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Customer reviews for Premier(r) Gentle Leader(r) Headcollar for Dogs

Premier(r) Gentle Leader(r) Headcollar for Dogs

Offers a painless, highly effective way to stop your dog from pulling, lunging and jumping. Can be used on dogs as young as 8-10 weeks. Click "More details" below for a link to view a brochure for the Gentle Leader.
Overall rating:
4.766 / 5
4.8
 / 
5
(111 reviews) 108
107 of 111(96%)customers recommend this product.
Reviews for Premier(r) Gentle Leader(r) Headcollar for Dogs
Review 1 for Premier(r) Gentle Leader(r) Headcollar for Dogs
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews

Amazing!

May 4, 2013
by JackieTheHamster
fromOlympia, WA
What is your gender?F
How many pets do you have?2
How often do you shop at PetSmart?Weekly
Appearance 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
Fit 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
Quality 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
We have a 6 month old lab mix that lunged and would nearly yank me off my feet. I am partially disabled so this was a serious risk for me. I tried just about everything and then a friend told me her trainer recommended this. I wasn't sure anything would help but I was amazed!! Please make sure to watch the dvd that comes with it first!! Our puppy wasn't thrilled with it at first and threw a little fit but the results were INSTANT! She could not pull or yank me and it was humane. She eats with it on, catches her ball, yawns etc. I can actually walk her safely now and she got used to it quickly! THANK YOU!!!!
Pros: comfortable, Easy to ControlDog
0points
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Review 2 for Premier(r) Gentle Leader(r) Headcollar for Dogs
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews

A great product for anyone with a puller (or two)!

April 24, 2013
by BoulderNora
fromBoulder, CO
What is your gender?F
How many pets do you have?2
Appearance 
3 / 5
3 / 5 111 reviews
Fit 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
Quality 
4 / 5
4 / 5 111 reviews
After adding a second English lab to our family, I soon realized walking both 75-pound dogs at once was just about too much for me. Nearly in tears, I pictured a life of walking them one at a time. Then, I found the Gentle Leader Head Harness. With the right fit and the right training I can now walk both dogs anywhere and any time. And, since our walks are longer, the dogs are happier. Save your back, your shoulders, your arms, and your sanity! Use this amazing product! Your dogs will thank you for it!
Pros: Easy to ControlDog
0points
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Review 3 for Premier(r) Gentle Leader(r) Headcollar for Dogs
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews

Magic....not even kidding.

April 21, 2013
by Pitty
fromWA
What is your gender?F
How many pets do you have?2
How often do you shop at PetSmart?A few times a year
Appearance 
2 / 5
2 / 5 111 reviews
Fit 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
Quality 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
Reviewer Images
User submitted photo
Like others who left comments about this product I had tried EVERYTHING to walk my pitbull/dane mix and he pulls...hard...big boy. I had given up on taking him to streets I knew had dogs (especially little tiny fluffy ones) because he just loves to bark right along the fence with them. Then I saw this, bought it, used it once, and will never use anything ever again. We had puppies a year ago and all of the grandchildren have the same problem with their owners. I told them about this and every single one of them are going to get one. It works because as soon as he pulls or tries to get ahead of me the leash is attached to his chin so it gently pulls his nose back towards me. He doesn't even bother pulling anymore. And people compliment me on my control over my gigantic dog. HAH! The DVD is very helpful also. The strap on the face is a little menacing looking, but worth it for the function. No one should be petting stranger's dogs without asking anyway.
Pros: comfortable, durable, Easy to ControlDog
+1point
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Review 4 for Premier(r) Gentle Leader(r) Headcollar for Dogs
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews

Amazing!!

March 26, 2013
by Anonymous
fromSouth Dakota
What is your gender?F
How many pets do you have?3
How often do you shop at PetSmart?Monthly
Appearance 
3 / 5
3 / 5 111 reviews
Fit 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
Quality 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
I have a Boxer who gets WAY too excited when we go on walks, he likes to pull like crazy... I tried everything under the son, even the "no pull" harness which didn't seem to phase him, the Gentle Leader however works great! With the way it's set up whenever he tries to lunge forward or pull on the leash it just stops him in his tracks.
I would recommend this for anyone with a dog who pulls it works magic I can tell in a few days he will get used to it and walking will be 10x easier. =)
The only fault I believe with this product is it makes my dog look scarier than he really is... the fact that it's a muzzle type collar could give off the appearance that he is mean...
Pros: comfortable, durable, Easy to ControlDog
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 5 for Premier(r) Gentle Leader(r) Headcollar for Dogs
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews

