Tips on using a headcollar with a reactive dog that pulls

I had a bit of a rethink yesterday about Grey's walking on any kind of headcollar. I came to the sad realisation that for him it's been an instrument of torture as he didn't just settle into it and self correct when the tension was applied through him pulling. He requires as much close training as a flat collar but with the bonus that I have control over him if he lunges at things he reacts to in the everyday environment. So I'm slapping myself on the wrist for allowing him to have far too much tension on the collar which hinders him learning and giving relief. He's been so hard to hang on to on a flat collar if he does rear up, that this safety belt aspect of the headcollar took over in function. It's a stark reminder that equipment is no quick fix for training.

I heard a saying yesterday which was 'train the dog you have, not the dog you'd like to have'. I would have loved Grey to have been the dog that went into instant calm on a head collar, but he isn't. He pulls less on a headcollar, but he still pulls.

So I had a revisory look through some videos and learned a few little changes that will help change the headcollar into a more benevolent management tool. I've posted some of these before, but in case it is useful to have them all in one place.

Two videos on introducing the Gentle Leader. The first Jean Donaldson creates an conditioned emotional response:

The second is a nice guide on fitting the Gentle Leader correctly by Becky Schultz. Note:

- the very snug back strap and loose nose strap.

- The snap of the lead should be hanging down and the lead should be a 'J' shape. i.e. a nice loose lead at all times.

- Reaching down the lead to take it very close to the dog's muzzle to gently turn the dog round as you would lead a horse round close to the bit.

- Pulling the dog sideways and round not back.

- A no no on backwards pulling and jerking.

http://abrionline.org/player.php?id=194&height=450&width=710

Jean Donaldson demonstrating backing up which turns the reactive dog away from the focus of distraction. Again no pulling back:

http://abrionline.org/player.php?id=95&height=450&width=710

http://abrionline.org/player.php?id=102&height=450&width=710

I've looked at these videos purely for tips on better use of a headcollar and not the general situations that have been set up. Our walk this morning was much better. He had more relief and was brought more to focus on me by being turned to face me for a sit and watch which interrupted his constant strong pulling to sniff.