How to Properly Fit the PetSafe® Gentle Leader® on My Dog
Important Information
The Gentle Leader® will not work for dog breeds with shorter snouts, like bulldogs and pugs. If you have a dog with a short snout, check out our other no-pull solutions like the Easy Walk® No-Pull Dog Harness on our website here.
Make sure you have the best size for your dog before trying to use the Gentle Leader® with your dog. For detailed information, visit our article How to Measure My Dog to Determine Which Size PetSafe® Gentle Leader® is needed.
Fit your dog in a quiet indoor space to ensure a stress-free and safe environment.
Fit the Neck Strap
Unclip the quick snap buckle and hold the neck straps with the nose loop hanging down.
Position the neck strap as high up on your dog’s neck as possible, just behind the ears, with the centerbar ring centered under their chin.
Fasten the neck strap using the quick snap buckle. The quick-snap buckle should only be fastened one way, in which the buckle gently curves around your dog’s neck. If the strap gets twisted and the buckle is inserted the wrong way, this can cause the buckle to jam.
Check the fit of the neck collar. It should be snug enough so that you can barely squeeze only one finger underneath, like a belt, watch band or shoe. The strap should not rotate on its own with your dog’s movement. This is the MOST important part of the entire fitting process! Continue to adjust the fit until it is perfect.
Ensure excess skin and fur are not bunched underneath the strap or sitting above the strap, and gently pull any excess down as needed.
Fit the Nose Strap
Remove the neck strap from your dog. Release the snap clamp by pulling the tab away from the strap. If you have difficulty, you may need to use something to give you leverage to pry it up like a flathead screwdriver or a quarter.
Once the snap clamp is released, slide it as close to the O-ring as possible.
You will need some tasty treats close by for the next steps.
Hold the nose loop so that the centerbar ring slides down and stops against the snap clamp.
Hold the nose loop open in front of your dog’s nose. In the other hand, hold a treat on the other side of the nose loop and encourage your dog to stick their snout through the loop, rewarding them with the treat when they do. Continue holding the nose loop and let your dog remove their snout once they have received the treat.
Repeat until your dog is comfortable putting their snout through the nose loop.
Once your pet is comfortable placing their snout through the nose loop, repeat the process with setting the nose loop on their snout. Reward them with a treat as soon as the nose loop is resting on their snout, and you have let go. Then remove the nose loop and hold it open for them again.
Repeat until your pet is comfortable with the nose loop sitting on their snout.
Once your dog is comfortable with the nose loop, place the nose loop on their snout and then fasten the neck strap high around their neck. The Gentle Leader® will create a V-shape.
Slide the snap clamp towards your dog’s chin. Temporarily hold the clamp in place pinching the nose strap below the snap clamp so it does not move. Do not close the snap clamp until you test that the nose loop length is correct.
To test, pull the nose loop forward on your dog’s snout. When it touches the beginning of the fleshy part of the nose but is not so loose that you can pull it off the nose, close snap.
To close the snap clamp, rotate the tab over and pinch the tab with the strap firmly until the clamp makes an audible noise like a snap.
Check the Fit
Proper fit is essential to using the Gentle Leader® successfully and preventing unnecessary discomfort to your dog. A headcollar that is not properly fit can result in excessive pawing, rubbing and resistance, or chafing of the nose. When properly fit the headcollar will form a V-shape on your dog and the centerbar ring will be centered under your dog’s chin, resting above the tracheal area.
Check the fit of the neck strap. It should be high on the neck, behind the ears and must be snug so that only one finger can fit under it, and it cannot rotate around the neck.
Once the snap clap is closed, test the fit of the nose strap. Gently pull the nose strap forward on your dog’s snout. It should just reach the fleshy part of the nose, but should not be able to go off the nose. It should be loose enough that your dog can freely open their mouth.
Removing the Headcollar
To remove the Gentle Leader®, simply unfasten the quick snap buckle on the collar and slide the nose loop off the snout. You do not need to open the snap clamp on the nose loop.
Training
Once everything is properly fit, it is important to use proper training techniques for successful results, and the safety and comfort of your dog. For detailed information, visit our article How to Train My Dog to Stop Pulling with the PetSafe® Gentle Leader®.
Worry-Free Purchase
If you find the Gentle Leader® you purchased is not the best size for your dog, please call our Customer Care. Have your dog’s measurements ready and our customer care experts will be happy to assist with resizing to ensure you and your dog have the best walking experience.
Contact Customer Care
If you need further assistance, please contact our customer care team.