Member

Posts: 59
From:Colorado, USA
Registered: Jul 2003

posted 09-13-2003 05:03 PM            

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I would like to hear how people like the gentle leader, or what other kind of collars work well for your dogs. What type of training collars do you use and like. I am new to the gentle leader and although my 5 month Aussie will walk nicely with me on a leash and regular flat buckle collar, I am wondering if there would be an advantage to switching to a different type of collar, or am I just asking for trouble, trying something new. I bought the Premier Gentle Leader today and tried it on Jules (my Aussie) but she went nuts trying to get it off and was successful- how tight are these supposed to be around the dogs muzzle? It seems that if it is tight enought so that it won't come off (with the dog pawing at it or wiggling), then it is too tight for the dog to have it's mouth open to "pant" and be comfortable. Is is a matter of her just getting used to the feeling of something around her nose? I understand how the concept works - but this one did not come with specific instructions- think someone had opened the box and took that part out. I can go back to the store where I got it for more specific help and assistance, but just thought I would post this question to see what people think about these collars in general, and what other types you like to use, for both walking and/or training. There are a lot to choose from out there. And again- maybe I should not switch to something else- any thoughts? My old Husky who is 16 always wore a harness because she had a partially collapsed trachea, and she was a sled dog, so we never went the collar route.
Thanks-

[This message has been edited by jeminn (edited 09-13-2003).]

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Member

Posts: 59
From:Colorado, USA
Registered: Jul 2003

posted 09-13-2003 05:28 PM            

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In looking more closely at the picture on the front of the box I can see that the gentle leader is placed further back on the muzzle than I may have tried. The Golden Retriever on the package does have his mouth open so he can pant easily. Did your dogs still try to pull at it, or did they just get used to it pretty quickly? As I mentioned, my Aussie was pretty irritated with the whole thing- which I realize is probably normal behavior trying something new like this- I am just trying to decide if it is worth working at. The size I bought was for medium dogs 25-60lbs, and my aussie is about 35lbs now.

[This message has been edited by jeminn (edited 09-13-2003).]

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Posts: 41
From:
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 09-13-2003 05:48 PM         

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If your dog is walking nicely on a leash now I don't see any need for a gentle leader. You may want to hold onto it in case this changes since your pup is only 5 months old. They are fitted just below their eyes on their snout and must be snug very high up on the back of their necks just under their ears and in the front just under their jawbones. You should get the instructions as it explains it much better. If you don't have pulling problems while walking I wouldn't use one. They are great if you do but not necessary if you don't. Good luck!

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Member

Posts: 34
From:New York, USA
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 09-14-2003 12:12 PM         

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I was wondering about these myself. Someone is training class asked if they were ok to use and the trainer said yes but you will have a hard time transitioning to training off the collar. The person just said yes I read that. Not really sure what they meant and since I wasn't thinking about it then I didn't ask. Now I'm wondering if it's something to consider after reading some comments in our big long puppy post. Please post if you find any more infromation.
THANKS!!

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Member

Posts: 59
From:Colorado, USA
Registered: Jul 2003

posted 09-14-2003 04:57 PM            

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Newlabowner-Goob posted this webpage on another thread and I found it helpful and interesting. Here it is- http://www.sitstay.com/store/equip/collars3.shtml

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Posts: 34
From:New York, USA
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 09-14-2003 07:32 PM         

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Thanks a bunch!

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