Dog Training Collars Guru

A resource for dog training collars

Head Collar (or Head Halter)

A head collar is often sold under the brand names Halti, Gentle Leader or Snoot Loop and they are similar in design to a halter for a horse. The head collar fastens around the back of the neck and over the top of the muzzle, giving more control over a dog’s direction and the intensity of pulling on a leash than collars that fit strictly around the neck. Pressure on this type of collar pulls the dog’s head towards the handler.
Proponents of the head collar say that it mimics the way a higher-ranking wolf shows dominance by grabbing a lower-ranking pack member around the snout with his jaws.
Opponents of the head collar say that most dogs find it unnatural and uncomfortable. If the head collar is too tight, it may dig too deeply into the skin or the strap around the muzzle may push into the dog’s eyes. Injury can result from improper use of the head collar; if a dog is jerked suddenly by the leash attached to the head collar, the dog’s neck is pulled sharply to the side, which might result in neck injury.