Hi all, interesting discussion. I use a Gentle Leader with Arlo and it's been terrific.

On the training versus halti debate, I agree that they shouldn't be seen as either/or. I don't think a dog should have to heel at all times on their walks - having a sniff around is so much of the pleasure for them. With the GL, Arlo can indicate that he'd like to have a sniff and I can take him over to it.

It doesn't become a battle of wills, and when we have to just walk, he heels very well. But when he sees a cat etc he can't pull me off my feet (as has happened more than once with my mother's dog!).

I think that essentially if thought is going into these options on the part of a dog owner then they're probably on the right track. It's the choker chains, not the haltis and GLs that get us in trouble.

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