Does Your Dog Need a Halti Head Collar?

Meade at work

This is Meade.  Many of you know, Meade is a KSDS service dog in training.  Meade has been with me since she was 10 weeks old and will soon be going back to KSDS for formal (college) training and placement with her life partner.  As you can see by her photo, Meade is wearing a Halti Head Collar.  Quite frequently I get asked why my dog has a muzzle on, does she bite?  I smile and politely explain that Meade does not bite and her collar is not a muzzle, along with a brief explanation about head halters.  For Meade, the Halti is part of her working equipment and helps her stay focused and acknowledge that while she is wearing it, she is working.

A head halter for dogs is similar to a horse halter, and works by directing the dog's head from the nose vs that of conventional neck collars or harnesses.  While wearing these types of collars, the dog can still eat, drink, pant, bark and yes...even bite.

While many dogs need no more than a standard neck collar, there are many instances where a head collar can be helpful in overcoming specific training difficulties. It is a training tool, just as a choke chain or prong collar may be, however, it is much easier and kinder to the dog.  Many people do not use choke  and prong collars appropriately and can do much harm to their dog. 

I have recommended head halters for training problems such as pulling on the leash, jumping up on people, and fear aggression issues.  While it is possible to train your dog without a head collar, some dogs can benefit from the use of a Halti collar, because the collar works to direct the dog's head without placing undue stress on it's neck.  For pulling dogs, I certainly do not recommend harnesses, these collars   provide the dog with more pulling power...why do you think they put harnesses on horses and sled dogs?  

Before you decide to use a head collar on your dog,  I invite you to discuss it's uses with me and to allow  me to help you properly fit it for your dog.  You should also properly accustom your dog to the collar and learn how to properly use the collar.