CHA Posted November 10, 2012 Share Posted November 10, 2012 Hi guys, I'm thinking of using a Halti on my new dog who can be reactive when she sees other dogs on our walks (not socialised as a pup no doubt). She can pull out of a flat collar quite easily as she has a slim neck and head, so I'm wondering if it is easy for them to pull out of a Halti as well? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancinbcs Posted November 10, 2012 Share Posted November 10, 2012 Hi guys, I'm thinking of using a Halti on my new dog who can be reactive when she sees other dogs on our walks (not socialised as a pup no doubt). She can pull out of a flat collar quite easily as she has a slim neck and head, so I'm wondering if it is easy for them to pull out of a Halti as well? The short answer is definitely yes. A halti might help but they should always be used with a well fitted martingale collar or check collar as back up in case they back out of the halti. Use two leads or a double ended lead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suziwong66 Posted November 10, 2012 Share Posted November 10, 2012 I used one for a few months this year while Wilbur (16 month old lab) was learning to be a little more self-regulatory at training; his lunging at other dogs was not acceptable behaviour even if it was to play. He's progressed back to just the check chain again; eventually i'd like to see him in a flat collar eventually. I used a Black Dog halter which he hated...he hated the Gentle Leader halter more though :laugh: I'm a fan of halters; they're a great training tool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris the Rebel Wolf Posted November 10, 2012 Share Posted November 10, 2012 Used to use one on Zeke; not because he was reactive, but because he was very strong as a young dog and I didn't train him when I was young to walk by my side. Worked very well, although, if escape is an issue, I would recommending either the newer style of halti that has the attachable collar line on it, or, go for a gentle leader instead. The nosepeice is adjustable on a GL, it is not on a halti :) Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Labradork Posted November 10, 2012 Share Posted November 10, 2012 (edited) There is also the Black Dog Wear Infin8 head halter. It has an adjustable nose strap that is connected to a martingale collar. I have used both the regular and the Infin8 Black Dog Wear head halters. My 5 month old Lab puppy doesn't like either so my vet suggested a Sporn harness, which she loves. Edited November 10, 2012 by Labradork Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHA Posted November 10, 2012 Author Share Posted November 10, 2012 Thanks for your replies. She seems to tolerate the Halti quite well (even liking it.....) but I am afraid of her twisting out of it if she gets overwhelmed by stimulus (by that I mean other dogs....). I have worked out a way to attach it to her regular flat collar (using another small collar as a link between the two) so will give that a go. We did have her on a harness (not a sporn) just a normal one, which seemed to exacerbate her aggression and anxiety, then I tried her on a material check collar, which helped a lot, but I don't really like the way she "chokes" when she gets overstimulated. Saying that she is much better than she was, so I'm hopeful we'll get there. My end aim is to have her walking on a flat collar and not being overly concerned about other dogs. Wish me luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHA Posted November 10, 2012 Author Share Posted November 10, 2012 Oh wow, the Black Dog Wear Infin8 head halter looks great! Maybe I'll have to go shopping for one on pay day...... How many collars is too many? :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrazyCresties Posted November 10, 2012 Share Posted November 10, 2012 Another one to look at is the Canny Collar. I use this on my reactive boy and he walks so well in it, but also when another dog passes he is easier to control in this - compared to how he was in a halti, which he hated. http://www.cannyco.com.au/fitting-the-canny-collar.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m-sass Posted November 10, 2012 Share Posted November 10, 2012 (edited) I'm a fan of halters; they're a great training tool. Me too........absolutely love halters laying in a rubbish bin, I am a huge fan of that :D If the OP's in SA give Mark Singer or Bob Yeo a call to help sort out the behaviour issue?? Edited November 10, 2012 by m-sass Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheena Posted November 10, 2012 Share Posted November 10, 2012 You can attach the ring of the Halti to the ring on the collar, so that if the halti comes off you still have control with the collar, or you can use a double lead, which I found very effective. It seemed a bit like a double bridle on a horse. Also front attached harnesses like the Sense-ible (spelling ??) one or the Easy Walk are excellent for dogs which might lunge or pull. Just my experience, mind you, with two border collies...one who is highly reactive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PuddleDuck Posted November 10, 2012 Share Posted November 10, 2012 We use a halti on kodiak when she gets into a pulling mood, it seems to reset her pretty well :laugh: but we use it in conjunction with a martingale collar (2 leads) which gives me the security that she can't slip out of her collar which she is prone to trying Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Curlybert Posted November 10, 2012 Share Posted November 10, 2012 Previously used a sporn on my younger Golden who was trained for field work for 12 months before I got her and who used to rear up and react excitedly to crested pigeons, cats, empty chip packets blowing around in the breeze - anything really!. Then I bought a halti from my excellent local pet supplies shop (Belco Pets) and was given step-by-step instructions for attaching it using Zoe, the shop's resident dog as a model, and we haven't looked back. Walking is now a pleasure, not an ordeal. Haltis are great in my opinion! