Collar Dog Training vs. Head Halter Training

Author: C Henry

Like humans, dogs need plenty of exercise to keep their lungs, heart, bones, joints and muscles strong. The simplest and most cost-effective exercise is walking outside. The change of environment and fresh air will help stimulate your dog physically as well as mentally. The new people, things, pets and smells will help to socialize your dog encouraging him to remain calm and adaptable in new situations.

Walking your dog can be counterproductive to your goals, however, if you are not adequately prepared to walk in tandem. For your sanity and your dog's safety it is critical to learn how to walk on a leash. Collar dog training is still one of the most popular means of training your pup although many dog owners suggest it may not be the most humane training method. A lot of dog owners are considering head halter training as a healthier alternative to collar dog training.

Before we talk more about collar dog training vs. head halter dog training you should consider this. Dog training requires a significant time commitment and an abundance of patience and understanding. If owners recognize that dogs are driven by instinctual drives, they may be more empathetic to a misbehaving dog which has most likely lacked attention and proper guidance in the past.

That being said, in my opinion, in order to ensure the physical and mental well-being of your pet, compulsion dog training (based on physical punishment which involves some level of discomfort or even pain, such as collar dog training) is not a feasible option when training most dogs. When selecting a training method, select one that utilizes positive reinforcement (rewarding appropriate behavior with a treat, toy or praise) which will not only teach your dog appropriate behavior but will help foster a stronger, trusting relationship between you and your dog. This type of training method can be achieved through the use of a head halter.

Training a dog with a head halter to walk politely is very simple. When the dog pulls stop immediately and refuse to go forward. Remember to never jerk or pull the leash aggressively as it could result in an injury. The pressure on his nose will encourage him to slow down. Only move forward when the leash is slack. Alternatively, if your dog gets distracted and moves to the side to sniff or grab something keep walking. As soon as your dog comes back to your side, reward him with praise.

The key is timing and consistency. Always reward your dog as soon as he has displayed the correct behavior and never reward your dog for inappropriate behavior. Inconsistency can lead a confused dog and a frustrated handler. Usually within 1-2 weeks of regular walking your dog will show great improvements making walks more enjoyable for you and your dog.

So as you can see collar dog training is not necessary to help teach most dogs to walk properly on a leash. Some form of collar dog training may be appropriate for a persistent "puller" but should only be practiced by a trained handler. If you have used the head halter consistently and properly without results and feel that you may like to explore collar dog training seek the advice of a professional dog trainer or participate in a reputable obedience training class.

AMAZON DOG SUPPLIES

	Premier Gentle Leader Head Dog Collar, Red, Medium List Price: $19.99 Sale Price: $7.75 Used From: $9.25
	More than two million dog owners have found the secret to stress-free walks. Immediately eliminates pulling on the leash. With the Gentle Leader, when you steer the dog's nose, you steer the dog's body...

	Sporn Head Halter - Converts to a Collar - Medium - Black List Price: $12.36 Sale Price: $9.43
	Sporn Head Halter is Designed for Heavy to Extreme pullers! An easy-to-use harness for friendly pull-control. Gentle guidance from the withers, not around face.

	Coastal Holt Dog Walking Collar, Black, 3 List Price: $19.99 Sale Price: $8.81
	Holt walking collars are designed to easily and quickly control a dog. Stops the animal from pulling, lunging and jumping. Engineered to stay securely on the dog without being uncomfortably tight, it will not interfere with the dog's vision or breathing, nor will it restrict natural mouth movements.

	Yuppie Puppy Large Black Non-Pull Head Halter List Price: $21.99 Sale Price: $7.97
	The Canine Concepts Non-Pull Head Halter is designed for dogs who are heavy to extreme pullers.

	Authentic Puppia Soft Dog Harness, Red - Medium List Price: $20.99 Sale Price: $10.29 Used From: $10.97
	The Puppia Soft Mesh Harness is one of the best-selling harnesses for dogs of all sizes. Made out of 100% Polyester soft mesh, this harness is comfortable, safe and stylish. This harness was designed with the dog's comfort and safety in mind.

	Petmate 1-Inch by 18-32-Inch Large AKC Padded Dog Halter, Burgundy List Price: $10.99 Sale Price: $10.99
	American kennel club padded dog halter was developed by pet care experts to easily convey a simple heel command in an humane, safe effective manner. Your dog's tendency to pull is eliminated by the gentle pressing action of the fleece-covered muzzle loop on the bridge of the dog's nose...

	Premier Easy Walk Dog Harness, Red, Large List Price: $25.99 Sale Price: $12.97 Used From: $10.72
	The Gentle Leader Easy Walk Harness is designed to gently discourage your dog from pulling while walking on a leash. Unlike traditional collars, our harness never causes coughing, gagging, or choking because the chest strap rests low across the breastbone...

	Kurgo Tru-fit Dog Harness, Large (for Dogs 50 to 80 Pounds), Black List Price: $27.99 Sale Price: $19.20 Used From: $13.99
	As dog owners our designers know a harness has to be easy to put on or it will not be used. As a result, the Kurgo Tru Fit Smart Harness is the easiest to use harness available today. Kurgo followed up a great design with high quality automotive materials such as seat belt webbing and a padded chest piece for added comfort and durability...

	Training Halter Stops Dogs from Pulling - Medium - Black List Price: $15.59 Sale Price: $9.28
	Stops dogs from pulling.

	Premier GentleSpray Citronella Anti-Bark Dog Collar List Price: $70.00 Sale Price: $31.99
	If you want to stop your dog's excessive barking effectively without hurting him with a shock collar, try this GentleSpray Citronella Anti-Bark Collar. Electric shock and ultra-sonic products attempt to redirect behaviors with pain...

	Remote Dog Training Shock Collar for 1 Dog List Price: $89.99 Sale Price: $30.98 Used From: $28.54
	This generic dog training shock collar for 1 dog has 6 levels of shock and 1 level of vibration. Train your dog with shocks or vibration and has a range of 600 feet in ideal condition. Collar will work with dogs from 15 to 100 lbs...

	Dog Training Collar with Shock and Vibration Corrections for Effective Training of 2 Dogs-Featuring Shock and Vibration for Individual Dog Sale Price: $59.95
	This listing is for the collar that was newly designed to deliver SHOCK and VIBRATION to each dog. The vibration correction has two different modes to meet different needs in training. This collar is loaded with battery juice for a prolonged training...

	Innotek Automatic No-Bark Dog Collar, BC-50B List Price: $49.99 Sale Price: $36.48 Used From: $24.99
	Innotek The quicker way to a better behaved dog. Having a better behaved dog has never been quicker or easier. You can spend more time playing and less time training. Innotek electronic training and fencing products have just the right touch, just when you need it...