My roommate uses a lead on her dog’s muzzle along with a regular collar for her large, pulling dog. Her dog will soon start training with a certified trainer, and we’re wondering if trainers usually recommend these leads for reactive dogs.
I think it could help with reactivity, but I’m not sure if it might hinder progress. Any advice is appreciated, as we are new to working with a trainer and unsure about recommended tools.
Please, no negative comments just trying to do what’s best for the dog.
These are excellent for dogs that pull, particularly if you lack the muscle to securely restrain a big dog that tugs at you while you’re wearing a leash. Since the dog may fully eat, drink, and pant while wearing the gentle leader, it is not a muzzle and does not provide biting protection. A front-leading harness is another excellent choice, but if your dog is huge, it will only work if you are strong enough to resist the urge to pull; the harness’s purpose is to turn your dog around towards you when it pulls too forcefully forward.
In my opinion, gentle leaders are an excellent resource for teaching loose leash walking and appropriate leash etiquette.
If your dog is reactive, be careful with these since the head halter may snap back suddenly if they lunge, potentially injuring their neck. It happened to my dog and us not knowing any better. We never used it again after she yelled. I’m not saying you shouldn’t use the halter; you just need to be aware of the risk and manage it, as well as introduce and condition the halter carefully so the dog doesn’t find it unpleasant. I believe there are ways to mitigate that risk, such as holding the halter under their chin if they are going to lunge.