How to Use the Gentle Leader® Headcollar
Table of Contents
PetSafe® Gentle Leader® Headcollar Training Video
Welcome
to your new Gentle Leader® Headcollar.
Keep in Mind:
Acclimation time will vary for each dog.
Refrain from leaving the headcollar on your dog when unsupervised to avoid chew damage.
Have treats available during the fitting and training process.
Headcollar is not a muzzle and will not prevent your pet from biting.
Understanding your Headcollar
Quick Snap Buckle
Used to fasten the neck strap.
Neck Strap
Secures the headcollar behind your pet’s ears.
Nose Loop
Sits on your pet’s snout.
Centerbar Ring
Connects the nose loop to the neck strap.
Snap Clamp
Clips in place to adjust the size of the nose loop.
O-Ring
Used to connect a leash for walks.
Leash
Available with certain models. Four feet in length.
Fit your Headcollar
Fit the headcollar while your pet is standing.
Fit the Neck Strap
Unclip the quick snap buckle and hold the neck straps with the nose loop hanging down.
Align the centerbar ring under your pet’s chin, close to his neck.
Position the neck strap high on your pet’s neck and fasten the quick snap buckle. Ensure excess fur and skin are not bunched under the strap.
Check that only one finger fits between the neck strap and your pet’s neck.
Tighten the strap if it is too loose.
Fit the Nose Loop
Remove the headcollar from your pet before fitting the nose loop.
Release the snap clamp by pulling down on the tab and slide it as close to the o-ring as possible.
Hold the headcollar by the nose loop so that the snap clamp is up against the centerbar ring.
Hold a treat so that your pet places their snout through the nose loop. Let your pet remove their snout once they have received the treat.
Repeat until your pet is comfortable placing their snout through the nose loop.
Once your pet is comfortable placing their snout through the nose loop, repeat the process, setting the nose loop on their snout.
Repeat until your pet is comfortable with the nose loop sitting on their snout.
Note: Some pets may take longer to adjust. Repeat steps three and four until your pet allows the nose loop to sit on their snout.
With the nose loop in place, fasten the neck strap. The headcollar will create a V-shape.
Slide the snap clamp towards your pet’s chin and hold in place with your thumb and index finger.
Check the fit of the nose loop by ensuring that it comes to where the fur ends on your pet’s snout. If it comes down too far, slide the snap clamp up and check again.
Secure the snap clamp in place by firmly pressing down on the tab. The snap clamp will make an audible noise when closed.
How to Fit the PetSafe® Gentle Leader® Headcollar
Acclimation
Your pet will take time to adjust to the Gentle Leader® Headcollar. Follow along below for information on how to help them get comfortable wearing the headcollar.
Rubbing or Pawing at the Headcollar
If your pet continues to rub or paw at the headcollar, use the tips below to help him acclimate and associate the headcollar with positive experiences.
Let your pet play while wearing the headcollar with supervision
Feed your pet with the headcollar on.
Pet Removes Nose Loop
If your pet is able to remove the nose loop, check the fit of the headcollar.
Walking on a Leash
To help make wearing the headcollar a positive experience for your dog, continue to offer praise while acclimating to the headcollar.
Important: The Gentle Leader® Headcollar is not recommended for jogging, running, bike attachments or couplers.
Have the following ready for training:
Treats
Praise
Four to six foot non-retractable leash
Training
Tension on the leash corrects unwanted behavior by redirecting your pet into the correct position.
No tension on the leash rewards your pet for good behavior.
Important: Never jerk or yank the leash.
Redirect your pet to your side by slowing down or stopping as soon as there is tension on the leash.
Praise your pet with treats and release tension on the leash when he is walking to the side of your body.
Contact Customer Care
If you need further assistance, please contact our customer care team.