Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)It is with obvious hesitation that I review the gentle leader as it can be misused. The following goes over my experience with it, but it is not a substitute for reading relevant instructions, doing further research, and tentatively trying it. It is definitely not a neccessity for every dog.
This device fits around your dogs muzzle and over the back, and keeps him or her from lurching forward, jumping, or performing other unwanted or dangerous behaviors. Your regular leash is attached to a ring mounted on the gentle leader. It takes quite a bit of practice to fit this correctly, and a perfect fit is necessary to ensure safe use of the product. I will say, however, that I found it easy to use after working with it for about a week. Many people use this as a temporary device, as their dog learns their expectations for walking together after using it. At that point, you may want to discontinue use or bring it out only as needed.
The gentle leader works by applying gentle pressure to an area (the back of the neck) where the dog will instinctually respond by quieting. This is the same area to which the lead dog will apply pressure when controlling pack dogs. However, IT WILL APPLY GENTLE PRESSURE ONLY IF YOU APPLY GENTLE PRESSURE. The gentle leader is NOT a muzzle, with a proper fit your dog can still smell, swallow, breath easily, fetch (though larger objects become a little more difficult), bark, and bite-- except when you close his or her mouth by pulling on the leash (not the leader itself). This action exerts pressure at the back of the neck (not at the throat) and invokes a relaxation/inhibiting effect.
Please DO NOT jerk or pull the gentle leader for any reason; you may injure your animal! If your dog does not immediately respond to GENTLE pressure on the leash, then it is either not adjusted correctly or it is simply not right for you and/or your dog. For example, gentleleader.com warns (among mnay other warnings)about "fitting and using on Bulldogs and other breeds with genetically limited airways or flat noses... If their usual breathing difficulties increase when wearing the headcollar, immediately discontinue and consult your veterinarian."
The Gentle Leader is available in a plastic quicksnap or a metal buckle design. Unfortunately, Amazon does not describe which type it offers here, so I have asked them today to post this information. I prefer the quicksnap...it's fast and easy. I have also asked that Amazon describe the "complete system" design; it costs $10 more than the gentle leader NOT described as "the complete system." One problem I have found is that an outline of the leader across the muzzle is sometimes present after taking it off. This could indicate that it was put on too tightly.
I now use this sparingly, if at all, but others who walk the dog prefer the control. It's especially useful in areas where your dog could run off after a cat (for example) into the street. Two good web sites to learn more about this product are gentleleader.com and sitstay.com/store/equip/collars2.shtml. I strongly recommend looking at these. Once again, talk to your vet, read more about the collar, and try it out as shown on the websites and the instructions to see whether this is right for you and your dog.
A Guide to Size of Leader by the Weight of Your Dog:
Gentle Leader P < 5 lbs.
Gentle Leader S 5-25 lbs.
Gentle Leader M 25-60 lbs.
Gentle Leader L 60-130 lbs.
Gentle Leader XL >130 lbs.
I hope this has been helpful. I think it's a great product when used correctly.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Gentle Leader Quick Release System, Large, Royal Blue
Click here for more information about Gentle Leader Quick Release System, Large, Royal Blue
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