Dog Halti: Pros & Cons

A Dog Halti is one of the more recent and modern additions to the standard canine walking devices that normally include the harness, the collar, and the lead. A halti can be a great device to use for many dog breeds but sadly, there are many dog owners who misunderstand it. It’s too common to see people mistake a halti for a muzzle. 

Besides, if you don’t know what a halti is right now, chances are you do not know how it works, its benefits, or even how it looks. Well, don’t worry. In this article, we will give you a basic introduction to the dog halti, how it works, and of course, a few pros and cons that should guide you in your decision on whether to use the device or not.

What Is A Dog Halti?

Simply put, a Halti is essentially a head collar that looks quite similar to the halter worn by horses. The device is also known as a gentle leader, a head collar or head halter. It is designed to go over the dog’s head. One big loop goes around the dog’s neck while another smaller one goes over the dog’s muzzle. The key to success when using Halti is correct fitting. It should not be too tight to make the pooch uncomfortable or too loose to slip off.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Dog Haltis

The Halti may be a great dog walking tool but it has its advantages and disadvantages. Dog trainers find Halti very effective in cases where a certain level of control on the dog is needed. 

As a matter of fact, this device can be used to deal with re-directed aggression due to its effective head and muzzle control. Despite this, it’s better to use the front attaching harness instead when control of the head is not needed that much. 

Here is a simple break down of the pros and cons of the Halti.

Pros Of A Dog Halti

• It is very useful in reducing pulling. You also get significant control over the dog’s head.  The device feels more or less like “power steering.”
• The Halti is a more humane option to train your dog against pulling compared to other alternatives like choke collars, electronic collars, and prong collars.
• It comes with padding. This makes it a comfortable fit compared to other alternatives in the market. 
• You may also get the option of closing the muzzle with some Halti models out there.
• The design of the Halti makes it easier for the dog to pant as needed without any restriction.

Cons Of A Dog Halti

• It will take some time before the dog adjusts to the Halti. Dogs might react badly to the device too. Some will toss themselves on the ground, others will panic, while some may even rub their heads on hard surfaces.
• The Halti may also depress or distress your dog at first.
• There is a injury risk of wearing a dog halti, similarly many other dog training tools. If it’s not used correctly, it can lead to injuries on the dog’s neck and spine.

Other Names The Dog Halti Is Known By 

The Halti is known by many other names, not just this one. The most common name used as an alternative is the Gentle Leader. It is also possible to find some people referring to the device as the Snoot Loop. Another name that is also commonly used is the Dog Head Halter.