"It's not a muzzle!"

training - head collar

Many people mistake the headcollar (also called a head halter) for a muzzle, but it is not. The headcollar is a halter-type training tool used to prevent the pup from making mistakes rather than learning through collar correction and reward.

A headcollar is a training device that fits on the dog's head and muzzle. "Headcollar" is a generic term. All guide dogs are worked in a headcollar at some point prior to being placed as working guides.

DOG TRAINING WITH A HEAD HALTER
Author: Miriam Fields-Babineau
Publisher: Barrons

www.gentleleader.co.uk
Link to "The Gentle Leader Headcollar" website

The headcollar allows the Handler to have full control over the dog without using force. The headcollar helps a distracted puppy become calm and focused. It is designed to permit the puppy to fully open its mouth and can be worn when eating, drinking, or playing.

This humane training device is currently being used by many animal training, guide dog, and service dog organizations.

There are two brand names that Guide Dogs for the Blind routinely uses: the Halti and the Gentle Leader. Information on the use of headcollars can be obtained from several sources, including the two listed below.

Abel in a GENTLE LEADER

Mikado in a HALTI