How to use and get off the Gentle Leader or head halter

Watch a full walk with a 5 month old Great Dane and how to use and fade off the Gentle Leader or head halter.

[@dianafrances6880]

Head halter was an absolute game changer for my JRT. I don’t use it all the time now, I bring it on every walk just in case. THANK YOU!

[@aliassvemir5733]

I finally bought a head halter for my 7 month old pitbull who pulls like a draft horse. WOW! Instant success. I could never get her to check in with me, she was in her own world. On our first walk with head halter she was checking in with me regularly, it was the first time I came home relaxed after a walk. Thank you Joel, for freely sharing your knowledge with us.

[@axlmcintosh6148]

I am considering getting this for my boy Guapo. He is an American bully and pulls like crazy, his energy is off the charts! I've gotta work with him more so I'm hoping this will be helpful.

[@austyn5004]

Same experience with my 1 year old cattle dog. She’s a completely different dog on the head halter. It’s wild

[@df7316]

I was using Joel's "corrections" on my headstrong doodle, and that would work... for about a block. I was consistent with it over several months, but it never seemed to stick. Switched to the gentle leader and OMG, walks are NICE now!

[@AnyaMirhiam]

Same here. I have a 5-month Belgian Malinois who loves jumping on people and other animals on the street( also pulls when he gets bored of heal walking) but with the head halter, he just behaves and reacts to my corrections as opposed to ignoring them like before.

[@anyelatejeda4410]

@@axlmcintosh6148 we also have an American Bully people with never ending playful energy! How did the head collar turn out?

[@tammydamore3436]

It occurred to me that 90 percent of what every dog training lesson is about has to do with being PATIENT and not getting frustrated. I love all the tip and tricks you are teaching and I'm much more confident that I'm going the right direction with my new Saint Bernard puppy. Thank you do much. I'll keep watching and learning and it's not costing me hundreds of dollars!!❤

[@topcatwarrior]

I am impressed at how well River is doing at just five months old, he is a handsome and good boy! Wade is also very well trained, good job Joel😂

[@BDTraining]

Wade will be happy to hear that.

[@terigentile9726]

Forgot to add that I, too, have made up a “safety” command. When ANYTHING on wheels (car, truck, bike, trike, Segue(sp), etc., I just say “car”, and my dog moves slightly further in on the grass and sit/stays immediately until the “car” has passed. I say safety because I only have rescues, most coming with absolutely no info about habits, personality, training, etc. You never know if you have a wheel chaser, which could be dangerous, especially if it’s a kid on a bike or even a skateboard. The kid example really kills 2 birds with 1 stone, as oftentimes, these dogs are not overly fond of children; keeps the kid AND your dog safe at the same time. I’ve trained every dog I’ve ever had; makes the walk even more enjoyable, not having to worry about a wheel OR kid chaser. Works for me.

[@adeleisnamedafterme]

How do you train a dog that isn’t food motivated? I got my rescue a couple days ago but I can’t train her because she doesn’t like treats or food

[@terigentile9726]

@@adeleisnamedafterme I wish I could help you, but I’m sure one of the “experts” will have an answer for you. Post question as it’s own comment, not attached to anyone else’s comment - that will help your question standout. Hope this helps; best of luck! 🐾

[@greeneyes6311]

@@adeleisnamedafterme You give her lots of praise and love instead. Make your voice slightly higher, tell her "good girl!", pet or pat her if you can. Bring a little tug toy, if in an appropriate safe place, play a minute of tug if she likes the game.

[@robinrutherfordcost4748]

@@adeleisnamedafterme you can use her food time, like when it's time to eat. Mix in chicken (if no allergies), liverwurst, bacon, roast beef maybe - find out the ranking of treats just when it's time to eat. Susan Garrett has an awesome video on how to rank treats and toys. Food usually builds the behavior, toys build the drive. Sara Ondrako has an awesome video on how to make a snuffle mat with a pocket that helps build a shy dog's confidence too. Hope that helps.

[@ijustdocomments6777]

My dog thinks "CAR" means we're going someplace, took some doing trying to convey that it's a word that doesn't only apply to our specific vehicle.

[@annmeacham5643]

What a wonderful walk with a ‘gud boi’! Good decision to say head halter rather than GL. There are other better brands that aren’t as well known. I like the Halti because of their safety strap and it sits better on the muzzle.

