Gentle Leader™

Sometimes, there is a dog that seems uncontrollable when on a leash. They pull, they bark, they misbehave. The Gentle Leader™(GL) is the answer to your problems. The GL is not a muzzle. Your dog can eat, drink, or catch a ball while wearing one.

There is an initial adjustment period, which is different for each dog. Some accept it right away, others take longer. In the end, your dog can become a very well mannered companion when on leash. It sure beats the old "jerk and pull" or strangle method. (Refer to the GL instructions on how to get the perfect fit for your dog).

I recommend you purchase the GL set that includes the video. It is so much easier to understand how to use a GL when you can actually see it being used.

Suggested steps to take:

If you're clicker training, click only when the dog is calm and behaving at each step, even if only for a second. Then work up to longer periods of behaving:

1) Give treats through the nose strap until pup/dog is comfortable

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2) Now, get a little closer

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3) Then work up to placing nose strap on the dog's nose and give treats

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4) Now, attach neck strap and treat when the dog is not trying to rub it off

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5) With the GL on, have the dog stand in heel position right where you would like him/her to be when walking. Treat every 3-4 seconds to keep the dogs attention on you and not the GL. (Playing "watch me" or "the name game" is great for this. The dog gets a treat only when looking at your face. See side bar.) Slowly increase time in between treats. If the dog breaks concentration and pays more attention to the GL, you have gone too fast. This exercise should last 5 minutes max. Repeat several times a day and in about 3 days you should be able to walk around a little.

6) When you can walk around in your house or back yard without the dog trying to rub it off, it's time to take the show on the road. This needs to be accomplished in steps also. Start off with quiet areas and work your way up to being able to walk next to a busy street. There will be less chance of any panic attacks if you go slow.

Now, enjoy the fact that you can take your dog anywhere without the worry of not being able to control him/her. But, be prepared! Some people will think you have a muzzle on your dog. In their mind this means your dog must be dangerous. Be ready to explain to them how awesome the GL is and that it is not a muzzle!

Thank you Gentle Leader™!

www.gentleleader.com

 

 

Watch Me

With your pup sitting in front of you, treat whenever the pup looks at you. This works best when using a marker, such as a clicker or a specific word (like YESSS!).

Click as soon as the pup looks at you, and treat. Do this several times a day. Slowly require the pup to look at you for 2 seconds, then 5 seconds, then 10 seconds before marking and treating.

After they are able to watch you reliably, add the words "watch me" (putting it on cue). Now you can work up to even longer periods of time. The pup learns that looking at your face and paying attention makes good things (food) happen.

 

The Name Game

With your pup sitting in front of you and treats in both hands, move one hand to the side at arms length so the pup watches that hand. Softly say the pup's name, mark ("yesss!" might work best here unless you have 3 hands!) when the pup looks at your face and give the treat from the other hand. Repeat many times a day and the pup will learn that their name means that something good will follow. Never use the pups name to scold. Always make them happy to hear their name.

 

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