Why I Don't Recommend Head Halters for Dogs

Dog Training

Sep 21

As a dog trainer in Houston, I'm often asked about head halters and if I recommend them for clients. While head halters like the Gentle Leader or Halti can be useful tools in some situations, they are not my first choice for most dogs. Here's why:

The biggest drawback - adjustment period

For a head halter to work properly and be safe, dogs need conditioning with positive reinforcement to accept having something on their face and head. This takes a lot of time and consistent training that I'd rather devote to teaching loose leash walking skills right from a harness.

Risk of injury

The main problem with head halters is the risk of injury to the neck. According to Dr Debbie Torraca, a board certified orthopedic specialist, the area that is most stressed or injured with head halters is the upper cervical spine. Repetitive stress to that area may cause pain, compensation in other areas of the body and pain-rated aggression. Reactive dogs that are lunging or pulling because they cannot control their emotions are at the highest risk of injury wearing head halters.

The snug fit required with head halters can also rub a dog’s muzzle raw or even cause injury to the eyes with extended wear. One of the shelters I used to volunteer with used head halters with some of their dogs, and I've seen a lot of unsightly or painful scarring on the nose from halters.

When I might recommend a head halter

The only time I may suggest a head halter is for very strong, powerful adult dogs when the owner cannot physically control pulling on a regular harness. We might use a head halter temporarily, while we’re working on loose leash walking. But this definitely would not be my first choice equipment for any puppy or younger dog and never for a prolonged length of time.

The bottom line

I prefer to focus on positive reinforcement-based leash training methods. While head halters have their limited purposes in certain cases, they are not my first choice for long-term use for any dog. With time and consistency, all dogs can learn to walk politely on a harness without relying on equipment that fits uncomfortably on the dog's face and head.

What I DO recommend instead

My first choice for any dog is a well-fitted body harness with two points of attachment, on the back and on the chest. The back attachments is the most versatile and most comfortable, while the chest attachment can slow some dogs down and safely stop them from pulling. For some added control and to help with body alignment, I sometimes use a double-ended leash, attached to both chest and back.

Here are the two harnesses that I recommend most often (and use with my dog, Fuji):