[@BT-ts4pb]

Our gsp has a permanent indent on his nose from the gentle leader so I might have to check this brand out.

[@drummerboy2834]

Hey Ann, I used a Halti for about a week with my 6mo Harrier (conditioning etc) now she won’t come near me when I try to use it 🤔 Any suggestions?

[@drummerboy2834]

@@BT-ts4pb Halti has a padded strap around the muzzle 👍 much better than the other brands I looked at…

[@annmeacham5643]

@@drummerboy2834 2 suggestions: put it on just before feeding. Doesn’t get food until the Halti goes on. 2nd, wear it while playing and having fun. Ok, 3 suggestions, wear it but don’t use it to correct. Obviously she doesn’t think it’s fun and at 6 months, she’s still all about the fun and you should be all about bonding with her. How much does she weigh? How much exercise does she get? How long have you had her? All this factors in and without seeing you two together, it’s harder to help. But you can do this, she’s not like Bear, or is she? LOL

[@drummerboy2834]

@@annmeacham5643 I’ve had her since she was 8 weeks, she weighs about 40-45lbs… I tried all the things you mentioned, she was fine with it for about a week but now won’t come near me lol… I don’t want to force it and put her off, so I left it for a couple of days… She gets a mile in the morning, an hour play everyday (I don’t have to work) and a mile at night… I guess I’ll just start from scratch (conditioning etc)

[@harleydave2316]

I just used a gentle leader today with my 5 month rottweiler and what an amazing difference in our walking. We went to socialize at my city christmas parade and with hundreds of people around us, I was able to control her movements with literally no pulling. I'm a super fan now!!

[@dannyh5937]

I loved the start of the video. Good for you Joel, the "Gentle Leader" people should be cutting you a check or giving you a brand deal. You should be reaching out to the big companies in the world of dog accessories and working on brand deals, your channel is growing and you have an extremely loyal fan base that defends you against detractors, I know do.

[@TheBehm08]

Right? He’s been giving them free publicity for a minute now cuz he believes in the product. The least they could do is throw some compensation his way

[@hildacook6828]

The problem i live in London its really had to buy things from American .

[@marianemartin2644]

We use the GoodBoy head halter as it has the option to use a clip that will tighten into a muzzle. Very useful for vet visits and other situations that stress our rescue. No fussing to get a muzzle on, just slide the clip and lock it.

[@sundoesshine8800]

I just sent an email to Petsafe/Gentle Leader saying they better start backing Joel before a competitor does. Maybe if they get a bunch of these they will wake up?

[@hildacook6828]

I started used the Gentle Leader or head halter i got grom Amazon uk i loved its great. I known everyone see my dog their said good lucky because i have wire fox terrier.

[@dbk7591]

Yes. You are such a good teacher. And I need this repetition just like my dogs. Doorway sets the tone for the walk! Proactive stops! Time to walk.

[@shannon2228]

I have a one-year-old and a three-month-old and the doorway method works for me! Thank you so much for teaching me this little trick and they're much better on walks! Love my fur babies

[@linaleon5734]

I love how he looks at the camera while he is sitting waiting to go out the door. Like he knows. Good boy River.

[@duchessme5817]

I really appreciate how your videos explain how to train our dogs, and they have been a monumental help. I’ve seen others that are like an advertisement for their services, so again thank you for the step by step instructions.

[@haileymiller9222]

I've used many methods and you're absolutely right. This is the best one!

[@MegaBaller234]

I came here from binging these videos to say thanks for the great training vids. Training that makes sense and isn't all about giving treats every 2 seconds. You got me motivated to start training seriously with my 2yo pup again.

[@cwinderwgu]

I can't say how much I appreciate your videos. I adopted a stubborn, wild dog about six weeks ago and she has made huge improvements. Now that she's five months old, I'm over the pulling on the leash, so I got her a head harness. Can't wait for our walk tonight! She's going to be a great dog and you're helping. Thanks a bunch.

[@wandering_off]

thank you from the Sunshine Coast Australia. I bought a gentle leader alternative and just took my five year old Border Collie on a walk. WE WALKED!!! Cannot believe how this worked for him. A lot of gentle reminders and following your door method I think I can once again enjoy walking my boy...so happy

[@Susan18762]

I'm glad to know that I helped my pup not use the head halter the right way. After a certain time, I would detach it at parts of our walk - and re-attach it I needed too. And it has worked!

