Let’s hit the Pavement! Sniff here, pull there, bark at xyz, let’s go this way, now let me cut in front of my human and trip them up, then yank them around because, squirrel!
This walk is the highlight of your dogs’ day, yet you might come home feeling stressed and defeated because you spent the whole time telling them what to do or what not to do. It wasn’t the end of the world, but it wasn’t that perfect, relaxing stroll down the sidewalk or in the park like you had envisioned. It was work.
Once I introduced the Gentle Leader, walking was pure bliss!
This article contains an affiliate link to the Gentle Leader, so I may make a small commission if you feel it’s the right product for you and your dog!
I have always had small dogs until I rescued a Standard poodle who is at least 3 times their size. Boy was I in for a treat. She was still a pup but already at 24 inches tall and 40 pounds she was strong willed and eager to get out into the world and take it allllll in. And I of course wanted her to.
I was trying my best to handle 3 dogs without literally hitting the pavement and quickly realized that dog walking ain’t easy. This task was going to take time, training, and some (perhaps alot) of patience, to make this enjoyable for all of us. I was determined to make that happen, because we all need our outdoor therapy!
After some research and recommendations, I decided to introduce the PetSafe Gentle Leader to my sweet yet firey, curious little explorer, Swift. I thought the pink would really pop against her coloring so I scooped it up in hopes I would have success with this $20 contraption. I’m not lying when I tell you it worked like a charm.
She did not love it at first, but it got her attention quickly. Instead of pulling ahead and getting distracted she was focused and attentive. I was impressed, relieved and very proud of my girl!
PetSafe Gentle Leader ($20)
The way this works:
When your dog pulls, the Gentle Leader gently moves the head and body back to you and off the distraction. This takes pressure off the neck and body and fits comfortably over their snout, while still allowing them to open their mouth, eat, drink, pant, bark and sniff. *This is NOT a muzzle.
Usage:
- Reduces leash pulling and other unwanted behaviors
- Perfect for training dogs to heel
- Provides immediate gentle control
- Collar sits high on the neck with no pressure on the throat
- Comfortable padded nose loop
- Headcollar gently redirects the dogs head and body
About this product:
- VET RECOMMENDED AND TRAINER DESIGNED: This headcollar instinctively redirects your dog’s tendency to pull by placing gentle pressure on pain-free points and eliminating pressure on his throat
- TEACHES BETTER LEASH MANNERS: Gently and safely helps you control unwanted leash behaviors like pulling, lunging and jumping for even the most determined pullers
- NO MORE COUGHING AND CHOKING: A padded neoprene nose loop puts pressure on the back of the neck instead of your dog’s throat, which prevents choking and gagging
- ALLOWS FULL RANGE OF MOTION: Take greater control during your neighborhood strolls while still allowing your dog to bark, eat, drink and play fetch
- EASY TO FIT: Use the adjustable nose loop and quick-snap neck strap to properly fit the headcollar on your furry friend in minutes
- WORRY-FREE PURCHASE: Whether you accidentally purchase the wrong size or your dog mistakes his headcollar for a chew toy, our Customer Care Center is happy to assist with replacements or resizing
- QUALITY GUARANTEED: PetSafe brand has been a trusted global leader in pet behavior, containment and lifestyle innovations for nearly 30 years; we help pets and their people live happy together