Head Halter - Halti

[cammidge]

Because I'm somewhat disabled from MS, I use a walker. The main problem I have is a wonky gait, and terrible balance. This puts me at risk of a rambunctious puppy changing directions suddenly pulling the walker out from under me - I've had two falls in the past two days, one from accidentally putting the walker on a piece of plywood that we use for a bridge, sitting down, and the wheel of the walker fell off the edge, bucking me off onto the lawn.

 

That one was my own fault, but then today Sable decided she would rather play than go on a loose leash walk with the leash wound around the handle of the walker, pulled too hard and the walker fell over, along with me. Luckily she thinks this is a fun new game and comes and mobs me very gently (no biting - I'm surprised).

 

Hubby bought a Halti yesterday and I'm intimidated by it and need some courage to try it on her. She's 19 weeks old now and needs a lot of attention/training/games so this should be interesting for her.

[Adrienne Farricelli]

Hi Cammidge,

I am sorry your are facing these challenges. It's not easy with puppies and young dogs even for those folks not using a walker. I too have taken some tumbles with some overly rambunctious youngsters. A company I have worked with in training service dogs generally takes only dogs over a certain age as they offer more stability in terms of behavior. It is not easy with the younger pups and I have to commend you for all the effort you are putting into training your dog. The effort tends to pay off with time, consistency and as the dog reaches maturity.

 

What exactly are you intimidated about the halter? Putting it on correctly and finding a good fit or how your dog reacts to it? Or perhaps something else? Many haltis come with an accompanying video on how to habituate dogs to them. Did yours have that by any chance? Many service dogs wear halters due to the higher level of control they offer, but it's true that it can take time for dogs to get used to them.