[@sacred406]

Very educational. Great demo & clear instruction - no treats every 3 seconds as so many do. Puppy was happy.

[@navymomfl7294]

So glad I found this. I was wondering and commented on one of your other videos asking when we can start using gentle lead. Thank you for doing puppy videos. My pup is 4 months. Your videos have made me and my pup more confident.

[@kathrynebailey4837]

Joel thank you so much for your excellent work and service to All of us pet parents ❤.

[@Koopwins]

definitely the best dog training videos on youtube, Robert Cabrall is pretty good too but hes against head halters...every trainer is different but guys that do balanced training is definitely the best (sorry Zak George and karens)

[@TAMINTEX]

I never thought a dog couldn't learn. I adopted last June she slept about 3 days coming from a shelter, Patience is everything!! I had her compeat with my 9 yr old service dog on everything, last week she passed her PACT test and now my 10 yr old lets her do everything she is now 2 Thank you for your teaching I enjoy wisdom,👍 Tam in Tex🤠

[@BohoSpiral]

I really appreciate the tips that you provide about puppies and their development. I'm currently raising my first-ever puppy, and your videos have helped us a lot.

[@naominovik1]

Seriously love your stuff. I have two border collies and the advice in your videos has helped with training them so much. Thank you

[@brandymarie86]

These are my favorite videos with River! I have a Great Dane too, 8 months old. It’s so good to gauge his behavior compared to River. Thank you for explaining their mental state at certain ages. Would love to hear about your training of tigers and how it differs in comparison to the dogs. Great videos, thanks for the awesome content!

[@carrielea6009]

Wow, he’s doing great! I’m impressed! What a beautiful puppy! He loves you. I’m one of the people you’ve helped have amazing walks with my dog Booker.❤️🐕‍🦺

[@debbiiesiken2686]

I have always taught my dogs a "go potty" command. That way they know that I want them to get on with doing their business. It was always helpful when we have thunderstorms and you want to get them in and out quickly for a potty break.

[@Kate98755]

i use pee and poo, 4 month old, trying to make it pavlovian

[@terigentile9726]

For outside elimination, I have always said “smell the grass”; I’d rather use something shorter (love one-word commands), but it’s worked for the many dogs I’ve owned, so I’m too old and set in my ways to change it up now! LOL BTW, great walk and info about weaning from a head halter; just started my newest on a head halter (typically doesn’t quite care for it but getting better everyday) and was trying to figure out a way to “wean” her when I think she’s ready. Thanks for the tip; very cool!

[@ivyrose779]

I planned to do that with my 1.5 year old doodle and I wish I would’ve done a better job. Sometimes it seems like she knows what it means but other times I’m not sure. It’s a great command to teach though.

[@bailey9r]

I do that as well with "Hurry up" it has a crisp p sound so he reacts to it well. This is my third dog on that plan works well every time and no matter where we are it sounds good.

[@sallykingman8169]

I taught my dogs to pee on cue with a whistle like race horses are conditioned to pee on cue after a race for drug testing.

[@rey1164]

Thank you for sharing this! I lost my dog recently and ever since then i being watching your videos and learning alot about your training methods cause when ever i get another one in the future i wanna train them right on the basics

[@ferchio4801]

River has such long floppy ears, I love it! What and adorable good boy. Thanks for all the work you do, Joel! I appreciate you sharing your knowledge with us 😄

[@tamilynard9256]

I used a gentle leader on my 5 mo. Puppy yesterday and it was the first enjoyable walk we've had!!! He didn't like it at first but once we started walking it worked great!!!

[@jewelalex7185]

you have so much acquired wisdom and your methods are so grounded in logic that it shocks me that there is such a divide or any controversy over them, in every video you make you have so many nuggets of dog training knowledge it’s incredible i feel like i should be paying for this 😂😅, but i appreciate you for the content. i don’t even own a dog yet but i know when i do i will be more than ready and i can say that confidentiality because of your channel alone

[@asp1213]

River is a beautiful dog and looks great on the leash. I can watch these videos all day!

[@ultrastar23]

I was literally thinking about how I needed this video. Perfect timing!

