How to Use a Halti on a German Shepherd Pup
A halti is a tool used to train dogs; it is gentler than a traditional training collar. It resembles an open-ended muzzle that doesn't restrict the dog from opening its mouth. Haltis come in several colors, including red and black. German shepherds are very intelligent dogs, and have been used as seeing-eye dogs, drug dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, guard dogs and livestock herders. Using a halti to train these puppies is probably one of the best ways to assert your authority over the puppy, letting him know who is boss.
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Instructions
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Engage your German shepherd puppy in a relaxing belly rub after some time playing outside. The first time you put the halti on your puppy, you want to make sure he's not in the mood to play. This will send the wrong signal to the dog.
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Have another person put the halti on the puppy while he is enjoying the belly rub. This will help acclimatize him to the halti. Attach the leash so you're German shepherd cannot run away. The halti should fit snugly but not tightly. You should be able to stick one finger under the halti at the back of the head and underneath the chin. If it does not adjust properly, you have the wrong-size halti for your German shepherd pup.
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Continue rubbing his belly with the halti on until your fingers get tired. Then you may take the halti off. Repeat the process as much as possible throughout the day. Continue this method, cutting down on the use of belly rubs, completely eliminating them by the third day.
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Take the German shepherd puppy outside in a fenced in area, such as your backyard, with the halti on and the leash attached. Practice walking around with the puppy and every time he tries to get away from you, snap the leash quickly to bring him back into line.
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Spend a few days training in your yard before taking your new puppy on a walk around the block. While you are walking around the block, keep your puppy's head parallel with your leg. Every time he starts to pull away, snap the leash and bring him back to his place.
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Offer a reward every day after a good walk where your German shepherd puppy has obeyed and done well with his training. Do not give rewards for bad behavior.
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Tips & Warnings
If the German shepherd puppy tries to chew at the halti or paw at it, distract him with treats or a noisy toy to keep his attention on you and his training instead of the halti. You must be extremely consistent with German shepherds so that they do not react badly to punishment later.
Failure to be consistent with German shepherds can lead to attacks when you try to punish them.
References
- Photo Credit german shepherd image by Olga Drozdova from Fotolia.com
