Haltis

metalmorphosis · 12-03-2004, 03:19 AM

I recently (well, about a month ago) got a Halti for one of my dogs, as he is very strong and I felt due to my small size it was safer and I would have better control. Walking is also much less of a chore!

The thing is, I've tried following the instructions to give him treats wearing it, let him wander round the house and get used to it before a lead is attached. But I can't do this for more than a few seconds before he tries to pull it off. I'm sure he'll rip it if I let him carry on. On the walk I attach it to his collar as well just in case he does manage to get it off, but it isn't as effective like that. Still a big improvement, but he clearly hates it. What's the best step forward?

julie · 12-03-2004, 04:10 AM

Duncan hated his halti - just didn't like the sensation of something on his face so we got an easy walk harness it works a treat - he's happy and so are we.

theGOOCH · 12-03-2004, 07:25 AM

I have tried the head collar (gentle leader) and found it to be very effective, but also a pain in the !@# . Even if you get it as snug as they recommend it still slips out of place and you have to keep readjusting it. Maybe its a petty reason not to use it, but I also think it looks silly.

Pugdawg1 · 12-03-2004, 11:29 AM

trying to picture a pug with one on. lol

gaddylovesdogs · 12-03-2004, 11:31 AM

I have a Gentle Leader (GL). My girl tries to take it off too....rub it off on me and the rest of my family, etc.. Whenever she does this I push her away and say, "NO!" Its important that no matter what the halter stays on until the dog is used to it (don't leave it on all the time of course!

). Try having the dog eat with on, play with it on, etc..

Alexis · 12-03-2004, 01:02 PM

I use a harness called a sense-ation harness. My dogs also hated the head harness. Thr leash attaches at the chest... it is the same idea as the head harness, but the dogs don't need any adjustment time. Good luck!

metalmorphosis · 12-03-2004, 04:31 PM

Julie...we tried that exact one, and another harness with fixed points, not on a pulley system. Both rubbed him horribly under his arms, even after weeks without it they were practically raw. The vet said it seems to be a genetic thing that will be with him for life. We can help it but it will always be there.

Gaddy...we tried that, but it seems to distract him away from doing anything else

Iwas thinking about trying a Dogmatic...might be sturdier at least.

flyndog · 12-05-2004, 03:41 PM

Metalmorph, what kind of dog do you have? All head halters aren't created equal. Some dogs do better with one brand over another. I would double check fit again (and again). That is the most common problem. Even when people think they've done it right! They do take getting used to. If you take it slow, the dog will get accustomed to it. Start over again. If he puts his head down, lift it up gently with your hands under his chin, love him up and treat him. Don't make him wear it without helping him. If he tries to paw at it, beat him to it and again lift his head up, love him and treat him. Another thing you might try is letting him wear the neck strap without the nose strap in place. If that doesn't work and you can't get him under control, I'd suggest finding a trainer to show you how to use a prong collar.
Kit

julie · 12-06-2004, 02:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by metalmorphosis

Julie...we tried that exact one, and another harness with fixed points, not on a pulley system. Both rubbed him horribly under his arms, even after weeks without it they were practically raw. The vet said it seems to be a genetic thing that will be with him for life. We can help it but it will always be there.

Gaddy...we tried that, but it seems to distract him away from doing anything else

Iwas thinking about trying a Dogmatic...might be sturdier at least.

They pad them differently now - when we got our first one we padded under the arms ourselves as it wasn't actually rubbing but I could see the potential for it to do so. After we contacted the makers (and I beleive others did too) they changed the design slightly and added more padding.

Btw what is a prong collar ?

Coldnose · 12-06-2004, 10:39 AM

Fiona hated her's and would always try to get it off. But, you also need to remember that a Halti is just a training tool, not a permanet solution.

This is what the trainer in the puppy class we took taught me in order to get Fiona to not pull on the leash:

1. Make sure to have lots of treats with you; The key is to have treats that
your dog REALLY loves
2. When the dog starts pulling on the leash, stand still, like a tree
3. As soon as the dog looks back at you and makes eye contact (there is a
seperate trick for this), praise it and give it a treat
4. Continue this for as long as it takes the dog to walk loosely on the leash,
which shouldn't be too long.

The way to get your dog to make eye contact with you is to get a treat and hold it to your forehead and tell the dog "Look at me". But don't make the dog stare at you for long, as this can be seen as a threat. Then, find a word that you want to use as a release word and release the dog from the command. This trick will help a lot with the pulling on the leash training, because it teaches your dog to make eye contact with you.

dollface · 12-17-2004, 03:34 PM

I got a haltie for Taz and at first we kept a leash on the haltie and one on his collar, so we walked with two leashes.

