Comparing Headcollars

[Kavik]

No, I have not suddenly become a fan of headcollars

But I am curious as to what the differences are between the different headcollar brands. Do some suit different breeds/builds/head types better? And if someone insisted on using one, what would you recommend? and why?

I have used halti, gentle leader, limited exposure to infin8, mostly at work.

[leopuppy04]

I think it depends on the situation and the dog.

I'm not a fan of halti's in my experience. I find them poorly made, dogs can get out of them quickly and a lot of dogs hate the wider band. SOME dogs they are better suited too and they like it. You do usually need to put a stitch in it somewhere to stop the neck strap from loosening itself.

I think the most important thing is how they are used and that they are fitted properly. Without being fitted properly, the dogs HATE them, and they will rub and sit in the incorrect place.

I like the infin8 for walking. I use them on both of mine sparingly. Once you get used to how to put it on, I prefer them to normal halters as it is not putting that stress on the dogs neck turning their head left or right, but certainly still gives more control. For the avid puller, or dogs where you need to redirect where they are looking, I would NEVER recommend one - but they work for me :D. especially if you have those people with dogs that pull a little, but they are avid that if they walk on a halter they are giving their dog the full 2m lead :D:

I used to hate the gentle leader because it provides constant pressure, but now I quite like them. I think they fit comfortably on the dog and there has only been the odd one where they don't fit properly, the metal band sits too far back and the dog makes funny noises when they pant

My favourite is still the black dog one - but some dogs chew through the thin black rope, and on my girl, they don't fit her. the small is too small and the medium has a ridiculous amount of length on flowing down from the nose piece. I actually will probably get her a gentle leader, should I require one.

I think it depends on the dog, but usually I can tell which one will suit them best.

Better yet, I quite like the no pull harnesses to a degree too (easy walker harness)

I think the most important things with halters are:

*train your dog to wear the halter

*DONT give them the full length of the lead, DONT use it as a correctional tool as you should NEVER pop on a halter, and for goodness sake, DONT let your dog charge to the end of the lead and yank their head to the left or right when they reach the end :D

All movement with a halter should be smooth and controlled - I get people to move themselves too when they use it - so if they want to break a dogs focus on something - hold on near the buckle of the lead, turn the dogs head GENTLY and when you do that, turn your body to the direction you are turning the dog also

[Erny]

DONT use it as a correctional tool as you should NEVER pop on a halter ....

Very much agree with the "depends on the dog" as the dog's shape/size affects how each style fits. Temperament (read : behaviour issues) also lends itself to consideration when choosing the right head collar.

Just felt I needed to correct/clarify something that Leopuppy said though. The Head Collar IS a correctional tool. But I agree that it should be used differently to a neck collar.

Kavik - there was another thread done on this very subject, not too long ago. I'd find it for you but I need to meet an appointment shortly. Not sure if it contains the answers you are seeking though, but perhaps worth looking at.

Edited July 23, 2009 by Erny

[Cosmolo]

I actually prefer haltis when i use a headcollar- although they have recently changed their design and i prefer the older ones. My least favourite would be the gentle leader as i find the shape and fit seems a little tighter and more uncomfortable for the dogs. But of course depends on the dog and their head shape too.

Edited July 23, 2009 by Cosmolo

[leopuppy04]

Just felt I needed to correct/clarify something that Leopuppy said though. The Head Collar IS a correctional tool. But I agree that it should be used differently to a neck collar.

Sorry - not the right wording - I know it's a correctional tool - but I meant not a correctional tool to be used as a check chain as so many do. It works of R- and not P+, which does change how you use it. I hate how people 'pop' their dogs on a head collar.

I actually prefer haltis when i use a headcollar- although they have recently changed their design and i prefer the older ones. My least favourite would be the gentle leader as i find the shape and fit seems a little tighter and more uncomfortable for the dogs. But of course depends on the dog and their head shape too.

I agree cosmolo - I used to like Halti's till they changed it and now I can't stand them .

I used to agree with you about the gentle leader, but they more I've used of them, the more I like them. I NEVER used to use them at all. :D

[4 Paws]

To add a couple of more head collars that are probably not as well known

The Figure 8 Head Collar made by Callicoma http://www.callicoma.com.au/collars1.htm#F...e%208%20collars

and the Kumalong Head Collar http://www.kumalongshop.com/catalog/produc...;products_id=44

I have both and while I really like the design of the Kumalong one the neck strap on mine loosened so I had to have it stitched in place.Have not really used the Callicoma one so can't really comment.

Have never owned a Halti brand one but noticed a few people have come to training with them and a strap has broken,they could have possibly been the take off's that Big W sell now form Petlife I think it is so may not have been the genuine ones

Pretty sure the Gentle leader states it can be worn for something like 18 hours if needed,not sure why you'd need it on a dog that long though but Its one of the claims it makes.The Deluxe model that is sold overseas is much better than the regular one you get here,it has a padded nose strap so sits better across the muzzle and does not dig in

Black Dog is still a favourite

Edited July 24, 2009 by 4 Paws

[Rusky]

if you can get hold of the older haltis I feel they are the best. When I fitted one I would attach a rope collar and also clip to the ring for safety. Get them off ASAP and I decided yonks ago that they are totally unsuitable for people who use the old jerk and snatch, old habits die hard so for those people wanting a comfortable walk whilst training to walk on a loose leash I fit a sporn harness. I haven't found a better alternative yet. The sporn is a manufactured old style 8 figure bandage if anyone remembers that, sporn have perfected the old bandage. I prefer the old sporns too

[Kavik]

The halti I have used is an older model, what have they changed?

[~*Shell*~]

When we spoke to the first 2 trainers I took Zero too - they all recommended a headcollar for Zero as he was a puller when he was on a walk. We tried as many different brands as I could get my hands on and Zero managed to get himself out of all of them. He's so good at it that he can do it without skipping a beat in his walking! I didn't see much of a difference between brands but then again, after Zero got out of them once, I didn't try that brand again!