How to Train Your Dog to Use a Gentle Leader

Hello Michael, Many dogs find something on their face odd feeling in general or they don't like their vision being obstructed when you pull on the leader to stop their movement forward. You can either try switching to another training tool that's not on the face, or you can reward pup whenever you put the leader on them before a walk, and work on desensitizing them to it by rewarding pup for heeling and staying with you during the walk more, to interrupt pup's focus on its presence on their muzzle. Check out this video on muzzle training, which can be used with a gentle leader to to train pup to place their muzzle into it willingly, and associate wearing it with good things more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJTucFnmAbw Check out the Treat Luring or Turns method from the article I have linked below. I would use these methods with pup's leash a bit slack so pup is working on following you because they are actually focused on you and your movements and not as reliant on the gentle leader for direction. https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-poodle-to-heel Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

Hello Tammy, I would start with working on the Leave It command. I would also keep pup moving, with head slightly upward, so pup can't rub on the gentle leader as easily while first using it. Whenever pup is walking nicely without bothering it, I would slip pup a treat too, holding that treat at your hip, slightly behind you to encourage pup to stay behind you instead of ahead. Check out the Turns method also. I would practice that method somewhere calm, like your yard or neighborhood cul-de-sac or open field (when it's free of cars and not likely to be traffic coming in or out). The changes in pace and turns often helps pup to focus on you more in order to keep up with you and earn rewards. Turns method: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-poodle-to-heel If pup continues to protest the gentle leader past a couple of weeks you may also have more success with using a front clip no-pull harness or a properly fitted prong. Whatever you use, I would practice the Turns method with that tool, because ultimately that will help teach pup focus best. Fitting a prong - if you end up switching - it's very important your tool is fitted properly and many tools are worn wrong and that makes them not effective and unsafe. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23zEy-e6Khg Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

Hello! Yes, the Gentle Leader can sometimes cause discomfort. It's an odd sensation for dogs, and that is why it works so well. A double edged sword so to speak. As your dogs gets better on leash, you can slowly start to loosen it over time to wean her off of it. Keep in mind though, this will take a few months.

Hello Sonia, I would work on commands that build impulse control. It sounds like temperament wise he is doing well, just needs help learning self-control. Jumping: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-australian-shepherds-to-not-jump Place: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O75dyWITP1s Out - which means leave the area: https://www.petful.com/behaviors/how-to-teach-a-dog-the-out-command/ Leave It method: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-shih-tzu-puppy-to-not-bite Quiet method: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-shih-tzu-puppy-to-not-bark Down-Stay: https://www.thelabradorsite.com/train-your-labrador-to-lie-down-and-stay/ Heel- Turns method: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-poodle-to-heel Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

Hello! Usually about 20 minutes is enough. But if your dog is really refusing, you can keep it as short as 5 minutes. Always try to end the walk on a positive note while getting them used to it. So if you can only go 5 minutes for a few days, that is totally ok.