[@annmeacham5643]

It’s just amazing how often that happens. Shows how connected to his subscribers he is. As he can look at a dog and know what the dog needs, he doesn’t even need to see us to know. 🤣🤣🤣

[@geofflamb3575]

Thanks Joel - the head halter was a GAME CHANGER!

[@shmex100]

Best trainer in my opinion, your methods work the best ❤️🍀thanks.

[@xojeany13]

After him telling us to stop looking at the dog, I had a really hard time with that. 😂 Great Dane mom here. He's SOOOO cutteeeee!!! I also just got my 4& 1/2 month old great dane pup a gentle leader. He naturally does really well with leash walking but wants to walk a little further ahead of me than his shoulders lined up with my side. The gentle leader is the perfect tool to fine tune that. I have much higher expectations for him because he is my service dog in training. I have years of experience training dogs (It's been my passion since I was a kid) and have a very well behaved pack of dogs, yet I needed a much higher level of training for my service dog prospect. He's such an easy dog to train, and all of your videos have been invaluable to me for all of the little tweaks here and there. Thank you!

[@signespencer6887]

Back in 1995 I got a big golden retriever. Our walks especially early on were full of stops, changes in direction, figure 8s and so on. He was great.

[@kellybrandt7231]

Loved this, I have a 4 month old Great Dane using your method it’s working , mine all he wants to do is play rough with my other dog , but I’m still working it

[@athomehoustonbordercollier2035]

I like that the connect to the regular collar. But Petco has one like the original GL and it's thin I like that just have to use 2 leashes jn cash it would come open. You crack me up Joel that intro was all your personality and a boundary that we should not be allowing! I had to watch you got me at the intro

[@martintyrawskyj3150]

Great video Joel! Gentle Leader has greatly helped with my 14 month GSD as all other tools did not work. Still work in progress, but I think I am on the right path. I would love to see a video where the dog walks with all the members of his family. My GSD is very difficult to walk when the kids are ahead of us.

[@AlmaSpiteful]

Joel, I love how sassy you are. It keeps me coming back for more. 😅

[@KerriEverlasting]

Haven't heard of gentle leader in Australia but Halti's widely available. Sounds like you are plugging a company that really doesn't care, time to move on. I've learned so much from these videos don't ever stop 💖

[@debbiedaley1609]

Amazing progress

[@Smokerolla]

super awesome video... this is exactly the stage im in with my new pittie... this leader is absolutely gamechanging for walking reactive dogs...

[@jeanneperriera7468]

Your training videos work great with my Greyhound lab mix.

[@Pwecko]

What a lovely dog.

[@Cthecool]

I bought the smallest they had for my Rat Terrier it’s still too small. She’s a small snout so I’ll get my hubby to get used to the slip leash bc he still lets the dog run amuck and that really ticks me off so I’ve got to train him too, so she doesn’t take him for a run. The way you teach is how I’ve taught all my dogs thru the years! Fantastic video😌👍🏽🌹

[@BT-ts4pb]

River and Joel's energy is so good together.

[@DreamWarrior1987]

You’re a phenomenal dog trainer & I’ve learned so much from your videos! Remember it’s “Head Halter” from here on out. Yes, I always watch you but hard not to look at the great dogs. I’ve noticed most of not all your leash walking is with boy dogs. My 5 month Kelpie is a girl pup and she walks very well thanks to your education. Thank you.

[@BDTraining]

This dogs actually a girl, lol. I called her the wrong gender.

[@karinethibodeau5577]

Thank you for your videos, I’m planning on getting a dog and you teach a lot of useful lessons

[@denasharp8902]

I have a 2 yr old German Shepard that has lived in a kennel with no people or dog interactions. Could not get her to walk on a leash. Tried a head harness and OMG she is like a new dog. Thanks sooooo much.

[@karenlarios2416]

Much love from Las Vegas ❤ 💕

[@Cathan1856]

I use the flat collar when I walk my very ‘in front’ dog, but I can manage the corrections on those…….thanks Joel. My husband has to use the gentle leader all the time as dog training isn’t his forte. This gives him better control and makes for a better walk for him. When I would go to a high stimulus activity, like agility, would use the gentle leader as my dog would get frantic when some of the other dogs would do their run through. He’s stopped all that now, that was a great way to train the reactivity. I would know which dogs he would he would be reactive with and would start walking, changing direction, stopping, use obedience and some play to keep him with me, before and during the other dogs run. He’s soooo good now, he stays ‘with me’ nearly 100% of the time at agility, stopped completely being reactive on walks. The improvement is amazing. It took a lot of work……a lot…..for a long time, just had to be persistent and persevere and there were times when I thought we will never get there. I’m not a professional trainer, so not as good and practiced as someone like Joel who would have been more successful sooner.

