Four Legged Scholars LLC – Dog Training – Kent, Ohio and Surrounding Areas

When you walk your dog does your dog jump everywhere? Does your dog pull extremely hard on the leash? Maybe your dog lunges on the leash as well?  If that is case, we can help and you are not alone. We love the gentle leader.

I visited my friend Amber the other day that has Buckley, an Australian Shepherd. Buckley can be an absolute handful on the leash and at times will bark and lunge. As a result, I thought a gentle leader would help them greatly.

Any training tool will not work alone and you must do dog training. Kent has pet stores the gentle leader them. However, recommend the gentle leaders that have a buckle instead of a plastic strap.

I ordered this kind for Buckley because they are less likely to break and are more secure than the ones with the plastic snap. You can order them from Dark Forest Designs for a great price.

I loved the one that I got for Buckley and I am super excited to see how it helps with his dog training. Kent owners will be impressed for sure.

I do want you to keep in mind that many dogs don’t adjust the gentle leader right away. When we put the gentle leader on Buckley, he wanted to rub his nose on the ground and attempt to push it off. This is normal.

However, if this behavior is super excessive than this tool might not work for your dog.

The gentle leader hooks tightly behind your dog’s ears and another strap goes around your dog’s muzzle. Your dog can eat, pant, bark etc. while wearing the gentle leader.

However, when your dog pulls on the leash it puts pressure on your dog’s muzzle. This can be a little uncomfortable but not as harsh as a prong or choker collar. I do recommend choke and prong collars, by the way.

Because it is involves your dog’s head and neck you want to make sure you are super conscience on how you use it so that you don’t injure your dog. You also have much control over your dog with this type of tool because it attaches to a sensitive area.

I have found that some dogs adjust better if you first do some dog training. Kent owners can practice by having their dog wear the gentle leader while something positive happens to their dog. Eating a meal, playing a game of fetch, eating continual treats, or playing with a Kong filled with treats are all options.

Eventually, your dog will associate the gentle leader with positive things.  At this time, it will be easier to use during leash walking. When training your dog, you will want to guide your dog gently back toward you when he pulls on the leash and walk forward when the leash is loose.

A loose leash generally hangs down and has a “J” formation. You want to avoid constant pressure on your dog’s muzzle. Your dog’s reward is moving forward and not feeling the pressure on his muzzle when the leash is loose.

Remember if you have any trouble, consult a professional dog trainer for help with your dog training. Kent and surrounding areas are full of positive dog trainers that you can choose from.

Tell us about your dog.

Johanna Teresi, Kent Dog Trainer and Owner of Four Legged Scholars LLC, Dog Training Kent, Ohio and Surrounding Areas