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huski Posted November 10, 2012 Share Posted November 10, 2012 I would be especially hesitant using a head collar on a dog prone to lunging, the potential of neck damage etc is greater. I'm personally not a fan of the tool. If your dog is reactive on walks I would be inclined to suggest seeing a trainer if possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BJean Posted November 11, 2012 Share Posted November 11, 2012 Hi guys, I'm thinking of using a Halti on my new dog who can be reactive when she sees other dogs on our walks (not socialised as a pup no doubt). She can pull out of a flat collar quite easily as she has a slim neck and head, so I'm wondering if it is easy for them to pull out of a Halti as well? My understanding of haltis is that their purpose is to aid walking at heel, not for the purpose you describe. Mark Singer is in SA and he is excellent; maybe you should consult a trainer for guidance with your dogs behaviour and what lead / collar to use. NB: Your dog being reactive to other dogs may or may not be to do with lack of socialisation as a pup. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BJean Posted November 11, 2012 Share Posted November 11, 2012 Thanks for your replies. She seems to tolerate the Halti quite well (even liking it.....) but I am afraid of her twisting out of it if she gets overwhelmed by stimulus (by that I mean other dogs....). I have worked out a way to attach it to her regular flat collar (using another small collar as a link between the two) so will give that a go. We did have her on a harness (not a sporn) just a normal one, which seemed to exacerbate her aggression and anxiety, then I tried her on a material check collar, which helped a lot, but I don't really like the way she "chokes" when she gets overstimulated. Saying that she is much better than she was, so I'm hopeful we'll get there. My end aim is to have her walking on a flat collar and not being overly concerned about other dogs. Wish me luck! I wish the dog luck :) As I am not sure you know 100% what you are doing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aidan3 Posted November 11, 2012 Share Posted November 11, 2012 I prefer not to use Haltis on reactive dogs because they are mostly inconsistent with the way I work (I like the dog to be engaged and making choices). Some veterinary behaviourists use Haltis to limit the dog's options dramatically, which is fine, and can yield an easy to handle dog - but I like to get a bit more than that if I can. DOLer "Snook" has been having great results with a behaviourist in SA, I suggest you contact her. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Curlybert Posted November 11, 2012 Share Posted November 11, 2012 I wish the dog luck :) As I am not sure you know 100% what you are doing I'm sure you're doing the very best you can, CHA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHA Posted November 11, 2012 Author Share Posted November 11, 2012 Thank you for all your replies everyone. I really appreciate your input. YES I am trying to do the very best I can with my little dog. We got her from the pound about 3 months ago and she has come along in great leaps and bounds. We are working very hard with her and have seen a behaviouralist for her reactivity with other dogs on walks and it has been amazing the difference in her now with just a few little adjustments to our behaviour! I totally agree it is the people who need the training and then the dog should be OK. So we are trying very hard. We had a huge WIN this morning and I am so proud of her and of us. We took her to the local dog training club, with dogs all over the place. She met dogs nicely and only really cried when the stimulus got too much for her, no aggression at all (except when another terrier, who the owner said was friendly, had a go at her... she reacted back). We even managed to join in a class and she focussed on me and walked nicely and did some sits as well and she was able to relax and enjoy herself. We then watched the beginners agility so I'm thinking that may be on the cards in the future..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loving my Oldies Posted November 11, 2012 Share Posted November 11, 2012 (edited) I wish the dog luck :) As I am not sure you know 100% what you are doing Crikey Seems to me that CHA knows 100% what she is doing: asking for advice, experimenting with what works for her dog and taking her dog to training. Full marks from me, CHA. ETA: Congratulations on the break through this morning. Edited November 11, 2012 by Danny's Darling Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHA Posted November 11, 2012 Author Share Posted November 11, 2012 :D Thankyou Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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