When I have my dog out and about people always ask, "what kind of leash is that"???
I first learned about the Gentle Leader while in obedience training with my APBT.
The training instructor would only train with this method.
Gentle Leader - About Us (broken link)
First, let me make it clear it is NOT a muzzle.
The dog is still able to drink, eat, breathe, yawn...
Please be sure to read all of the information on the web page so you can learn more about it.
Gentle Leader Product Overview (broken link)
I have convinced many friends and family to switch over to the Gentle Leader. I personally do not believe in choke collars for dogs. I had a harness for my APBT but I quickly learned that the resistance that she would feel on my end would make her pull that much harder. A harness did not work for 'us'.
She wears a harness more for decoration...
Within minutes of having the Gentle Leader on her, it was literally like night and day! And no, I do not work for this company...it was purely an answer to my prayers.
She rolled around a bit when I first put it on her. Just getting use to the feel of it. And that's normal. Most dogs react that way.
I turn it into a game when I am about to put it on her...I say in excited doggie tone...lol..."put your pretty face on"...she wags her tail and knows it's time to go for an adventure!
Once I started walking with it on her the pulling TOTALLY stopped.
And she is a strong dog, no doubt about that. But when she is wearing the Gentle Leader, she does not feel the need to pull because she does not feel that resistance.
*You*, as the dog owner, are totally in control of any kind of pulling, lunging, barking...anything...as long as you have the lead attached to the Gentle Leader there should be no reason for any behavior issues.
This product is good for all dogs. In my training classes there was everything between my dog (APBT) a German Shepard, Poodle, Schnauzer, Pug and everything in between. They all mostly had the same issues of pulling, lunging, jumping the whole nine yards...and the instant they were fitted with the Gentle Leader it was amazing to see the difference first hand!
I use to always keep it on her when company would come over so she would correctly learn to not jump on guests upon greeting them. She learned quickly.
It was a life-saver for me and made walks with her such a pleasant experience.
I notice people out and about with their canine buddy and their dog is taking them for a walk...with the tugging and pulling and usually the owner ending up embarrassed screaming at the dog....
If you've tried everything...I strongly suggest a Gentle Leader.
If anyone has questions...please ask!!
Here is a picture of my dog with it on...it comes in different colors too.
Oh and don't worry, she wasn't my chauffeur that day...lol
http://carolann63.smugmug.com/photos/176861659-L.jpg (broken link)
She has the harness on in this pic...I'm not using it though...this was taken shortly after she was introduced to the Gentle Leader.
http://carolann63.smugmug.com/photos/148594169-L.jpg (broken link)