Should I use a Headcollar for my dog?

Red Leather Headcollar

It can be hard to decide when is it the right time to use a headcollar for your dog. Sometimes it is just a precautionary measure, other times you may be considering it for a dog with a training issue. Every situation is valid and here we will discuss when and how best to use a headcollar.

1. Management Tool for Strong Pullers The most common reason to use a headcollar on your dog is when you have a large dog which has already developed a habit of pulling on the lead. The headcollar allows you to train without being overpowered, hurt, or your dog causing themselves injury.
   

2. Safety Precaution for Dogs with Strong Prey Drive For some owners, their dog could be triggered by passing cars or a sudden incident such as a cat running across a road near you. These incidents may cause you to consider a headcollar for certain situations where you need extra control.
   

3. Seasonal Management for Icy Terrain Walks With four legs and a low centre of gravity, dogs can get around in slippy conditions far more easily than we can. You may find your dog is eager to get on with their walk and struggles to match your unusually altered pace. A headcollar can be a great management tool for when conditions suddenly change and you find yourself in a situation you haven't trained for
   

4. Handling Multiple Dogs There may be times when you find yourself outweighed by the dogs you are walking. Perhaps they bring out one another's naughty streak. Having all dogs on headcollars makes them far easier to control when lead walking.
   

5. Control for Walking in Narrow Public Space If you are walking through tight crowds with your dog, you need to know that they won't try and smell passing strangers, snatch food or leave your side. Having control of your dog's head in these situations allows you to keep them under control and close to you.

Leather Figure of Eight Style Headcollar - Custom Fit

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In any of these situations, it's important to condition your dog to the headcollar in a comfortable environment to ensure they accept the sensation of a noseband. If your dog finds a headcollar aversive, it may need more conditioning before you can effectively use it.