Is your dog a little wild when you take him for a walk? Does he pull the leash like he's in a race, or does he stop by any plant he finds? A halter collar can help make walking your dog that much more enjoyable. A halter collar will make him feel part of the pack and help him see that he needs to follow your commands when you take him for a walk. Most important, though, is the fact that a halter collar won't hurt him. However, it won't be as effective if you put it incorrectly. Scroll down to step 1 to find out how to properly put a halter collar on your furry friend.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Put on the Collar
Before purchasing a halter collar, you should put it on your dog to make sure it fits him properly and that you understand where each part of the tool needs to go.
Step 1. Connect your leash to the control ring
If you don't have a leash, buy one when you buy the collar. The control ring is the metal ring found at the end of the strap that extends from the part around the neck to the part around the muzzle. Attach your leash so that once you put the halter collar on, your dog can't run away.
Step 2. Open the neck strap with both hands
When you do this, your leash and muzzle strap should hang directly in the center so that the entire halter collar forms a 'T'. Place the strap around your dog's neck. The center bar of the ring (which connects the neck strap, nose strap, and leash strap) should be under your dog's chin, above the Adam's apple, while the back of the collar strap it should rest at the base of the skull, behind the ears.
Step 3. Unfasten the neck strap once it is properly attached to your dog
Attaching it before unhooking ensures that it fits properly (it is more difficult to adjust when the muzzle strap is on your dog). Once you've adjusted the glue strap to the right size (see step two), unhook it. It is easier to clip the glue strap in place after putting the muzzle strap on your dog.
Step 4. Keep the muzzle strap open
Be sure to keep your dog still between your legs or at your side when you put the head collar on for the first time. Slip the muzzle strap onto the base of your dog's muzzle by reaching under the dog's head. Once you have the strap on your nose, give your pup a treat to let him know he's being good, and to distract him a bit.
Step 5. Snap the neck strap back into place in the starting position
Once your pup is hooked on, make sure all parts of the halter collar are in the right place (see part two).
Part 2 of 2: Adjust the Halter Collar
Once you have placed the halter collar on your dog, make sure that each part fits your dog so that it is as effective as possible without causing too much discomfort to the dog.
Adjust the neck strap
Step 1. Check that the halter collar is the right size
the neck strap of the halter collar must be long enough to stay as high on the dog's neck as possible. This means that the front of the neck strap should be above your dog's Adam's apple, while the back should touch the base of the skull directly behind your pup's ears.
You can adjust the width of the neck strap by sliding the adjustable clamp towards the control ring (the ring where you attach the leash to the halter collar)
Step 2. Make sure the collar fits snugly over the top of the neck
It should be tight enough for barely a finger to fit under the belt. This is like a muzzle "collar", it wraps around your dog's neck and will help guide him. Keep in mind that it does not cause any discomfort to your dog - so resist the temptation to keep it too loose, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the halter collar.
Step 3. Check that the neck strap does not rotate
It is important that the neck strap is tight enough not to twist as the point of the neck strap is that it dictates the direction of the dog's head. If your dog manages to turn around inside the strap, the strap is too loose and will not be effective.
Adjust the Muzzle Strap
Step 1. Make sure the muzzle strap is loose
The muzzle strap, unlike the neck strap, should be loose enough for your dog to open his mouth fully - enough to catch a tennis ball. However, you should check it to make sure it is not so loose that it slips off the nose.
Step 2. Check it to make sure the muzzle strap moves
As mentioned above, the muzzle strap should not come off, but should allow the moist part of the nose, in front of his eyes, to move freely. This movement will allow your dog to feel comfortable, at the same time it will allow you to guide him.
Step 3. Check that it fits around your mouth properly
This means that the halter collar should fit snugly into the back of the corners of his mouth. If not, you've probably chosen a collar that is too small for your pup.
