The head collar is a device that is designed to wrap around the nose of the shih tzu and then attach behind the head. It uses the pressure points on the shih tzu's nose and head to apply pressure which stops the shih tzu from pulling, jumping and straining against the leash.
Many people who see head collars mistake them for muzzles. This can make many people nervous when the shih tzu is out and about, and it bothers some dog owners as well. Beyond that, however, the head collar can be a valuable training tool for many dogs, particularly large breeds that may have learned their own strength and are difficult to control with a normal buckle collar.
There are two main brands of head collar on the market, the Halti and the Gentle Leader. Most people find the Gentle Leader easier to use than the Halti. In addition, the Gentle Leader is designed to fasten around the dog's neck. With this design, if the shih tzu manages to remove the muzzle portion, it is still wearing a collar. While it is difficult for most dogs to get out of the muzzle portion of a head collar, some shih tzu do figure out how to perform this trick.
The Halti version, on the other hand, generally provides better control of the dog, and it is often favored with those working with large, aggressive dogs for that reason.
Training the shih tzu with a head collar is often easier for beginning dog trainers and inexperienced dog owners than is training with a regular buckle color. Head collars are quite good at stopping even the strongest dogs from pulling and straining, since these devices use leverage to give the handler more control.
Head collars are often favored by many people for handling shih tzu in difficult situations, such as being around other dogs or taking a trip to the vet. A head collar can be quite effective at controlling the dog in frightening and difficult situations, even when it is not used for regular training.
It is better, actually, to use head collars as occasional training tools or reminders, not as a replacement for a regular buckle collar or training collar. That is because many shih tzu quickly learn to tell the difference between the head collar and the normal collar, and adjust their behavior accordingly. Therefore, the shih tzu that behaves perfectly while wearing the head collar may suddenly jump and strain out of control when returned to the regular collar.
That fact, of course, points up the limitation of any training device, even one as effective as a head collar. The goal of any quality shih tzu training program should be to create a willing, obedient shih tzu that can be controlled by nothing more than the handler's voice.
Even if you plan to never allow your shih tzu to go outside without a collar and lead, a well trained shih tzu should be capable of walking with you without a leash, even if there are a great many distractions around. The head collar can help guide you to this goal, but it is till up to you to gain the respect and trust of the shih tzu that will allow it to become a truly well trained member of the family.
If you are unsure how to use a head collar, or if you are unsure if a head collar is right for you, you might want to consult with a dog trainer, your veterinarian or the staff at your local pet store. These experts have probably seen many head collars used, and they may be able to provide valuable insight on the type of training device that will work the best for you.
Many people find the Gentle Leader easier to fit than the Halti, and in addition the Gentle Leader is designed to fasten around the shih tzu's neck. The advantage of this design is that even if the shih tzu is somehow able to wriggle out of the muzzle, it is still wearing a collar. This safety feature is very important, especially during training outside or in novel situations. On the other hand, the Halti offers better control of the shih tzu.
Training a shih tzu with a head collar has a number of advantages over training with a traditional or training collar. For one thing, head collars are often easier to use for beginning dog trainers than are training collars. Head collars are also quite effective at preventing shih tzus from pulling, or controlling and retraining dogs that tend to pull.
Head collars can also be quite effective at controlling shih tzus in difficult situations, such as controlling a shih tzu that wants to be with other dogs. Most owners know of some situations in which their shih tzus are difficult to control, and head collars can be quite effective at controlling these volatile situations.
Head collars can be excellent for controlling dogs that are very strong, or for working with a shih tzu in an area that contains a great many distractions. For instance, head collars are great for when your shih tzu is on an outing, or in an area where there will be other dogs and other distractions.
Even though a head collar can be a great tool, it should not be used as a replacement for effective shih tzu training. A head collar is most effective when it is used in combination with strong and sensible shih tzu training methods, such as reward training and other forms of positive reinforcement.
Disadvantages of head collars Even though head collars have many advantages, they have some distinct disadvantages as well. For one thing, head collars tend to make many shih tzu dependent on the equipment, and they quickly learn the difference between their regular collar and the head collar, and adjust their behavior accordingly.
In addition, some shih tzus, particularly those not accustomed to wearing a head collar, dislike wearing it and paw at it, try to rub it off or pull excessively. If your shih tzu exhibits this behavior, the best strategy is to keep it moving until it learns to accept the collar. A good alternative is to have the shih tzu sit by pulling up on the shih tzu's head.
Another disadvantage of the head collar is the reaction that many people have to it. Many people think that a head collar is a muzzle, and react to the dog as if it may bite. While this is not necessarily a defect of the head collar, many people do find it troublesome.
In conclusion, training with a head collar is much like training with a training collar or any other equipment. While the head collar can be an important and useful tool, it is important to use it appropriately, follow all package instructions, and to combine its use with solid training methods. The eventual goal of shih tzu training with a head collar should be to have the shih tzu behave as well with a regular collar as it does with the specialized head collar.
Connie Limon has sinced written about articles on various topics from Careers and Job Hunting, Dogs and Colon Cleanse. Connie Limon is a shih tzu breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. A professional newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Discounts are offered to subscribers. Sign up at:. Connie Limon's top article generates over 135000 views. to your Favourites.