March 5, 2013
by brimdc
fromMurrieta, Ca
What is your gender?F
How many pets do you have?2
How often do you shop at PetSmart?A few times a year
We have a 3 year old lab who is a big boy (100 lbs.) and needless to say i was not able to walk him and it was very difficult for my husband to do it as well and he works too much and not home enough to do it on a consistent basis. We even contemplated giving our lab to another family who could walk him, but after much protest from our kids we decided to seek other options...We decided on this one as it was recommended by the dog trainer in the store, who said even my 2 year old would be able to walk him. I was very skeptical and thought she was stretching the truth a little bit. Low and behold we took him on a walk after some wrestling with him to get it on and he was a completely different dog,no pulling, hands were down by my side and my 6 yr. old even walked him!! I would recommend this hands down, best money i have spent ever!!
+1point
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Review 6 for Premier(r) Gentle Leader(r) Headcollar for Dogs
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews

Very Satisfied

January 28, 2013
by kywobb
fromRochester, MN
What is your gender?F
How many pets do you have?3
How often do you shop at PetSmart?Monthly
Appearance 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
Fit 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
Quality 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
I have a Bull Mastif, she is 115+ lbs! It was very hard to walk with her because she loves other dogs, and will run at them to greet them. She is pretty big, so she scares other dogs and their owners. When she runs, I can't control her, she pulls me right along with her! I got this gentle leader hoping for the best, but was still very skeptical. I would absolutely recommend this product it has done wonders for me. Make sure you read the directions first! You have to use the lead in the correct way or it won't work. I am no longer scared to walk her around other dogs! She doesn't really like wearing it, but that is just because she is not used to having things around her nose. It doesn't hurt her in any way.
Pros: comfortable, durable, looks great, Easy to ControlDog
0points
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Review 7 for Premier(r) Gentle Leader(r) Headcollar for Dogs
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews

LOVE THIS PRODUCT

January 26, 2013
by Coalsmomma
fromEau Claire, Wi
What is your gender?F
How many pets do you have?1
How often do you shop at PetSmart?Weekly
Appearance 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
Fit 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
Quality 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
My dog is horrible on the leash, but when I put this on him, he is an angel! He hates it, he thinks he's being punished, but he is getting used to it and it's getting better.
Pros: comfortable, durable, Easy to ControlDog
0points
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Review 8 for Premier(r) Gentle Leader(r) Headcollar for Dogs
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews

A great training tool to keep my dog focused.

January 25, 2013
by Sherlock
fromNorth Las Vegas
What is your gender?F
How many pets do you have?1
How often do you shop at PetSmart?Weekly
Appearance 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
Fit 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
Quality 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
This training lead has been a life-saver. It keeps my dog focused on his tasks without binding, hurting or shocking. It took a few lessons for him to get used to it, but now he sits and waits for it to be put on. It is sturdy and easy to use. We won't go anywhere without it.
Pros: Easy to ControlDog, comfortable
0points
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Review 9 for Premier(r) Gentle Leader(r) Headcollar for Dogs
Overall rating 
4 / 5
4 / 5 111 reviews

Love it

January 20, 2013
by Anonymous
fromGeorgia
What is your gender?F
How many pets do you have?5 or more
How often do you shop at PetSmart?A few times a year
Appearance 
3 / 5
3 / 5 111 reviews
Fit 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
Quality 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
I got this for my Border Collie/Lab in a medium. I got this product because my girl is reactive toward other dogs and I have found this product very helpful with training her not to react toward other dogs. It keeps her from looking at them, pulling toward or away from them. I never leave for a walk without it.
Pros: comfortable, durable, Easy to ControlDog
-2points
0of 2voted this as helpful.
Review 10 for Premier(r) Gentle Leader(r) Headcollar for Dogs
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews

January 19, 2013
by lmwmsu13
fromLansing, MI
What is your gender?F
How many pets do you have?4
How often do you shop at PetSmart?Monthly
Appearance 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
Fit 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
Quality 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
I have a 7 month old pit puppy who was a nightmare to take on walks because she pulled so hard. Literally 2 minutes into our first walk with this collar she was walking at our side. Highly recommend this product to any person with a dog who pulls. I used to be embarrassed to walk her and now I look forward to walking her every day!
Pros: durable, Easy to ControlDog
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 11 for Premier(r) Gentle Leader(r) Headcollar for Dogs
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews

Great product

January 14, 2013
by Track45
fromUSA
What is your gender?F
How many pets do you have?1
How often do you shop at PetSmart?Monthly
Appearance 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
Fit 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
Quality 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
I was unsure about this product at first. I even kept the box in case I decided to return it. However, I love it. My puppy still isn't crazy about it but I've definitely seen an improvement when walking him.
Pros: durable, Easy to ControlDog
0points
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Review 12 for Premier(r) Gentle Leader(r) Headcollar for Dogs
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews

Love GLs!

January 12, 2013
by Trayse
fromColorado Springs, CO
What is your gender?F
How many pets do you have?1
How often do you shop at PetSmart?Monthly
Appearance 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
Fit 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
Quality 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
I've been a positive reinforcement trainer for almost 7 years now and love Gentle Leader Head Collars! It's the quickest and easiest tool for pet parents to use to get results when practicing loose leash walking.
The biggest tip is consistency! Many people give up because a dog not used to the tool fight it. Just keep excitedly urging your dog to keep walking with you or use treat to keep him moving and over time, he'll forget it's even on.
Pros: durable, Easy to ControlDog
0points
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Review 13 for Premier(r) Gentle Leader(r) Headcollar for Dogs
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews

Makes lab easier to walk

January 7, 2013
by HavAndLab
fromHouston, TX
What is your gender?F
How many pets do you have?2
How often do you shop at PetSmart?Weekly
Appearance 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
Fit 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
Quality 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
This harness works great for my lab. It stops her from pulling and lunging. It takes a little time for the dog to get used to it, but after 2 -3 walks she was enjoying it. The only downside is that some uninformed people may think it is a mussel so they may show fear of your dog when that isn't necessary.
Pros: comfortable, durable, looks great, Easy to ControlDog
0points
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Review 14 for Premier(r) Gentle Leader(r) Headcollar for Dogs
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews

Amazing! Perfect solution to pulling and lunging!

December 15, 2012
by ChrissyMax2014
fromHouston, TX
What is your gender?F
How many pets do you have?3
How often do you shop at PetSmart?Weekly
Appearance 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
Fit 
4 / 5
4 / 5 111 reviews
Quality 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
Reviewer Images
User submitted photo
When we first got the gentle leader, I was a bit iffy about it, but sure enough it is magic! We got our dog, River (2 yo Catahoula/Blue Heeler Mix, attached a picture of her) back in August of 2012 at the Houston SPCA. She was only in the shelter for one day, and we thought we had found our perfect dog - but it was clear that both she and I would need to go to training. Both me and my mother went to classes with her, and while she was a very smart dog and learned many of the basics, she could just not stop pulling and lunging on walks! My arms seriously felt like spaghetti after trips to the parks. After we told our trainer she highly recommended the gentle leader to us.
Ours came with a DVD which made everything so much easier to understand. She didn't like it at first but with treats she easily learned to like it. Within the first 20 minutes of use, her lunging and pulling stopped and she walked right by my side. MAGIC! I didn't think it would be that effective, but it is! The only issue I had was that it would slip around, but we took her into the store and the trainer fixed it pretty easily. HIGHLY recommend to anyone who has hard to control dogs!
Pros: Easy to ControlDog, looks great
0points
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Review 15 for Premier(r) Gentle Leader(r) Headcollar for Dogs
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews

Awesome results

December 11, 2012
by Bugsbugsy
fromMesa?Phoenic, Arizona
What is your gender?M
How many pets do you have?1
How often do you shop at PetSmart?Weekly
Appearance 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
Fit 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
Quality 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
We have an energetic 4 month old Morkie (Maltese/Yorkie mix)pup, 6 pounds, that went nuts when it first was put on her and we had doubts whether or not we wanted to afflict her with it, partly because of her short nose. However, after about 10 days of using it for her walks, though she still isn't wild about it, she allows it to be put on without much fuss. She knows she is going for a walk when it is installed. We had already acquainted with HEEL, HALT, and SIT, with other collars. However, now she will walk with the leash loose for many blocks with an occasional treat for being a "good girl." She follows the commands, and I can actually enjoy the walk because there is no tension on the leash or attempts to wonder off. Just a little flick of the wrist is all it takes to reign her in if she starts leading or wandering. Several times per walk she slams on her brakes and lays down. I pick her up, carry a her few steps, and she is ready to go again. One other thing, our neighbors all said she was too young to train. Glad we didn't pay attention to them! You must watch the DVD if you are going to understand this device and use it properly.
Pros: comfortable, durable, looks great, Easy to ControlDog
0points
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Review 16 for Premier(r) Gentle Leader(r) Headcollar for Dogs
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews

Total Life Saver!

