How to Teach a Dog to Walk with a Gentle Leader
A gentle leader is a training device used to train dogs in proper leash-walking behaviors. The device fits over the dog's snout and is designed to mimic the natural correction behaviors used by dominant dogs in a pack.
A gentle leader is not a muzzle and is not designed to fit tight enough to restrict the movement of the dog's jaws. While dogs may initially resist the gentle leader, most animals easily learn to tolerate it.
As with any dog-training strategy, the key is consistency and repetition.
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Instructions
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Place the gentle leader on the dog and adjust in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. A gentle leader contains a loop that fits over the dog's snout, and a loop that goes around the back of the head.
The neck strap should have a snug fit, but not be excessively tight. You should be able to wiggle two fingers between the neck straps and the dog.
The strap that encircles the dogs nose should be loose enough to move between the eyes and nose, and should be just tight enough that the dog can not remove it.
The single strap on the gentle leader should be connected to the dog's collar.
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Connect the leash to the gentle leader and begin the walk.
This device is designed to establish your dominance over the dog, something the animal may resist. A properly fitted gentle leader does not cause pain.
Keep the dog distracted from the gentle leader. Walking the dog in a favorite place, using treats, or otherwise providing other distractions will take the dog's focus off the gentle leader.
Do not remove the gentle leader when the dog is actively protesting, as this will teach the animal that it can complain sufficiently to get the gentle leader removed.
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Continue the walk, and correct any bad behavior immediately.
Corrections should be made by pulling gently, but firmly, on the leash. Pull the leash toward you, but always pull to the dog's side. A sideways pull will be seen as the dog as a correction, whereas pulling back becomes a tugging contest.
Release the pressure on the leash as soon as the dog complies with the correction.
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Practice with the gentle leader every day until the dog tolerates its presence and learns to walk properly.
A dog should walk even with you or slightly behind, and the leash should be slack. Praise or treat the dog when he does this, but issue a verbal correction and a slight pull when the animal lunges or tugs on the leash.
Depending upon the animal, it can take a varying amount of time to master this behavior.
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Discontinue using the gentle leader after the dog masters slack leash walking. Return to using it if the dog develops improper behaviors.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not put the gentle leader on the dog until immediately before a walk of other favorite activity.
Be careful using gentle leaders on puppies, as their head can grow quickly. Always check for proper fit.
Hard jerking on a leash attached to a gentle leader can cause discomfort in an animal, and even injury if done to an extreme. Use gentle pulls for correction. Do not allow the dog to associate the gentle leader with painful experiences.
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Comments
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Just a couple of comments: I believe the makers of the Gentle Leader say you should only be able to put ONE finger under the neck strap. And you need to make sure it is about the adam's apple in front, and at the base of the neck in back. In fact, the video for Gentle Leader says if you think the neck strap is too tight, you probably have it right. I'm also unsure what, "single strap" should be attached to the dog's collar? The dog's collar should not be attached in any way to the Gentle Leader, and the leash will be attached to the single strap on the Gentle Leader. As for results, the jury is still out. Our dog does GREAT while on the Gentle Leader, but has trouble translating that into normal leash walking. YMMV!