My shepherd collie we had just hated her haltie, she would try to take it off evey chance she could get. We just treated lots and played ball with it on, as long as she was kept busy she was fine. Sadly she has passed away over 2 years ago now

metalmorphosis · 12-17-2004, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyndog

Metalmorph, what kind of dog do you have? All head halters aren't created equal. Some dogs do better with one brand over another. I would double check fit again (and again). That is the most common problem. Even when people think they've done it right! They do take getting used to. If you take it slow, the dog will get accustomed to it. Start over again. If he puts his head down, lift it up gently with your hands under his chin, love him up and treat him. Don't make him wear it without helping him. If he tries to paw at it, beat him to it and again lift his head up, love him and treat him. Another thing you might try is letting him wear the neck strap without the nose strap in place. If that doesn't work and you can't get him under control, I'd suggest finding a trainer to show you how to use a prong collar.
Kit

Ooops, forgot about this thread!

My dog is mostly Staffie. He's supposed to be a full SBT but I'm not convinced (silly us, buying from friends...)

I've just bought a double ended lead so you use just the collar normally then the halti-end as a brake if you need it.

I'll give it a go!

metalmorphosis · 12-17-2004, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coldnose

Fiona hated her's and would always try to get it off. But, you also need to remember that a Halti is just a training tool, not a permanet solution.

This is what the trainer in the puppy class we took taught me in order to get Fiona to not pull on the leash:

1. Make sure to have lots of treats with you; The key is to have treats that
your dog REALLY loves
2. When the dog starts pulling on the leash, stand still, like a tree
3. As soon as the dog looks back at you and makes eye contact (there is a
seperate trick for this), praise it and give it a treat
4. Continue this for as long as it takes the dog to walk loosely on the leash,
which shouldn't be too long.

The way to get your dog to make eye contact with you is to get a treat and hold it to your forehead and tell the dog "Look at me". But don't make the dog stare at you for long, as this can be seen as a threat. Then, find a word that you want to use as a release word and release the dog from the command. This trick will help a lot with the pulling on the leash training, because it teaches your dog to make eye contact with you.

I've tried this but when he knows I have treats he bounces alongside me, gets under my feet and practically licks my nose midair! I've tried standing still but if he really wants to go I can't stop him too easily, he's very strong. I've also tried creeping along really slowly or turning in a small circle/walking back on myself, none of which seem to help!

oc_spirit · 12-17-2004, 06:59 PM

*Warning*

For dogs known to lunge (whether it's at people, dogs, squirrels, cats, etc) any head halter no matter what the brand can be very dangerous! Basically when a dog lunges against the head halter the leash tightens and het gets a whip lash effect on his neck which can cause paralysis or extreme pain. Also if the dog continues to pull even if it is slightly it's not good on their spine (unusual pressure on the spine) and can cause long lasting damage.

Cheers!

flyndog · 12-17-2004, 10:14 PM

Dollface, I can't imagine a Collie needing a head halter, but some trainers think the Gentle Leader is less bothersome to "long nosed" dogs.
Lots of trainers like the Black Dog head halter. I haven't used it so I can't recommend it.
And as far as danger in using head halters, it's like any training equipment. Learn how to use it properly from somebody who knows how to use it. It is no more dangerous than a slip or prong collar in the right hands.
Kit

12-03-2004, 03:19 AM	#1 (permalink)
metalmorphosis Double Trouble Pups! Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Lincolnshire, England Posts: 249 Rep Power: 80	Haltis I recently (well, about a month ago) got a Halti for one of my dogs, as he is very strong and I felt due to my small size it was safer and I would have better control. Walking is also much less of a chore! The thing is, I've tried following the instructions to give him treats wearing it, let him wander round the house and get used to it before a lead is attached. But I can't do this for more than a few seconds before he tries to pull it off. I'm sure he'll rip it if I let him carry on. On the walk I attach it to his collar as well just in case he does manage to get it off, but it isn't as effective like that. Still a big improvement, but he clearly hates it. What's the best step forward?

12-03-2004, 04:10 AM	#2 (permalink)
julie Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 89 Rep Power: 78	Duncan hated his halti - just didn't like the sensation of something on his face so we got an easy walk harness it works a treat - he's happy and so are we.
julie Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 89 Rep Power: 78

12-03-2004, 11:29 AM	#4 (permalink)
Pugdawg1 Pug Mom Join Date: May 2004 Location: Elko, Nevada Posts: 2,418 Rep Power: 138	trying to picture a pug with one on. lol
	__________________ www.PugSavers.com

12-03-2004, 11:31 AM	#5 (permalink)
gaddylovesdogs don't have a cow! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: USA Posts: 3,426 Rep Power: 155	I have a Gentle Leader (GL). My girl tries to take it off too....rub it off on me and the rest of my family, etc.. Whenever she does this I push her away and say, "NO!" Its important that no matter what the halter stays on until the dog is used to it (don't leave it on all the time of course! ). Try having the dog eat with on, play with it on, etc..
	__________________ Looking for a new pet? Search www.petfinder.com for your next love. If you have a heart, please help the victims of Hurricane Katrina. www.redcross.org

