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Introducing a head collar. Any tips?


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After all this slippery snow during walking my boys it has made me realise just how strong and how easlity they can pull me over as Ive been slipping/falling over nearly every time Ive taken them out!

Im thinking of getting a head collar for each of them but I did get one a while ago and they didn't like it at all! All 3 of them were forever trying to get the head collar off so I never tried again after that. Im thinking maybe I never really gave it a chance and didnt introduce them to it properly. Anyone got any tips on how to get them walking with the head collar?

I would take them to a trainer but they all advice that they go to separate classes which I dont have the time to do so (nor do I really have the finances as yet, darn I hate banks!).

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I am sure some posters recall my opinion on head collars. There are lots of reason I don't like them but the main ones are:

- it is a tool that puts your dog in a constant state of aversion. It is uncomfortable for the dog to wear, can ride up into its eyes and constantly puts pressure on the dog's facial nerves. This means the dog is always being punished, and giving the dog a correction for the undesired behaviour (leash pulling) is difficult to do accurately.

- the people who developed head collars did so by comparing them to horse halters. The placement of nerves in a dog's face is completely different to that of a horse and this means head collars can be quite uncomfortable for the dog. They can also cause severe neck injuries if the dog whips it's head around too quickly or lunges on the leash. They are not as safe a tool as people make them out to be.

- people like to tell you head halters are a kinder alternative to other training tools like checks, martingales, prongs etc - the simple fact is that they are an aversive tool just like any other. If you are going to use one, it is very important to recognise that they are not a painless, or "gentle" tool.

- the head collar does not train the dog to walk on a loose leash. If you take it off, the dog will still pull, or will revert back to pulling eventually.

I've used prong collars in training. Some people will tell you they are cruel or painful for the dog - but unlike a halti (which I have used as well) when I've put a prong collar on a dog I have *never* seen the dog recoil in pain, scratch madly at it or try to get it off like they do with head collars. The dog doesn't even realise the collar is on! This is because the prong only tightens when you put the pressure on the leash, which makes timing corrections for undesirable behaviours much more precise. It is the same reason why I use martingale or half check collars for my dogs - because it gives me more control. (note - not suggesting for you or anyone to try a prong, just giving a comparison on how different tools work).

Ultimately, a training tool is just that - a tool, and using one in place of training will never solve the problem that you have. Relying on just a tool instead of training just puts a band-aid over behaviourial issues, it doesn't fix them. I use a martingale collar on my Sibe, but on its own it will never solve leash pulling issues. I use it in conjunction with a training program and that is how I taught loose leash walking.

I train my dogs separately, it can be a pain and yes it is more time consuming but that is all part of dog ownership if you want well behaved doggy citizens. I walk my dogs separately because it makes training them easier, and walking them easier for me. Training the dogs one on one actually makes it easier for you in the long run! If you train them individually you can then walk them together again once they have all learned manners :)

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Thanks for that, explains alot as to why they never got along with the head collar! Added to rep

What would you recommend I do to actually train them. After these past few day where it had been slippy it has made me realise that I do need to do some training with them.

Would you be able to suggest a training program to me or would I be best to get the costing together and take them to a trainer?

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Thanks for that, explains alot as to why they never got along with the head collar! Added to rep

What would you recommend I do to actually train them. After these past few day where it had been slippy it has made me realise that I do need to do some training with them.

Would you be able to suggest a training program to me or would I be best to get the costing together and take them to a trainer?

Your welcome! :)

It really depends on the trainer you get. Any good trainer can have a dog walking on a loose leash in ten minutes (if it is a bad puller!) - but that is just the ground work of course! I found it was most beneficial for me to visit a trainer, so they could see the dog in person and prescribe a method they felt would work best. Using a trainer is more about training you to train the dogs. Of course, finding a *good* trainer is the hardest part!

I made some suggestions in this thread here, you might find some of them useful (this is how I taught loose leash walking):

http://www.husky-owners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=716

have you got any obedience clubs in your area? they are always a good starting point too. Obedience club is much cheaper than a trainer and you get to work in a class environment, so it's good socialisation for your dogs. Even if you just take the one dog to class or visit a trainer with just one of your dogs - you can then take the things you have learned and use these new skills to train the other two.

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Your welcome! :)

It really depends on the trainer you get. Any good trainer can have a dog walking on a loose leash in ten minutes (if it is a bad puller!) - but that is just the ground work of course! I found it was most beneficial for me to visit a trainer, so they could see the dog in person and prescribe a method they felt would work best. Using a trainer is more about training you to train the dogs. Of course, finding a *good* trainer is the hardest part!

