The advent of the canny collar is something that any pet owner can be happy about if their animal constantly disobeys them while out on walks. These types of collars are known as gentle leaders, are a becoming a popular way to train pets that pull, jump, or lunge when they are on the leash. This device makes walking that much easier, and with less complications when an animal is unruly.

The general principle of the collar, another type of which is halti leads, is the same as that which is applied to the horse. The horse tends to move in the opposite direction of where their head is being turned. As such, to make the animal go left, the rider will direct the horse and pull the reins to the right. Removing pressure when the horse goes the right way is what trains it to make this behavior.

The gentle leader solves many problems for dogs that have trouble getting used to a leash or have not been accustomed to wearing one. Many shelters use these in order to train the dogs to live in new homes, especially if they had never worn one. Pets usually try to squirm out of a leash when they are distracted, and thus disrupting their handlers and those around them. When pulling at other animals or people while out walking it can be a sufficient enough distraction to be dangerous to the pet.

Pets who pull constantly and then use a gentle leader usually never have problems again. The lead is compromised of two nylon straps that go around the muzzle and rest slightly towards the end of the mouth.

By having the lead stop just at the end of the mouth, they are capable of doing anything that requires their mouth to open and close. Dogs can take a drink and even play with a ball if need be with the lead on. As it starts to pull on the leash, their head is diverted downwards or to the side.

It is considered to be normal behavior if a pet resists the change from a regular collar to a gentle leader, as it is considered to be a foreign object. It is recommended to let the dog continue wearing the collar so that it becomes used to the device over their face. Animals then become calmer when the leader is placed over their face, and know that they are not capable of pulling in such a state.

When used over other types of collars, like choke chains or prong collars, the gentle leader offers more positive results. These other types of leads cause the dog to engage its opposition reflex, which is what makes them pull back when the owner tries to stop them from lunging. When it is distracted, the dog will move to relieve the pressure on its head.

Sizing the Halti headcollars is of the utmost importance. Smaller breeds or those with slender muzzles will require a smaller size. Larger breeds will require larger sizes, or loosening of the largest size in stock. When it is fitted properly, the straps resemble a “V” shape, while it makes an “L” shape for one that is too loose or not fitted properly.