[@alwayslearning9337]

I like that you emphasise 'a lot' of training. For me my expectation of results got in the way in my earlier training! Consistency is key ... and hard given our human emotions!!!

[@kiwiace625]

Love the gentle leader. Was the best training aid for me. I'm stumped on my dog. Seems fear aggressive with people. I haven't been able to work out how to get the dog to overcome it's mindset that strangers are danger.

[@c.cooper9549]

He's awesome --- as are you. Great video, again.!

[@somerandomtexan1129]

I have a small shih tzu puppy, but your vids help me with training him

[@katgray4472]

I have a 5 months old Doberman Great at door technique and heals when I stop very very well Once we get out she wants to eat and sniff everything Bolts and jumps today I’m off to purchase a head halter Top video! Thanks

[@shingtome2179]

"Just a little stop in the middle of the road, no big deal" 😂

[@Agataannie]

I agree , great job to have a dog be checking in to make sure everything is cool.

[@lourobin2728]

Love this! Find the right tool and use it. 😍

[@allnationsseer7561]

Very helpful, thank you

[@robynburns2375]

I have an 8 year old rescue, lab/pitbull mix who is incredibly strong. Just got a head halter and after one day (three days acclimating) he is a changed boy. Such a relief.

[@bamagolds]

We began with the Gentle Leader at about 5 months old. They worked but my guys disliked. They'd want to roll around on the ground. We switched to Springer and still practiced your same method. We're at a year now. Walking solo, I can now switch to a regular collar. We still have to warm up, but when we're on the same pace, the leash can be held with 2 fingers. We practice our doorway stay every time. It feels awesome to leave the door wide open and they do not move until I say so. Breeds: pit bull and Presa Canario

[@smartphone3d]

Great Video! Thank You

[@reginamitchell9532]

Love River! GD owner here and probably always will be.

[@Moni-ui5bz]

Can't believe he's only 5 months old. He's so good! My female Australian Cattle dog is 8.5 months old. I trained her with your method. She's good indoors, backyard, driveway, but once we step off the driveway into the neighborhood she's like a different dog. She's pulling like crazy. I make 2 steps and need to bend and tug as you showed us to do but I feel foolish going through the neighborhood like that. She looks at me turns around and pulls again. I stop and don't move, she stops, but once we move she pulls again. I even put on a head halter today. She went nuts. rubbing her face on the ground, throwing herself on the ground, and wriggling with all 4 legs in the air to get it off. We didn't even get to go for a walk because she just would not stop. She's smart and obedient otherwise just the pulling is driving me crazy. She's also afraid of other dogs, of any size, even if she just hears them barking she tucks her tail in and wants to sprint home. She's not afraid of people though. Walks are no fun with her at the moment. My 12 year old dog, however, is a pleasure to walk now, he was awful too but when I started using your method over a year ago everything changed with him. So thank you for all your videos!

[@topcatwarrior]

Cattle dogs can be very stubborn, and your dog is going into the next fear stage. Joel has some good videos for training duty fear periods. It doesn’t matter if you think you look silly while training you’re pup, you are doing it for both you and her. Good luck, be consistent and patient.

[@christine9467]

A slip lead is working for my dog! I’ve tried that head harness before and it wasn’t secure enough and all he did was try to take it off. He’s walking perfect w the slip lead. I yank it a little when he tries pulling and make the NO sound. I praise him w GOOD BOYS and occasional treats. Now we have yet to meet up w another dog. We shall see….

[@armandhammer2235]

The Halti hooks to the collar.

[@ns3938]

Most well behaved puppy I've seen.

[@KhaosPups]

Thanks for this video I have a husky that loves to pull And bought a gentle leader today and gonna test it out with my husky to see how she does

[@solstice3190]

I use a gentle leader on my 8 month spoo but not for pulling. He’s an SDIT so I mainly use it for directional purposes but he already heels without it. Also, there’s a lot of misconception around it and people assume the dog is aggressive or something so will try to avoid it. My dog isn’t any of that but it helps deter people from trying to pet him or approach him when he’s on duty in public which is good because a lot of people think he’s oh-so adorable lol.

