Question:
Which would work better with a Malamute? I had been using the prong collar for when we went rollerblading but I'm going to go biking now so I need something with a bit more control.

Answer:
I prefer the gentle leader over the halti mainly because you have more sizing options, there is a lot less fabric on the face and you can lock the nose piece. You can make the gentle leader fit almost any dog that has a slope but with the halti you are limited and it doesn't fit every dog, usually only long nose dogs.

Sizing and fitting the gentle leader

First for your dog buy a large. Fit the neck piece the same way you would fit a buckle collar, two fingers flat. For the nose you will want to leave one inch from the bottom of the chin to the black buckle and lock.
When you are using this collar you must keep the leash loose. If you keep it tight your dog will get a constant correction and will fight to get it off. Never jerk on the lead.

Answer:
Just want to give you a little warning that the GL and Halti can both cause a type of pinched nerve and pressure syndrome of the neck and spine.

I used to be a big proponent of those two things as well but I wouldn't use them myself anymore from what I've known about them 'now'.

I've known of two dogs just in my neighbourhood to suffer weakness and near paralysis in the hind end, which improved after the gl and halti's were removed and a harness used. It was some thought I just had and told their families to try to remove the gl / halti and try a harness...within weeks and some massage of the neck and spine the dogs were fine!

You may want to consider a harness good luck.

Answer:
I use the GL whenever I walk Niki, she has never had any problems with it. I call it power steering because it takes very little pressure to control her. I have not heard of it damaging nerves before. This is something that concerns me greatly as I have had no luck with a halter. As a pup Niki could chew thru them, as an adult she can pull me off my feet. I have seen a loopi halter that dogs can not pull thru, my mom uses it for her pug. Because of his non-snout he cannot wear a GL or a halti. He doesn't pull nearly as bad after wearing it for a couple of walks. This may be another solution.

Answer:
I have yet to see any problems with its use.

Answer:
Originally Posted by Gripenfelter
I had been using the prong collar for when we went rollerblading

Just a question.But why would you be using a prong for this?A prong is a training tool to discourage the pulling.Your rollerblading,and I am sure he is running in front of you,which would mean he is pulling.Sorry,but to me I just think the prong is being used the wrong way.Why not just use a regular collar?

I would definately try the Loopi.I know a few people who have used it and swear by it.

Also remember not to over do it with the exercise,also meaning the running.He's still young and with him being a large dog,this can cause problems with his joints later on when he is older.

Answer:
Originally Posted by mona_b
Just a question.But why would you be using a prong for this?A prong is a training tool to discourage the pulling.Your rollerblading,and I am sure he is running in front of you,which would mean he is pulling.Sorry,but to me I just think the prong is being used the wrong way.Why not just use a regular collar?


Good point

Answer:
Originally Posted by mona_b
Just a question.But why would you be using a prong for this?A prong is a training tool to discourage the pulling.Your rollerblading,and I am sure he is running in front of you,which would mean he is pulling.Sorry,but to me I just think the prong is being used the wrong way.Why not just use a regular collar?

I would definately try the Loopi.I know a few people who have used it and swear by it.

Also remember not to over do it with the exercise,also meaning the running.He's still young and with him being a large dog,this can cause problems with his joints later on when he is older.

When I say I go rollerblading with him, I mean I actually pull my own weight. He does not pull me. I use the prong collar to discourage him from pulling. On a regular collar he pulls me upto 40kph! Yes he is ahead of me but I only use the prong collar to keep him off people's yards or out of traffic. Otherwise the leash usually has some slack in it.

Last night I switched to the halti because the petstore employee said the halti also closes his mouth when he pulls which would benefit me because of him wanting to go after certain dogs.

Took him 5 mins to get used to the halti and then he was perfect for the entire 45 min jog.

As far as exercise times go, so many people have told me so many different things. The breeder has said none of her dogs have joint problems from running and to let him run as much as he wants. Other people tell me to limit him to a lot less but when I do that he comes home and runs laps around the inside of our house. Even on this board, people told me to run him for 30 mins or 90 mins, etc etc.

Currently I jog him for 45 mins and 15 mins of play time in the backyard. Anymore than this and he's exhausted. Any less and he runs laps around the house.

Answer:
Yes, but the ability to quickly close the dogs mouth with the halti, is the same reason most dogs can paw it off their face within seconds. Not being stationary under the chin means there's so much play in the strap that it comes right off. Not helpful when out and about.

Answer:
The manufacturers of the halti placed the extra strap onto them because too many people were not putting them on properly. The neck strap is supposed to be snug right behind the ears. It doesn't tighten around the throat so it can be fairly tight(no extra space left).

Answer:
Well I've used the Halti for 3 days now. He's pulled it off a couple of times whenever he saw another dog around. I was leaving it loose so I could slip 2-3 fingers underneath but now I'll make it tighter.

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