Desensitisation Gentle Leader - 2008-08-07

Question

I have a 3yo female labrador who has always pulled on a leash. We have usually used a choke chain but this does not stop her from pulling. We tried a gentle leader as a pup for a while but she hated it and tried to rub it off of her nose the whole walk and even after we got home seh was always rubbing her nose raw. Now that she is older we tried it again a few times, consistently however she still hates it. It works alot better in that she does not pull with it on but she still rubbs her nose even after we have taken it off. When I get it out to go for a walk she tries to get away from me, even though she usually loves going for walks, she doesn't want to if she sees the gentle leaders. What can I do? I like the less pulling on the gentle leader but she hates it. I have tried treats but this does not seem to encourage her with it either.

Answer

What causes the scooting and rubbing is the nose strip, as it emulates you dominating the dog. A more dominant dog would put their muzzle over another dog; the mother would do the same with a naughty puppy. What I would do - walking my own 3 labs on Gentle Leaders - is spend a lit more time turning this great training tool into something she likes. The fitting has also a lot to do with it. The neck collar should have ONE finger space and sit very high up under their ears, the nose strip needs 2 fingers, and cannot be pushed off their nose. Suggest you check the fitting as well, please. With some treats I would do on/off and make it fun, so she start liking it. Also remember a Gentle Leader works best when used slack, and only make short, sharp corrections. The dog needs to 'buy in' to make it enjoyable. Good luck.