[@LaraYAH127]

Hey Beckman family,🐾🌼, This is another awesome video. Living in the city our boy has been with the gentle leader for months. I do take it off when loose lease in open field, some times clip to collar there's just so many dogs here that it's difficult.

[@pamelawalsh8153]

I think when people say leash reactive, or just reactive, they imagine it means aggressive. Not always. My dog is a social butterfly and wants to meet everyone... and chase anything that will run lol. He's friendly, plays well with 95% of dogs, and loves 99% of people.

[@sharonw912]

This is my dog too! My plan is when she learns to be polite approaching the other dog, then she may get to meet him; if he's polite too. And the owner agrees of course.

[@samanthahu4803]

I’ve been doing the down and to the side technique now for months. Works great for pulling and pretty good for one of my dog’s reactivity. I can say now though that it is not working for my little guy’s reactivity. Did it on the regular collar and gentle leader and he simply does not care that he’s being corrected. At my wits end with him.

[@drakegunn2793]

If you haven't already recommend checking out the head harnesses from Genuine Dog Gear, they were brought to my attention by one of the veterinary technicians I work with and while they still do bother the dogs I've found them a bit easier for some to accept then the gentle leader brand due to where the leash clips and they personally sit a bit better on my dog.

[@juanluna5323]

Umm…I am super embarrassed, I can my Gentle Leader on upside down. 😮 🙈🤦🏻 Thank you for your help. I have a 6 month old | 65lb Great Dane and have had him 1 full day. This is going to help so much! I am so glad you used the Gentle Leader. I have one and now I know how to truly use it. 😅😊😂

[@adambiggs3853]

I like the video so I liked the video 👍

[@KingsMom831]

Great video!

[@dcdc139]

Oh man, I owe Joel something, at least a bottle of whiskey. I've been watching your videos for the past month and a half learning a hell of a lot. I managed to get a great loose leash walk a while ago, as long as there were no major triggers around, then it was time for a freak out. After establishing a good leash relationship with her, I finally felt ready for the head halter. After practising with it a bit before dinner, we went out for a real test just now. As luck would have it, maybe a minute after I left, my mother in law swung by our house for a visit. My Buttercup, was triggered, as always by the moving car and definitely tried to own me again with a public freak out, she whined for a few minutes while standing but after a few minutes she realized that those days were over and we proceeded to walk. Test #2 - These nice highschool kids were parked in their car just eating burgers and fries and whatnot. I asked them if they minded if I approached them cautiously, sure. We went up to the car, she even got to have a bit of BBQ sauce! We then went out onto the main road, major freak out zone. She seemed a bit nervous by the traffic, but nothing happened that was unmanageable. She is also majorly triggered by cars coming out of this one very specific street and as luck would have it, a car came out while I tied my shoe. No freak out!

[@dcdc139]

Second training (with the help of a trainer) also went really well, but she still freaked out when a car unexpectedly turned onto my street and came straight towards us, so the head halter can't fix everything lol

[@Gravityembracegary]

Perfect!

[@Agataannie]

Chester is doing great

[@TAMINTEX]

My girl is so obedient, I also use that (Item). but during day I can take nose part off and she's fine obeying. Thank you!

[@WillBlueAnimalTraining]

i highly recomend using 2 leashes especially for saftey incase one slips of, great tips.

[@BBAMEG]

I call the chuff a "boof". We had Malteses growing up and they always did that! It was like they had to have the last word with a "boof".

[@lisetteem588]

lol "I know you stare at the dogs.. "🤣🤣🤣 river is such a good boy. Great Dane puppy?

[@cass.n.m]

I'd love to see a product review of different head halters if you haven't done it already!

[@BabyMosquito777]

Hi Joe, great videos as always, after watching so menu videos I got my self a dog again 😂she’s 5 month’s walks just like the one in this video she’s great. I just have one question sometimes she stays behind or kinda looks back l, do I give a correction or just pull as I keep walking. Thank you and keep up with this great channel it helps a lot of people

[@jillsy2815]

Dang that's an amazing 5-month-old dog! My street-rescue pitbull was pretty crazy till about 9 months. I thought I remembered u saying most dogs aren't ready for loose leash till 9 months? 🐾❤️

[@gregre99]

Hi Joel , I have a question about young dogs. Mine is now 1 year and a half but I would like to know what the fear period is. You’re the first person I’ve heard this from and if I had that information I probably would have done things differently and not have to correct some behaviors. Could you do a video about the various stages of the fear period? Thank you for all the work you put into this channel!