I made some suggestions in this thread here, you might find some of them useful (this is how I taught loose leash walking):

http://www.husky-owners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=716

have you got any obedience clubs in your area? they are always a good starting point too. Obedience club is much cheaper than a trainer and you get to work in a class environment, so it's good socialisation for your dogs. Even if you just take the one dog to class or visit a trainer with just one of your dogs - you can then take the things you have learned and use these new skills to train the other two.

Thanks, will take a look at that thread in a bit.

I never thought of just going with one of my boys and then taking what i learnt there home to my other two! That would be so much easier in both the time and financial side of things! Thanks :D

I am trying to teach them recall at the moment, do you think that teaching both recall and leash walking at the same time would confuse them or do you think there may be a chance it may help by teach both at the same time?

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Thanks, will take a look at that thread in a bit.

I never thought of just going with one of my boys and then taking what i learnt there home to my other two! That would be so much easier in both the time and financial side of things! Thanks :D

I am trying to teach them recall at the moment, do you think that teaching both recall and leash walking at the same time would confuse them or do you think there may be a chance it may help by teach both at the same time?

Like I said, training is not really about teaching the dogs, but more about teaching you how to train them! Once you have the know-how you can easily implement it with your other dogs :D

Recall is another thing you will learn at obedience club or seeing a trainer. There is no reason why you can't focus on various commands or behaviours - when you go to obed club you learn a variety of commands.

It can help to think of walking your dogs as just another opportunity to train them! When I take my Sibe out for a walk, I take him down to the local park, where there is lots of space for us to work. You can start of doing some loose leash walking training and then snap a lunge/long leash on and work on recall. Dogs do get bored and frustrated doing the same thing over and over, so a bit of variety can be good for them.

In the early stages (say first couple or few training sessions) I would be inclined to focus on loose leash walking, once you have cracked it a bit you can introduce other commands that you want to work on.

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just had a quick look at that thread, remember reading it a while back but as my boys pull on the lead as well, I didn't write a reply to it. I was going to print your advise off my computer if that ok so I can take it home and read it properly, so long as that is ok with you. Will have to get myself something to carry some treats in and give it a go.

*watch this space* will keep you updated as to how I get on

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just had a quick look at that thread, remember reading it a while back but as my boys pull on the lead as well, I didn't write a reply to it. I was going to print your advise off my computer if that ok so I can take it home and read it properly, so long as that is ok with you. Will have to get myself something to carry some treats in and give it a go.

*watch this space* will keep you updated as to how I get on

Oh go for it! I'm not a pro, just interested in training, and learning as much as I can :) I had one of those frustrating "I could kill them" moments the other day, dogs can be the most frustrating animals can't they!

Find a treat that really makes them excited, like I think I suggested in the thread, something that they only ever get if you do training. Anything soft and smelly is a good idea! I use sausage, luncheon roll, cooked chicken, cheese etc. The dogs go mad for them. And if they aren't that food driven - try a tug toy (and use one as your special training toy that they can't play with at any other time).

And remember - every time you change direction and the dog catches up to you, a marker word (like 'yes') to acknowledge they did the right thing, praise and a treat. A smart dog will pick it up pretty quickly. You don't necessarily need to use a training collar - it may help you mark the unwanted behaviour but you can try it using a normal flat collar.

ETA: For a treat bag I use these:

http://www.blackdog.net.au/index.php?page=shop.browse&category_id=59&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=5

Not sure if you can get them in the UK but I am sure you can pick up something similar, they are sooooo handy!!

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Thanks. Finding a fave treat shouldn't be too difficult. They love nothing more than fresh meat and gravybones which I have planty of gravy bones or gammon ham is another fave of theirs (Especially Gizmo).

Gizmo does have a habit of running past me if he does 'fall behind'. Should I use a marker word when he gets next to me or as he does usually just run past so would it be easier not to award him doing that and simply change direction so he, hopefully, gets the idea not to run past and to go at a walking pace during walks, not run? I think that makes sence as to what Im trying to ask.

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Thanks. Finding a fave treat shouldn't be too difficult. They love nothing more than fresh meat and gravybones which I have planty of gravy bones or gammon ham is another fave of theirs (Especially Gizmo).

Gizmo does have a habit of running past me if he does 'fall behind'. Should I use a marker word when he gets next to me or as he does usually just run past so would it be easier not to award him doing that and simply change direction so he, hopefully, gets the idea not to run past and to go at a walking pace during walks, not run? I think that makes sence as to what Im trying to ask.