November 11, 2012
by Paisley27
fromMass
What is your gender?F
How many pets do you have?5 or more
How often do you shop at PetSmart?A few times a year
Appearance 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
Fit 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
Quality 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
I have a pitbull mix that is a little over a year and a half and over 60 lbs. I have tried regular collars, harnesses, choke collars but nothing worked. Walks were a nightmare she would pull, jump, and bark at people, dogs, birds you name it she barked. I was totally embarrassed and gave up on walks because she was just to strong for me. I honestly thought there was no help. One day my boyfriend and I were at the petstore and I came across the Premier Gentle Head Collar so I figured what the heck its not that expensive so I bought it. We took her out for a walk she hated it at first tried getting it off but after a minute or two she gave up. We walked passed a whole group of people and their dog and she just kept walking. I couldnt believe it! I am so relieved now I can finally walk her everyday like I wanted to without looking like a total idiot!
Pros: durable, looks great, Easy to ControlDog
0points
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Review 17 for Premier(r) Gentle Leader(r) Headcollar for Dogs
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews

Amazing!!!

October 22, 2012
by euichki
fromTorrance, CA
What is your gender?F
How many pets do you have?3
How often do you shop at PetSmart?Monthly
Appearance 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
Fit 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
Quality 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
I adopted a 2 year old Chihuahua/Terrier mix from the shelter in April and she had obviously not been on a leash before so I started her out with a regular harness. But she started pulling a lot and she would lunge and bark at other dogs, squirrels, people or kids running by and kids on bikes and scooters when she got used to the harness so I got the Easy Walk dog harness and that helped for a couple weeks but then she was back to her wicked little ways. And, then she started this stalking behavior. She stops as soon as she sees a dog coming towards us, then she lies down into a crouching position and proceeds to crawl up to the dog and then she lunges at the dog and growls and barks like she's going to kill them. And she does not discriminate. She'll do it to every dog be it a Chihuaha or a Great Dane. So needless to say, I was totally mortified and people would look at me like, "Geeze lady, learn how to control your dog." So, I enrolled her in obedience class and I asked the trainer about her stalking behavior and she recomended the Gentle Leader. And, I was very skeptical about it because it didn't seem like it would control anything but I was pleasantly surprised. She did initially pitch a big fit but she has gotten used to it and it's like she's a totally different dog. She doesn't react to people or kids running by or kids on bikes or scooters any more and she will look at other dogs and squirrels but but she doesn't pull, lunge or bark at them.
Pros: durable, Easy to ControlDog
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 18 for Premier(r) Gentle Leader(r) Headcollar for Dogs
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews

WORKS BETTER THAN ANYTHING ELSE I'VE TRIED!!

October 10, 2012
by DalmatiansareJOYS
fromHouston, Texas
What is your gender?M
How many pets do you have?3
How often do you shop at PetSmart?Weekly
Appearance 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
Fit 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
Quality 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews
I have a 1 year old Dalmatian and she was a nightmare to take on walks! She would pull with all her might and if I tried to hold her next to my side, she would end up pulling so hard that she would start walking on her hind legs, just so she could pull a little harder. She would pull and zig-zag from side to side in front of me and would oftentimes almost make me fall over. It got to the point where I wasn't taking her on walks. Instead I would take her running with my bike or to the park, because I just couldn't control her on a walk. I tried EVERYTHING! Halters, choke collars, Cesar Millan products, etc.....nothing worked at all. Then I discovered the Gentle Leader. It was recommended by a friend and so I decided to try it. On the first walk I took her on, she already started to realize she had met her match. She hated how it put pressure on the back of her head and her nose if she pulled. She tried to pull a little just to test it, but gave up quickly. Today I took her on another walk and I barely recognized my own dog! You would have thought she has been professionally trained! She walked nice and calm next to me without a single fight and not only that, there was slack in the leash! I was able to enjoy a nice, quiet walk with my best friend and she enjoys herself better, as well! I recommend the Gentle Leader very highly!! I'll use it for the rest of my dog's life!
Pros: comfortable, durable, looks great, Easy to ControlDog
0points
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Review 19 for Premier(r) Gentle Leader(r) Headcollar for Dogs
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews

