Halti Head Collar

I bought Koda a halt head collar today in an attempt to minimise him yanking me down the road when we walk (after suffering 'rope burn' from his lead on today's walk!!), trying it out tomorrow wish me luck !!!

I found mine really useful, and only had to use it for a few months. Be prepared to take a while to desensitise him though - which may take a week or two. You need to treat it like you would a muzzle - slow steps encouraging him to put his nose in for a treat for a few days, and then do the buckle up for a few seconds and release, lots of praise, test is for a few minutes at a time around the house and in the garden before a few very short walks out. I don't think I've met a dog that has taken to one immediately, most will drag their heads/noses across the floor/scratch at their face trying to get it off! If he continues to pull with it on be very careful as they can do serious damage to necks, and we all know how determined our breed are!!

I hope it works for you as it will make walking so much more enjoyable for you both. However if it doesn't work there is an alternative you could try. I found it didn't work with casper, yet a figure of 8 lead which is similar works perfectly (go figure). Initially when using the halti, he did as Rachel says and would scrape himself across the floor to remove it, then he just moved on to pulling anyway! He is yet to do any of this on the figure of 8 lead. I also find the lead doesn't appear to pull up under his eyes like the halti did.

Great thanks, ill def try it slowly and praising and giving treats and see how that works.

Well 1st walk with Halti Head Collar today, WHAT A DREAM !!! Seriously impressed. Didn't pull once. And I am not lying when I say most days i come home with burn marks on my palm from him pulling on the lead on our walks. SUPER happy, although he wasn't that thrilled wearing it lol ! What a god send.

Fab Bek, I have a figure of 8 lead which is similar and is a godsend, though tbf have taught Vin to heal aswell.

I tried a hulti but my boy max still pulled like a train the dog trainer gave it 4 weeks training before he said i need a choker used properly its made a big difference to the way walk time go's now, i'm not to keen on how they pull up around the eye either but i'm glad its working for you

I tried a hulti but my boy max still pulled like a train the dog trainer gave it 4 weeks training before he said i need a choker used properly its made a big difference to the way walk time go's now, i'm not to keen on how they pull up around the eye either but i'm glad its working for you

I do use a halti on Katy on the way home from walks as she really pulls, not too bad on the way there she does try to rub it off in any bush we pass or tries to drop onto grass to rub it off. She does still keep tension on the lead whilst wearing it but much better than without it I did try a figure of 8 but she got it off her nose in seconds!!

oh katy

Katy sounds just like Koda! I actually gave up as hubby walks Koda far more than me due to early morn work statts and he wont use it Hoping harness ive just ordered is easier for hubby and works!

Just to add, halti was a god send worked soooo well, but Koda could roll on grass and get it off and i wasnt confident as only clips lightly and hes sooo strong and zero recall! Couldnt keep walking on concrete always as so hot.

What harness have you ordered Bek?

Sorry i missed this post. The unho padded adjustable, look for link under tried & tested post from Terry. Had to get it sent to Oz from the UK its cost me a fortune so fingers crossed!!!! lol

Oh yes I've seen the link, I'm trying to find a front line harness for Katy as if she pulls she will be turned towards me. I did get 1 that worked really well & I could walk her holding the lead with 1 finger but it ripped her armpits sore as it was just webbing! if I could find a padded version it would be a god send as we both really hate the halti

Oh what a shame!! Typical luck tho isnt it, worka but rubs raw Ive had trouble finding something suitable for Koda, its like staffys are abnormal shapes/sizes lol. Spent soooo much money on stuff. If he'd just learn to blardy listen & walk like 99% of other normal dogs!

I had the same issue with my pup pulling me down the street, now that he's stronger I just could even handle him anymore. Then I got him a head gentle leader and wow! Been on just 2 walks and there's a huge improvement! He hated it at first but is slowly getting used to it. I had to use 2 leads though, one on the head collar and one on his normal collar but it was so worth it.

Thanks for the post, I was wandering whether to get one of these for my Mimi, (7month old Irish staff) . I just got a Large Halti training lead that has helped a lot, and I reccomend it! I will now get the gentle head leader to go with it (currently using collar and harness). Thanks again. Caz

I use a harness for Duke, but in some situations, say in a town where it's busy I do use a head collar, he gets a bit excited when there are lots of people cos he thinks they all want to stroke and make a fuss of him
. It's made by dogmatic, and it works a bit like a a horses bridle. The transformation is amazing as soon as I put it on. I use a double ended lead, one on the head collar and one on his harness so if he slips the headcollar I still have him secure.

Yeah I have exactly the same problem with Mimi, she is fine on just her collar on our own but as soon as we reach town/busy shopping areas she gets over excited.  She wants to lick everome to death lol bless her.    I. Then have to attach lead to her harness as well (I also use double ended lead),  it gives me more control but rubs her under her legs  so i am hoping a headcollar will be kinder.  Off to the pet shop at the weekend,  fingers crossed, I'll let you know how we get on

If the harness rubs one solution would be to cover the straps in soft fabric or fleece. If you cant sew then those pads that you can buy to put on car seat belts work fine. Just wrap them around the harness straps.
I am not sure if a head collar would be kinder, more of a last resort really as Duke is a big lad and is 22kg and is a bit of a handful for me when he gets giddy

Good idea I can sew so could try that, my other option is trying a different harness. Could you please recommend any

I use the ruffwear front range harness, it's secure and doesn't rub anywhere. It can be
Clipped on at the front and on the back for more control. It's the best harness I have ever tried, and I have had many over the years