Humane and effective training tool
Written: Apr 07 '02 (Updated Apr 07 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Dog cannot drag you down the block
Cons: Passersby think the collar is a muzzle
The Bottom Line: This collar stops Fido from dragging you down the block without cruelty or pain.
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| jasperblu's Full Review: Halti Training Headcollars |
About 10 years ago I was introduced to the wonders of the Halti collar by an dog trainer, and I've used them exclusively ever since.
I have always owned LARGE dogs (Coonhounds, Boxers, Shepard’s, ACD's, etc.); dogs with a distinct & stubborn mind of their own.
Training & obedience are a must with smart and stubborn dogs, but I always had a hard time working with trainers that insisted I use a choke or spiked choke collar to get my dogs to obey. I was thrilled when a trainer finally recommended a cruelty free option to the choke chain, the Halti.
This collar works exactly as a horse halter would, it leads the dog by his nose. Whenever the dog tries to pull or run, the collar closes in on his nose and the dog immediately stops short.
Just try and convince my Coonhound not to chase a cat with a standard or spiked choker on; she would rather choke herself to death before she'd stop to listen to me when there is a car involved. Besides, a cat or possum is far more interesting than the pain she might feel in her neck. In other words, there was no way I'd be able to stop 85 pounds of dog from following her sense of sight and smell once she has her mind set on chasing it down. However, with a Halti on... I can!
I can walk both my dogs at the same time, without worrying about losing control of them or being yanked to the ground and dragged for 50 feet. Believe me, when your dogs are each over 75 pounds, this is an added bonus, no matter how well-behaved they may be.
The collar is very simple in design. As I said, it resembles a mini-version of a horse halter. The collar slips over the nose and has a piece that slips behind the ears. They are fully adjustable and come in many sizes to accommodate just about any size of dog. The lead/leash simply clips to the o-ring which is located under the dogs chin or muzzle. When the dog pulls away from you, the nose strap closes in on the muzzle and the dog will stop instantly.
These collars take some getting used to on the part of your dog; they will try desperately to get it off their face the first several times you use it. Don't fret about this, they will adjust to the strangeness of the collar.
More surprising and annoying will be the reaction of the uninformed public. Many people will steer away from your dogs because they assume the dog is wearing a muzzle and is therefore vicious. Others will ask you point blank why your dog is muzzled, or warn their children to stay away from your dog because it must be a "mean" dog. This is an excellent opportunity to EDUCATE them on the benefits and joys of having a dog under control with a Halti.
BTW, this collar in no way restricts their ability to pant, drink, eat, or even to bite. I especially love to mention that last point to the numerous people who insist that the Halti looks like a muzzle. These are the same people who put spiked collars on their Bull Mastiffs and wonder why they still have no control of their dogs.
While the stigma and/or curiosity about Halti's has decreased over the years (I see more and more people using them), there are still those who will ask you why your dog is muzzled. Ignore their ignorance and give this collar a try, especially if you have a large or unruly dog. If nothing else, you will impress your friends and family with your dogs improved behavior on a lead.
Please note that you will need to learn how to use a Halti correctly. Read the instructions that come with the collar, or ask your vet or trainer about the proper use of a Halti. This collar is in no way a substitute to basic obedience training either. A well-trained dog is a good dog, and a good dog is a happy dog.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
jasperblu
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Location: Long Beach, CA, USA
Reviews written: 3
Trusted by: 0 members
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