Gentle Leader: A Miracle

September 15, 2012
by MMA1991
fromCO
What is your gender?F
How many pets do you have?2
How often do you shop at PetSmart?Monthly
I'm not normally the type of person to do a review, but I feel obligated to write one for this product. The gentle leader is a miracle worker. I have a sixty pound hyperactive Labrador Retriever (more than half my weight), and no matter how successful she is with training in the back yard, she would go nuts whenever we got into unfamiliar territory. I tried everything with her--clicker training, positive reinforcement, treats, a check cord, stopping when she would pull beyond the length of the leash, etc. Things would go great in the back yard, but once we got into the real world, it was a whole different story. With new sights, sounds, people, and dogs, Ella would lose all self control. It often led to me holding onto the leash with all my strength walking awkwardly behind my overly-excited dog.
Finally at my wit's end, I caved in and decided to purchase the prong collar from Petsmart. When I spoke with the associate, he asked me why I had chosen to utilize the prong collar. I explained my efforts to him, and he redirected me to the Gentle Leader. He explained the differences between the two to me. While there is debate amongst pet owners on whether or not the prong collar is humane, this review is not intended to address that issue. The Gentle Leader is much like the headstall and reins for a horse. If you have control of the head, you will have control of the whole body. The body goes where the nose goes. Holding the two up next to each other, the Gentle Leader looks much less menacing than the prong collar. The associate urged me to purchase the Gentle Leader, and if it did not work, then I could try the prong collar.
I went home, and I was excited to fit the new gadget to my dog. Word of advice--watch the DVD included with the kit prior to fitting it to your dog. It clarifies a lot of uncertainty in fitting the Gentle Leader. I tried to follow the instructions provided on the paper, and though I was successful, it would have been much less confusing if I had watched the DVD first. I initially had some trouble with the nose loop. I could not figure out how the collar and nose loop worked until I realized that the nose loop had to be pulled up through the double-D ring. It seems like when the collar is fitted properly, the dog has the possibility of choking because it is supposed to be such a tight fit to avoid chafing. However, the DVD explains why the dog will be fine with such a tightly fitted collar.
I fitted Ella with both pieces, and there was initial hesitation on her part. We started our walk, and there was quite a bit of pawing at her face for the first five minutes. There were a couple of pulls ahead of me, but she quickly learned that she was not comfortable with her head being redirected when she lunged forward. After adapting to the feeling of the Gentle Leader, Ella became a completely different dog. She was being incredibly well-behaved walking at my side. She didn't pull once after the first five minutes, and we enjoyed a two-hour walk together.
In short, the Gentle Leader is a miracle-worker for anyone with a dog who chooses to walk them rather than being walked. I was astonished at how easy it was to walk her, and I am looking forward to exploring new places with her. I used to be embarrassed that she would drag me along as she sought out different stimuli. Now, she is easy to walk with, and I enjoy my time with her. Walking Ella is no longer a chore for me. She gets the exercise she needs, and I get to keep my arm. The Gentle Leader is by far one of the best purchases I have made for my dog.
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 20 for Premier(r) Gentle Leader(r) Headcollar for Dogs
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5 111 reviews

Wonderful product...highly recommended

September 2, 2012
by Gunner6405
fromAtlanta, GA
I have a 1 year old 80 lb doberman. He was getting bad about pulling even when wearing a prong. I felt like I was constantly having to correct him and it seemed like the prong wasn't doing a bit of good anymore. It was getting to where I dreaded our walks and worried about encountering something that may make him pull even harder (strangers, other dogs, etc). I decided I had nothing to lose by trying the gentle leader so I bought one today. I watched the DVD and made sure I understand how to fit it correctly. When I first put it on, yes he pawed at it, rolled around, and basically threw a temper tantrum. I distracted him with treats once he calmed down and we went for a short walk. WOW what a difference. I literally walked him with one finger....it took that tiny amount of pressure to control him. I'm blown away and so excited to have the control back. Now I'm looking forward to our outings and I am so grateful for this product.
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
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