase, immediately discontinue use of this headcollar.

For more detailed information about using and fitting the Gentle Leader see the manufacturer's web site at www.gentleleader.com.