K9 BRIDLE - What do you think?

[Stitch]

We have had two different sizes of these (grew out of the first one) and I have to say I definitely more control of our large breed dog however I can't help but wonder if they might damage the neck used long term (even if it is not jerked around).

Would appreciate your feedback if you have used one on your dog....not just about possible neck issues but overall as a training aide.  I just think there must be something better?  I have to say they are a real pain to put on the dog.

[Tassie]

I got one on recommendation from friends whose opinion I valued.  I liked that there was a piece under the chin connecting to the collar, so I would think less likelihood of neck injury .. and less anyway if used appropriately as a training aid.   My problem was I don't know that I got the right size.  It's on my "to do" list to get in touch with the suppliers and try to work out whether it's just me being thick.

 

Edited February 13, 2020 by Tassie

[Stitch]

I now have two sizes...the small is a bit too small and the medium is a bit too large....but I also have to say it is NOT easy to put on, especially on a large young dog that won't keep still.  I have been known to lose patience with the damn thing at this point.  

 

 

[leopuppy04]

With regards to putting it on - how about make a Y with the bridle, pull the nose noose up and thread your hand through (so your hand is between he nose noose and the neck piece.  Give the dog a treat as you slip over your dogs head (and therefore on the muzzle).  It works really nicely for myself and my clients

 

As for the product, I really like it, but I do find the initial period of learning how to put it on confusing for most.  It is harder to condition the dog to accept it in comparison to a gentle leader but I think it is kinder on the back of the neck as opposed to under the chin.  I don't think it will harm the dog unless you are jerking the dog around on it, which is not what I personally use a head halter for :).  

 

 

[persephone]

Stitch - you may slap me down ..but what are the main reasons for not using a chain collar or martingale,or flat collar on this dog ? How big is BIG ?  

[Stitch]

No slap down Pers.  I have used martingale collars for years, I really like them, but this dog was such a very big handful at training classes (I had a large martingale on the dog) they recommended I use the K9 bridle and me, not being one to rock the boat and always willing to try new ideas, went along with it.  30kg dog and growing...wilful and not at all like my previous dogs.  This one is a training challenge who is even now capable of great naughtiness.

The bridle does give more control but how anyone could think it is easy to put on a large 6mth old dog that doesn't want it on beggars belief.

The trainer also said that the dog would get used to it quickly and stop trying to scrape it off on my leg.   Nup, still does it every day, even after 4 weeks training.... every day.

I think they call that passive/aggressive.  It is these times that make me wish the Koehler method was still in vogue.

 

[persephone]

54 minutes ago, Stitch said:

It is these times that make me wish the Koehler method was still in vogue.

 

It is if you make it so ! ;) 

[Stitch]

Yes, I do believe I will 'make it so'.   Thank you for the blessing!  

 

[persephone]

11 hours ago, Stitch said:

I think they call that passive/aggressive. 

I don't - I call that a puppy trying to rid itself of a  restrictive/adversive thing on its head ;)  (not a headcollar fan) 

Edited February 13, 2020 by persephone

[Stitch]

Ahhh, you haven't seen him in other situations....but yes I am also, now, not a headcollar fan.   The first time I have tried it so now I can speak from experience eh!

 

[Tassie]

18 hours ago, leopuppy04 said:

With regards to putting it on - how about make a Y with the bridle, pull the nose noose up and thread your hand through (so your hand is between he nose noose and the neck piece.  Give the dog a treat as you slip over your dogs head (and therefore on the muzzle).  It works really nicely for myself and my clients

 

As for the product, I really like it, but I do find the initial period of learning how to put it on confusing for most.  It is harder to condition the dog to accept it in comparison to a gentle leader but I think it is kinder on the back of the neck as opposed to under the chin.  I don't think it will harm the dog unless you are jerking the dog around on it, which is not what I personally use a head halter for :).  

 

 

Thanks, @leopuppy04 .  I'll dig it out of my trial bag … it goes with me because I keep thinking I'll have time to play with it..... never do … but I'll give that suggestion a go .. that's the bit where I get stuck, I think.

[corvus]

Well, I don't think they are especially different compared to other head collars. Only reason I ever use a head collar is if a dog can still pull someone a few steps with a front attach harness on. FA harnesses are well tolerated by the vast majority of dogs if they are well fitted. I've worked with a few dogs that react in big ways and for safety reasons we need to use something stronger. For these dogs, I use a front attach harness/head collar combo. The leash on the head collar remains loose. If the dog reacts and something more than the harness is needed, you grab the head collar leash and bring them around. Takes some conditioning to get them to respond the way you want them to to pressure on the head collar, but IME for most dogs only a few sessions. The conditioning is important. They have to know how to escape the pressure on the head collar or they will fight it or just be miserable. Some dogs seem to find them very upsetting, but I don't think it is common. 

[juice]

Front leader harness’s seem to be the recommendation atm by trainers as I’ve had a few customers now say they were told to buy one . The latest was for a 13 week old lab . I like the sporn harness as I’ve seen it work on a few big dogs but never seen the front harness in action , does it help with big pullers ? 

[leac1801]

 

On 13/02/2020 at 7:04 PM, Stitch said:

No slap down Pers.  I have used martingale collars for years, I really like them, but this dog was such a very big handful at training classes (I had a large martingale on the dog) they recommended I use the K9 bridle and me, not being one to rock the boat and always willing to try new ideas, went along with it.  30kg dog and growing...wilful and not at all like my previous dogs.  This one is a training challenge who is even now capable of great naughtiness.

The bridle does give more control but how anyone could think it is easy to put on a large 6mth old dog that doesn't want it on beggars belief.

The trainer also said that the dog would get used to it quickly and stop trying to scrape it off on my leg.   Nup, still does it every day, even after 4 weeks training.... every day.

I think they call that passive/aggressive.  It is these times that make me wish the Koehler method was still in vogue.

 

Did you condition it ? Put it on nose, reward. Put it on nose, reward. Put it on nose, reward etc. Then slip it over head, reward. Slip it over head, reward etc. Few steps, reward. Few steps, reward etc. Each step taking a few days.

 

When I conditioned my ecollar, he wore it for a week without it being on, then a week of stim and reward, with either food or ball, then a week of using it on known commands, before using it for anything new. I'll be ordering a pinch soon, and will have a similar process.