A Revolutionary Tool for the Human-Dog Relationship

Barking... leash pulling... lunging... jumping... These are all common behavior problems experienced by millions of dog owners. To some they are merely an annoyance...but, for many families, these behavior problems escalate to the point that the bond between people and their pet is broken. When this happens, many people feel they have no other option than to give up their pet. In fact, statistics clearly show that behavior problems are the number one cause of death (by euthanasia) for dogs in the United States.

Finally there is a fast, effective and humane way to manage these problem behaviors. The Gentle Leader^® headcollar actually works with a dog's own natural instincts to establish each family member as the dog's leader - from a three-year old child to an eighty-year old-senior citizen. Dramatic results are seen within minutes. The Gentle Leader^® System offers a whole new concept in behavior management. It helps owners to become the leader of a dog that is motivated and eager to please. It offers people who respect and love dogs a new way to promote desirable behavior and strengthen the human-animal bond with their pets.

To Choke or Not To Choke - Which is More Effective?

Millions of horse owners can't be wrong - have you ever seen a choke or prong collar on a horse? A halter is the equestrian's obvious choice to quickly and easily manage the behavior of even the strongest or most unruly horse. Most horse owners would never even entertain the idea of attempting to control a horse with a lariat around the throat. Besides the fact that it cuts off oxygen and endangers airways, it is obviously an ineffective tool in controlling the animal.

The inventors of Gentle Leader^® used their understanding of the management of horses, cattle and sheep with halters, and adapted that successful tool to dogs. However, due to the basic anatomical differences between equines and canines, a standard style horse halter is not the most effective design for dogs. What was needed was a headcollar that would uniquely fit and guide a dog's head and body, while at the same time taking advantage of the dog's natural instincts in response to specific pressure points on the head and neck. The result of this scientific study and effort is the Gentle Leader^® headcollar. It differs from other similar products on the market in that it has no cumbersome side straps. In addition, it puts primary pressure on the back of the neck, not on the nose or front of the throat.

Why and How the Gentle Leader^® Headcollar Works

First of all, the Gentle Leader^® headcollar is NOT a muzzle. When fitted properly, your dog is free to open its mouth to pant, bark, drink, etc., except when you close his mouth by pulling on the leash. The Gentle Leader^® features two soft nylon straps, each with a distinct and important effect.

The Nose Loop - Dogs are naturally "pack" animals with a highly structured social order. One of the ways the "pack leader" will demonstrate his position is to gently but firmly grasp a subordinate's muzzle in his mouth. This is a non-aggressive but very clear signal regarding who's the boss! The Gentle Leader^®'s nose loop fits loosely and comfortably across the base of the muzzle, encircling your dog's muzzle in the same manner, letting him know in his own language that you are his leader.

The Neck Strap - Have you ever noticed how puppies melt in relaxation when their mother picks them up at the back of the neck? The Gentle Leader^® neck strap fits high and snug at the top of the neck, applying pressure to the back of the neck rather than the front of the throat, working with your dog's natural relaxation instinct with an amazing calming effect. Also, dogs tend to pull against pressure, so the gentle pressure at the back of the neck causes the dog to pull backward, not forward. This means an end to leash-pulling, choking and gagging forever!

The Gentle Leader^® headcollar quickly controls pulling, lunging, jumping and barking, and teaches sit and stay in one easy lesson. It can teach good manners to puppies and dogs of any age.

Many outstanding authorities in animal behavior, veterinary medicine, and practical obedience training (who've had the opportunity to test other styles of halter-type devices) use and recommend the Gentle Leader^® headcollar as their first choice for the most effective and easy-to-use alternative to choke and prong collars.

The Developers

The Gentle Leader^® Behavioral Management System was developed by Dr. R. K. Anderson, DVM, (Professor Emeritus and Director, Animal Behavior Clinic, College of Veterinary Medicine and Center to Study Human Animal Relationships and Environments, University of Minnesota, and Behavior Consultant to the Animal Humane Society of Hennepin County, MN); and Ruth E. Foster,(Past President of the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors).

The development came from the background and experience of both of them. Dr. Anderson had extensive experience as the Director of the Animal Control program and Animal Shelter in Denver, CO for eight years, and Ruth Foster had extensive experience as the Director of Training for the Twin City Obedience Training Club in Minneapolis and many years as an AKC judge. They came together in the early 1980's with a common interest in developing products for more effective behavior management. Their goal was to design a product that would provide families with fast, humane, "fingertip control."