[@thedogwalkexperience1054]

what a cutie! oh no, again i was just watching the dog! ;-)) your advise makes totally sense though!

[@gomezkillerbee]

That’s Scooby Doo, right there

[@debloisdogs9993]

I recall seeing a head halter where the ring is placed on the back of the neck, I believe on Etsy. I haven’t tried it yet but every time I’m using one of these harnesses it comes across my mind. I have been using your leash method for a while on multiple dogs and it’s definitely been a game changer for me. I do notice though that some dogs respond better if I walk the opposite direction…mostly small to medium, very high energy dogs. Today I worked with a dog and for 30 minutes I was in front of a random house just going back and forth, the homeowners looked at me like I was crazy. But as we would start to advance he just wouldn’t stop going out on his own, so I was refusing to advance any further until he was next to me. I’m sure it’s something I’m doing wrong so any insight on that would be great. It’s worth noting that the owner has been walking him on a prong and that’s been working great for them, he walks right next to her and it makes the walk more enjoyable for her. Today, I was using his regular flat collar.

[@lynngruneisen6091]

Can you address the different fear stages of a puppy? I got a boxer at 4mo... She is now 1yr and 10 mo. She has finally settled down. Thanks to your out the door method!!!

[@shelbylynn9266]

This dog made me laugh his big feet he’s trying so hard to be graceful, but his feet are in his way L O L

[@kingkungu]

Great video as always. I was wondering if you could put out a quick video about foxtails? I just learned about them and feel as though not many dog parents are aware of the dangers. Thanks!

[@sundoesshine8800]

We certainly had NO clue and our new pup need surgery on her toe. I'd had dogs in New England but had never heard of these til here in CO. Learned fast after that to watch out for them!

[@Jkvillaluz]

Hi Joel, you're videos have been such a great help to me and the training of our 18mo corgi. We do notice that when just one of my family members is walking our dog, he's grown to be very polite and loose leashes fantastically. However, his excitement and impulse control seems to be an issue again when I'm walking with another person or with a group. Do you have any pointers to when we're walking together as a family, or with friends? Sometimes it's not as easy as asking friends to walk with us and also use it as a training opportunity to do a bunch of proactive stops.

[@shannon2228]

Practice being more hard-headed and making him be by your side and use praise as much as possible hugs hugs hope it helps

[@caseymackey746]

Try a "walk n train." Ive used head halters for years, and this one is the best i have found. No i dont get a check from them either, but i recommend this brand in all my training classes.

[@bonnaroo2k2]

Omg I need this so much. My dog flips out when I go to the door. He will sit for me to put it on after going crazy first. 🤦🏻‍♀️Going to try these methods asap!

[@soapdrinker]

The walk with my 8 months puppy dachshund was improving all thanks to ur method. But only thing is he bark at dogs, kids and runner. Should i go to the obedience courses. Thanks a million!

[@missonmanband19]

???Love your training methods! Big fan. Wondering, any major differences on head halters? I use a Halti but wonder if it puts too much pressure or sends too many “Cues “ from ones loose leash. I want my dog to think on his own as he watches me. I also use a Martingale cloth collar (Dobe head) So he can’t surprise me and back out of his collar. Is this collar ok using your loose lease walking?

[@armandhammer2235]

Joel is 100% correct. The only tool that gets my dog's attention is a head halter.

[@colleenwest6953]

I have a gsd who was trained as a puppy by a professional. He was great then two very large gsd came out of woods off leash when he was in fear period and attacked him. Then live happened (trainer moved ,lots of travel and covid) He started getting reactive so because I'm older and not strong when the dog lunged at other dogs he has dislocated both shoulders and broke a finger. I've used remote and pinch collar but MY reaction time wasn't good so after watching your videos I tried head halter. Just started he seems to correct himself on it.that makes me feel braver so now I'm going to try walking at a time when dogs are out not at 530am to avoid meeting dogs ,wish me luck

[@User7688.--_]

Take it slow. Dont rush Let him get used to the head halter. 🌟