12-05-2004, 03:41 PM	#8 (permalink)
flyndog Unleash The Possibilities Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Marfa, TX Posts: 3,969 Rep Power: 185	Metalmorph, what kind of dog do you have? All head halters aren't created equal. Some dogs do better with one brand over another. I would double check fit again (and again). That is the most common problem. Even when people think they've done it right! They do take getting used to. If you take it slow, the dog will get accustomed to it. Start over again. If he puts his head down, lift it up gently with your hands under his chin, love him up and treat him. Don't make him wear it without helping him. If he tries to paw at it, beat him to it and again lift his head up, love him and treat him. Another thing you might try is letting him wear the neck strap without the nose strap in place. If that doesn't work and you can't get him under control, I'd suggest finding a trainer to show you how to use a prong collar. Kit
	__________________ mARFa Dog Training and Behavior

12-03-2004, 07:25 AM	#3 (permalink)
theGOOCH Doberman Pinscher Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Cincinnati, OH USA Posts: 754 Rep Power: 99	I have tried the head collar (gentle leader) and found it to be very effective, but also a pain in the !@# . Even if you get it as snug as they recommend it still slips out of place and you have to keep readjusting it. Maybe its a petty reason not to use it, but I also think it looks silly.

12-03-2004, 01:02 PM	#6 (permalink)
Alexis Greater Swiss Mtn Dogs Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Vermont Posts: 282 Rep Power: 85	I use a harness called a sense-ation harness. My dogs also hated the head harness. Thr leash attaches at the chest... it is the same idea as the head harness, but the dogs don't need any adjustment time. Good luck!

12-03-2004, 04:31 PM	#7 (permalink)
metalmorphosis Double Trouble Pups! Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Lincolnshire, England Posts: 249 Rep Power: 80	Julie...we tried that exact one, and another harness with fixed points, not on a pulley system. Both rubbed him horribly under his arms, even after weeks without it they were practically raw. The vet said it seems to be a genetic thing that will be with him for life. We can help it but it will always be there. Gaddy...we tried that, but it seems to distract him away from doing anything else Iwas thinking about trying a Dogmatic...might be sturdier at least.

12-06-2004, 10:39 AM	#10 (permalink)
Coldnose Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Colorado Springs, CO USA Posts: 284 Rep Power: 83	Fiona hated her's and would always try to get it off. But, you also need to remember that a Halti is just a training tool, not a permanet solution. This is what the trainer in the puppy class we took taught me in order to get Fiona to not pull on the leash: 1. Make sure to have lots of treats with you; The key is to have treats that your dog REALLY loves 2. When the dog starts pulling on the leash, stand still, like a tree 3. As soon as the dog looks back at you and makes eye contact (there is a seperate trick for this), praise it and give it a treat 4. Continue this for as long as it takes the dog to walk loosely on the leash, which shouldn't be too long. The way to get your dog to make eye contact with you is to get a treat and hold it to your forehead and tell the dog "Look at me". But don't make the dog stare at you for long, as this can be seen as a threat. Then, find a word that you want to use as a release word and release the dog from the command. This trick will help a lot with the pulling on the leash training, because it teaches your dog to make eye contact with you.
	__________________ "You might be a redneck if the dog passes gas and you claim it!" -Jeff Foxworthy Last edited by Coldnose : 12-07-2004 at 01:41 PM.

12-17-2004, 03:34 PM	#11 (permalink)
dollface 4 Boston Terriers Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Canada Saskatchewan Posts: 903 Rep Power: 103	I got a haltie for Taz and at first we kept a leash on the haltie and one on his collar, so we walked with two leashes. My shepherd collie we had just hated her haltie, she would try to take it off evey chance she could get. We just treated lots and played ball with it on, as long as she was kept busy she was fine. Sadly she has passed away over 2 years ago now
	__________________ The only thing worse then a fool Is the person that argue's with one A dog is only as smart as their owner

12-17-2004, 06:59 PM	#14 (permalink)
oc_spirit Snow Girl Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,621 Rep Power: 146	Warning For dogs known to lunge (whether it's at people, dogs, squirrels, cats, etc) any head halter no matter what the brand can be very dangerous! Basically when a dog lunges against the head halter the leash tightens and het gets a whip lash effect on his neck which can cause paralysis or extreme pain. Also if the dog continues to pull even if it is slightly it's not good on their spine (unusual pressure on the spine) and can cause long lasting damage. Cheers!
	__________________ NORTHERN BLACKOUT SIBERIAN HUSKIES AND CUSTOM LEATHER LEASHES Even the quietest whisper can be heard over the loudest gunshot. When? When it speaks the truth! I shall stand by your side and fight! Together we shall prevail through all life's adversities!

12-17-2004, 10:14 PM	#15 (permalink)
flyndog Unleash The Possibilities Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Marfa, TX Posts: 3,969 Rep Power: 185	Dollface, I can't imagine a Collie needing a head halter, but some trainers think the Gentle Leader is less bothersome to "long nosed" dogs. Lots of trainers like the Black Dog head halter. I haven't used it so I can't recommend it. And as far as danger in using head halters, it's like any training equipment. Learn how to use it properly from somebody who knows how to use it. It is no more dangerous than a slip or prong collar in the right hands. Kit
	__________________ mARFa Dog Training and Behavior

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