INTERNATIONAL POSITIVE DOG TRAINING ASSOCIATION

Research Findings - Head Halter

GOLD STANDARD FOR EARNING A POSITIVE DOG TRAINING CERTIFICATION

THE WORLD'S FIRST POSITIVE DOG TRAINER ASSOCATION

HEAD HALTER

Dog Training Tool: Head Halter

Rating: Acceptable when fitted properly and used following the criteria described in these research findings as long as the dog does not have an adverse reaction to it. Not acceptable when not fitted properly, used as an aversive or on stressed, anxious, fearful dogs.

Note: The intended use of the head halter does not include an operant sequence as its purpose is for safety only, when attached to a leash or life-line and/or to control the movement of the nose, head and neck of an otherwise powerful dog or a dog that chokes when pulling on a collar. However, some dogs find the feel of the head halter and the pressure caused by tightening around the nose, eyes and/or neck unpleasant and/or frightening, in which case it becomes aversive. When used as an aversive it works with the following quadrants of operant conditioning. ​

​Operant Sequence: Positive Punishment or Negative Reinforcement

Positive Punishment
Pulling on the leash to cause tightening around the nose, eyes and/or neck and restriction of movement to decrease the likelihood that the behaviour will be repeated. For example, adding tightening to stop the dog from pulling.

Negative Reinforcement
Stopping the tightening to increase the likelihood that the behaviour will be repeated.
For example, loosening up on the pressure of the head halter in order to maintain heel position (avoidance conditioning).

Note: Canine Correspondence Studies and Norma Jeanne's Dog Training do not recommend the use of head halters as they increase stress and anxiety in many dogs. Putting a head halter on a fearful or reactive dog is on par with putting a person in handcuffs then forcing them into what they perceive to be a dangerous or unpleasant situation. Putting a head halter on a fearful dog can cause the dog to panic, further harming its temperament and emotional wellbeing. Instead we recommend a front or double-loading harness.

Conclusion: Potential to be an aversive. 
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