The marker word is used in the same way a clicker is used (it is just one less thing to carry). I use the marker word to tell the dog they have done the right thing and that a reward is coming. So use it before any time you want to reward a behaviour - when you do so is totally up to you!

However, absolutely change direction every time he jumps out in front of you. only reward when you feel he has 'got' it or is doing close to what you want. You might have to keep changing direction quite a few times, before he starts clueing in that he can't go where he wants to by pulling.

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The marker word is used in the same way a clicker is used (it is just one less thing to carry). I use the marker word to tell the dog they have done the right thing and that a reward is coming. So use it before any time you want to reward a behaviour - when you do so is totally up to you!

However, absolutely change direction every time he jumps out in front of you. only reward when you feel he has 'got' it or is doing close to what you want. You might have to keep changing direction quite a few times, before he starts clueing in that he can't go where he wants to by pulling.

I was going to ask you that question. I started this morning when I took them out. What I am finding with Gizmo is he pretty much instantly goes in front to pull so what I am doing is changing direction every time he pulls and when he walks on just a loose leash I say "Good Gizmo" and then give him a treat. Im just trying to get him walking on a loose leash for now and once we have that 'mastered' I can then start to get him walking by my side. I know thats probably going to take much longer but I thought by taking a gradual approach, may make it easier for myself to gain a bit of self-experience and also make life a bit easier for Gizmo as Im hoping he will learn not to pull and then eventually learn not to go infront so he picks it up in 2 stages and not 1, if you know what I mean.

When I went out, I took them all out separetley (Jamie didn't help walking them as he was still sound asleep) I only really had time to walk them for 15 mins each. But although it wasn't long, I did have all 3 of them picking up not to pull. The whole time was spent walking past the house from one direction to the next but hopefully they will start to understand that by not pulling, they get to go further.

I think I may be the biggest problem as I can get stressed out easily so Im going to work on ways to control myself whilst walking them so I keep myself in a positive state of mind. Then hopefully as soon as I have my own emotions in control the rest should be much easier.

Will keep you updated on my progress

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I was going to ask you that question. I started this morning when I took them out. What I am finding with Gizmo is he pretty much instantly goes in front to pull so what I am doing is changing direction every time he pulls and when he walks on just a loose leash I say "Good Gizmo" and then give him a treat. Im just trying to get him walking on a loose leash for now and once we have that 'mastered' I can then start to get him walking by my side. I know thats probably going to take much longer but I thought by taking a gradual approach, may make it easier for myself to gain a bit of self-experience and also make life a bit easier for Gizmo as Im hoping he will learn not to pull and then eventually learn not to go infront so he picks it up in 2 stages and not 1, if you know what I mean.

Absolutely! Getting the loose leash walking down pat is the foundation for anything else you want to do. Teaching them not to pull is the hardest thing, once you have that the rest will come!

When I went out, I took them all out separetley (Jamie didn't help walking them as he was still sound asleep) I only really had time to walk them for 15 mins each. But although it wasn't long, I did have all 3 of them picking up not to pull. The whole time was spent walking past the house from one direction to the next but hopefully they will start to understand that by not pulling, they get to go further.

I think I may be the biggest problem as I can get stressed out easily so Im going to work on ways to control myself whilst walking them so I keep myself in a positive state of mind. Then hopefully as soon as I have my own emotions in control the rest should be much easier.

Will keep you updated on my progress

Woohoo!! what great progress, SW. Have you ever read or watched anything by Cesar Milan? He is great for inspiring you to have calm assertive energy and getting you in the right frame of mind!

I know exactly what you mean about getting stressed out. Like I said above I had one of these moments the other day. My situation can be exacerbated by Micha's dog aggression, while it is not severe aggression it can make walks more stressful if we encounter a dog that pushes his trigger. Although he is very good at walking on a loose leash now, LOL!

Sounds like you are doing SO well so far, can't wait to hear your updates!!!

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Absolutely! Getting the loose leash walking down pat is the foundation for anything else you want to do. Teaching them not to pull is the hardest thing, once you have that the rest will come!

Woohoo!! what great progress, SW. Have you ever read or watched anything by Cesar Milan? He is great for inspiring you to have calm assertive energy and getting you in the right frame of mind!

