Headcollars (and the right training) can make walks much easier. But with so many options, which one is best for your dog? Here’s a review of our 4 favorite headcollars.
Gentle Leader
You’ve probably heard of this headcollar, and for good reason: it’s the most popular one out there! But, it’s not for every dog. Here’s how to tell if it’s for you and your pup.
Best for: Dogs with Shepherd-style noses, ones that are medium to long relative to the size of the dog’s neck. (German Shepherds, Labs, Goldens, Standard Poodles, Huskies, Dobermans, etc.)
Pros: Easy to get, affordably priced, and a padded nose strap to reduce chafing on your dog’s cute little snoot. Comes in lots of fun colors.
Cons: Rides up into some dogs’ eyes, even when properly fit. (No fun for anyone!) The nose loop can prevent dogs from opening their mouths fully if not well-fit. The neck strap slowly loosens and needs to be re-tightened every few walks.
Find the Gentle Leader on Amazon or at your favorite local pet supply store!
Dogmatic
Hands-down our favorite headcollar! It’s more of an investment, but we think this one blows the others out of the water. Here’s why:
Best for: Most dog nose and neck sizes! (And the company will help you choose the best size for your dog.)
Pros: Soft yet durable material with cushy padding. The best design for maximum mouth comfort (Pant, play, and drink away!). Much less riding up in most dogs’ eyes.
Cons: Currently only sold from the UK, and it’s the most expensive.
Find the Dogmatic on the Dogmatic Website.
Comfort Trainer
This headcollar is often a favorite because it’s soft and easy to fit! Is it a good fit for your dog?
Best for: Most dog nose and neck sizes. Can accommodate most Pit Bulls and mixes, Boxers, Rottweilers, English-style Labs, and lots of the Bully breeds!
Pros: One-size-fits-most nose piece! (Plenty of room to pant and play ball!) The neck strap stays in place, it fits most dogs, and they’re reasonably priced.
Cons: The soft fabric is easier to chew through. Most of the medium to small sizes have a tiny plastic snap buckle that makes putting it on and taking it off a bit of a pain. (Not a good choice if you have arthritis or limited mobility in your hands.)
Find the Comfort Trainer on Amazon.
If you’re a client and have more questions, just let us know!
Once you’ve chosen your headcollar, it’s time to get your dog trained to wear it!