Many people have differing opinions on Halti head collars and whether or not it’s ethical to use them on dogs or not. We’re here to answer the question: are Halti head collars cruel? Do Halti head collars work?
Have you ever passed by a dog that looked like he (or she) had a strap around their mouth? You may have been relieved that the mongrel can’t munch on you as you walk or run by. Or maybe it made you sad to see them restricted in such a way. Either way, it probably caught your eye.
These strange-looking contraptions are called Halti head collars. The collar wraps around a dog’s mouth and the back of its head. Haltis for dogs work similarly to a horse collar in that it helps you control your dog’s head, thus controlling the rest of its body. Ultimately, they teach dogs to associate pulling with a negative consequence.
The Halti head collar was introduced to the world in 1979 by Dr. Roger Mugford. He set out to give owners an effective means of controlling their dominating dogs during walks. It’s strategically designed to put more pressure on the back of your dog’s neck instead of the front of their face and neck. This allows dog owners to gently direct their dogs, causing minor discomfort if they begin to pull forward.
Keep reading to learn more about Halti head collars, why people use them, and browse through a few safety tips for you and your pup if you choose to give it a try.
Table of Contents
Why Do Dog Owners Use Halti Head Collars?
- STOPS PULLING: the Halti Headcollar prevents pulling on the lead by gently steering and guiding your dog's direction.
- KIND & HUMANE: made from strong but lightweight nylon webbing, the Halti Headcollar is designed for comfort with a padded neoprene nose band and...
- REFLECTIVE & SAFE: every Halti Headcollar has reflective accents for improved visibility in low light and a safety link that attaches to your...
Most dog owners have experienced the frustration of walking an excitable and eager puppy who chases after every squirrel, biker, and leaf that crosses its path. Dogs view leading as a successful behavior that can get them to where they want to go faster. However, this can be irritating when you’re forced to hold them back during what’s supposed to be a relaxing morning stroll.
You might see a Halti head collar and think it’s to prevent the pup from biting their owner or other people or animals. However, in reality, the #1 goal of this collar is to make your daily walks a lot easier.
Untrained dogs tend to want to lead their owners and pull them in the direction they want to go, which can cause a battle between dog and owner. The battle leaves you both irritated and possibly in pain in the neck, back, or shoulder. This is where a Halti collar comes in handy.
Benefits
You want your walking and bonding time with your dog to be a fun experience, so training them not to pull is a must. Although they aren’t a long-term solution, they can help teach your dog to submit to your leading.
The benefits of Halti collars are endless. Here are just a few of the many advantages they can offer to dogs and their owners:
- Improved control over the dog’s direction (especially beneficial for larger, more muscular dogs)
- Prevents neck, back, and shoulder pain or damage to both dog and owner
- Serves as an effective muzzle if the dog tends to lunge after you, other people, or animals
- Increased comfortability
- A more relaxed walking experience for dog and owner
Contrary to popular belief, the Halti collar is not entirely restrictive. It’s designed to allow dogs to pant, yawn, drink, and eat as they please.
Halti Head Collars – Safety Tips for Use
- PREVENT PULLING: The Halti OptiFit Headcollar is a must for medium to large dogs that pull on the leash. This dog headcollar stops pulling...
- OPTIMAL FIT: Unlike traditional no pull dog headcollars, the OptiFit is designed to fit a wide range of noses regardless of breed or muzzle size...
- BETTER TOGETHER: For better no-pull walking and training, we've paired the Optifit with our bestselling Halti Training Leash. This dual clip...
Using standard collars on a pulling dog can harm both you and your dog. Misusing this collar can result in fear, pain and ultimately damage your relationship between you and your best friend. That’s the last thing you want.
Avoid injuring yourself and your dog or causing distrust between you by following these safety tips for using a Halti collar:
Top Safety Tips
- Make Sure It’s a Good Fit
You need to ensure that your dog is completely safe and comfortable while wearing the Halti collar. The fabric itself shouldn’t be too scratchy or uncomfortable. However, if it fits too snugly, it could start to rub your dog’s fur or pinch their skin. If it’s too loose, it can move up and begin to rub against their eyes.
Check out this helpful video to learn how to fit your dog for a Halti collar. And when in doubt, you can always visit your local pet store for assistance.
- Don’t Use Constantly
You shouldn’t use your Halti collar every single day or for extended amounts of time, as it’s designed for walks only. If you overuse it or keep it on for too long, your dog may experience distress and discomfort. Limit it to only a few days a week for only about an hour or so.
It’s also essential to avoid leaving your dog alone while still strapped into a Halti collar, as you won’t be there to stop them from an unsafe situation.
- Ready Your Pup’s Body Language
Some dogs will never get accustomed to a Halti collar, and that’s okay. It’s not for everyone. Don’t force it. If you constantly see your pup lowering their head, dropping their ears, pawing at their face, or putting their tail between their legs when they have the Halti collar on, you need to remove it.
Try it again in a day or two, and if nothing changes, it’s probably time to try something else. You can always try out a regular leash or a body harness. What matters most is your dog’s mental and physical well-being.
Additional Tips
- Don’t Rely Solely on the Halti
Keep in mind that using a Halti collar will not solve all your problems. First, it will take some time for your dog to warm up to this new mechanism. Secondly, the Halti should not replace you training your pup to heel through positive reinforcement.
- Use a Shorter Leash
If your dog happens to start running and gets to the end of a long reel leash, it could snap back and cause serious injury to its neck. The entire situation is avoidable. Using a shorter leash can give you additional control over your dog and help you reign them in if they start to get unruly.
- Condition Your Dog First
Remember that the Halti collar is an entirely new thing to your dog. So, before you put it on and start walking around, you’ll need to introduce it to them slowly. Most likely, your dog will not like having a strap around their face (who would?). But with treats, patience, and plenty of positive reinforcement, you can encourage them to wear the Halti over time.
- Don’t Use for Running or Hiking
Many dog owners (and pups) enjoy a nice, long run out in the neighborhood or a hike in the woods. However, this is not the time to use a Halti collar. Usually, these types of activities involve longer leashes, which could potentially be dangerous for your dog. Always stick to walking when using a Halti.
Final Thoughts
- The comfortable halti headcollar gives you much greater control than a regular collar
- On-off muzzling action to close the dog's jaws.
- A useful addition to your dogs training wardrobe.
In sum, any dog collar used incorrectly can cause injury. However, with proper and safe use, you can effectively train your dog to walk politely and follow your lead. Although it may not be the best option for your pup, it’s worth a try. It’s a much better choice than other aversive training methods such as choke chains, prong collars, and shock collars.
There are plenty of high-quality, durable Halti collars as well as other dog products available today in a range of sizes. Find the best one for your dog, and you’ll hopefully be well on your way to better walks in no time!