I know exactly what you mean about getting stressed out. Like I said above I had one of these moments the other day. My situation can be exacerbated by Micha's dog aggression, while it is not severe aggression it can make walks more stressful if we encounter a dog that pushes his trigger. Although he is very good at walking on a loose leash now, LOL!

Sounds like you are doing SO well so far, can't wait to hear your updates!!!

Thanks. I have found through some previous trainig I did with them (i.e. Sit, Down, No, ect) that they are quick learners and when the right technique is used they quickly pick it up. I usually watch cesar whenever I can and am always amazed at just how much people get things wrong when trying to train their dog/s. It was by watching cesar that made me think that myself not controlling my own state of mind was what is making my boys behave they way they are.

I found that when a tense atomosphere is in the air, my boys are much worse behaved and this is when their destructive behaviour and opening cupboards comes out. I am going to arrange a 'meeting' with Jamie and his mum and dad (Who live with us) tonight and try and get something together so when we are feeling stressed we are not to go into the room with the dogs and to go to our bedroom, outside, etc until we feel calm. Hopefully this will help to keep the stress level to a minimum. Do you think that would help?

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Thanks. I have found through some previous trainig I did with them (i.e. Sit, Down, No, ect) that they are quick learners and when the right technique is used they quickly pick it up. I usually watch cesar whenever I can and am always amazed at just how much people get things wrong when trying to train their dog/s. It was by watching cesar that made me think that myself not controlling my own state of mind was what is making my boys behave they way they are.

I found that when a tense atomosphere is in the air, my boys are much worse behaved and this is when their destructive behaviour and opening cupboards comes out. I am going to arrange a 'meeting' with Jamie and his mum and dad (Who live with us) tonight and try and get something together so when we are feeling stressed we are not to go into the room with the dogs and to go to our bedroom, outside, etc until we feel calm. Hopefully this will help to keep the stress level to a minimum. Do you think that would help?

Cesar is great isn't he! I don't agree with all his methods and I don't think he is the best behaviourist out there, but there is a lot of positive things that can be taken from his books and shows.

I know Micha's behaviour is worse when I am feeling tense or anxious. I walked him for the first time in 5 or 6 weeks the other day as I have been over seas, and on our walk we came to two big staffies walking towards us... they were fine but with my anxiety and Micha's fear aggression, I could tell he was much more stressed. He picks up on my anxious vibes and that can make him feel more insecure than normal.

Definitely the best thing to do is walk away - don't train the dogs if you are feeling stressed out or anxious. When I was walking Micha and came to those two big dogs, I immediately turned around and walked in the opposite direction - by removing myself from the situation I helped both of us! It was very different to the last time I walked him, and we were doing some training at a local sports oval whilst a footy game was on... I had so many people come up to me and comment on how well trained and behaved he was! This sort of feedback really makes you feel good and gives you confidence in your ability to handle your dog :D

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Definitely the best thing to do is walk away - don't train the dogs if you are feeling stressed out or anxious. When I was walking Micha and came to those two big dogs, I immediately turned around and walked in the opposite direction - by removing myself from the situation I helped both of us! It was very different to the last time I walked him, and we were doing some training at a local sports oval whilst a footy game was on... I had so many people come up to me and comment on how well trained and behaved he was! This sort of feedback really makes you feel good and gives you confidence in your ability to handle your dog :D

I had a lady yesterday say my 3 were well behaved. They were until they decided to hump a black lab (at the same time), poor dog my 3 aint the lightest of dogs. It definately make you feel more positive and makes what work you have done feel worth while as well, no matter how much diffculty you may have encountered. Will be continuing tonight when I take them out and hopefully may make a bit more progress as will be out for about 45 mins to an hour with them on their own.

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I had a lady yesterday say my 3 were well behaved. They were until they decided to hump a black lab (at the same time), poor dog my 3 aint the lightest of dogs. It definately make you feel more positive and makes what work you have done feel worth while as well, no matter how much diffculty you may have encountered. Will be continuing tonight when I take them out and hopefully may make a bit more progress as will be out for about 45 mins to an hour with them on their own.

Doesn't it make you feel good when someone gives you a compliment like that! When you get frustrated try to remember all the positive comments/feedback you have been given, as it proves you are doing the right thing so far! :)

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Doesn't it make you feel good when someone gives you a compliment like that! When you get frustrated try to remember all the positive comments/feedback you have been given, as it proves you are doing the right thing so far! :)

Oh yes, definately! Makes it all worth while when you get positive feedback and keeps me smiling :D

Will keep that in mind when I get a stressed moment to remember those positive comments I get when all is positive.

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