Gentle (?) Leaders

Advertisments for head collars-the Gentle Leader and the Halti-claim to 'calm the boisterous dog who pulls on the leash.'

Every obedience school, trainer, every expert in the canine field-even veterinarians-are expounding on the excellence of these devices.

Unfortunately, I beg to differ. In my opinion, these collars border on abusive and can lead to injuries, especially when coupled with a flexi-leash. There is no teaching involved with this product.

The concept behind the design is to simulate the pack leaders control by encircling the puppy or dogs snout and lower jaw as well as applying pressure at the scruff of the neck.

Anytime I've watched a dog discipline another dog using this technique, it's done for no more than fifteen seconds, then it's over, with the desired effect, a calm, respectful dog. When the more dominant dog uses this form of discipline, it never leaves a mark-it's done with a firm gentleness.

There are dogs who have permanent hair loss and scars on top of their snouts from these gentle leaders. I'm not even sure where the term leader comes into play. Most dogs I see wearing this contraption are either squirming desparately to get out of it-pawing at their own snouts and rubbing them onto the ground or the skin on their faces is pinched up and twisted, contorting their features so the dog can only see with one eye due to the tautness of the equipment.

I would be concerned with the obvious damage over time, to the cervical vertebrae from the constant twisting motion of the neck as the dogs head is continually yanked sideways. If it's used as a training device for a few weeks, (which I've never seen happen) injuries incurred while wearing one can last a lifetime.

Not all snouts are shaped the same. To offer this product in small, medium and large doesn't make a whole lot of sense (except of course, to the manufacturer!). At the very least, customizing the head gear to reflect the needs of individual breeds would show some basic knowledge of canine structure-and a little intelligence!

Could there be a correlation between the use of this head equipment and the rise in the number of cases of Wobbler's disease in recent years?

Convenience certainly plays a part in its popularity... let's face it, it's far less time-consuming, strapping on the head gear than devoting a couple of weeks teaching the basic etiquette, rules and expectations of walking together.

There is no collar that can take the place of training!

What appears to be a quick and easy fix is not necessarily the best way when dealing with nature.

You'd think by now we'd all have learned that lesson!!

Too Much of a Good Thing

Once or twice a day, everyday, a well-meaning, responsible dog owner loads his dogs into the vehicle, drives them out to what is probably the closest thing these dogs will know this side of the rainbow bridge--the perfect location for dogs to get their daily exercise.

For the next hour he follows along the paths as the dogs chase each other, run through the woods and have a real great time!

Satiated, they return to the vehicle, pile in and return home. After their bellies have been filled they'll retire to a comfortable sofa for their much-needed beauty sleep.

What could be wrong with this scenario...?

Of course every dog needs off-leash time. Of course socialization is vital for a well-balanced dog.

But can there be too much of a good thing?

If the off-leash time doesn't balance out with on-leash-learning-respect-for-owner-time, or some form of set guidelines, then yes, you can anticipate some problems.

There has to be respect before the earned reward of off-leash priveleges. (I don't mean respect by behaving while in the vehicle on the way to an off-leash area either!) I mean the challenge- the job of being attentive and submissive.

There are very few dogs who don't love their owners. Loving people comes easy to dogs.

Respect is another matter altogether in the canine world. Just because a dog loves you, it doesn't necessarily follow that it respects you. One has to earn respect.

A dog will give you respect when you will settle for nothing less. When you expect nothing less.

When there is no question about 'who's walking who.' When no means 'no questions-not acceptable.' As with a child who is left to 'run wild' without limits, boundaries or expectations, this can lead to far-reaching effects.

Owning a confident, well-socialized dog is wonderful but too much freedom does not beget self-restraint in the canine world. It can produce a dog with dominance issues.

Dogs are forever attempting to climb that ladder...to be 'top dog.' Not only within a pack but if given the chance, will dominate whoever they can, whether it's subtle in nature (pawing at your knee for affection now or curling a lip when a toy is taken away) or a more obvious behavior. (lunging at an approaching dog while being walked or letting out a quiet growl of disapproval when ordered off the sofa)

So before you allow your charge unlimited exercise and socialization, make sure there's a balance-make sure it's well-deserved!