A few weeks ago, after looking at many headcollars, I found that my local vet had Halti in stock so had them fit our SP with the correct size (I would have actually got one size too big had I ordered from a website).  She walked home fine with it on but still just using the normal collar/lead.
It took a few attempts with a very wriggly dog to get it on each time, and wasn't too bad after a while - a bit fiddly as I use the link for extra security. She walks beautifully with it, it never gets too close to her eyes, and it only takes a tiny tug to get her to move on or not pull.
There is one problem though, and it's not getting any better - because the lead attaches under the chin, it's always in view and she keeps grabbing it - sometimes just holding it in her mouth, other times using it to pull me back. She also nudges heavily into the side of my leg at times. Lately, this behaviour only lasts for 5-10 minutes and for odd spells during the rest of her walk. If it were not for this, I'd find the Halti perfect in effectiveness and design, as it's very neat with a plastic clip fastening.

I looked at headcollars again a few days ago, and decided to try a Canny Collar. The measuring instructions on the website were spot on and it arrived yesterday. My first impression was the somewhat clumsy design compared to the Halti - it's a double strap affair, the main part being a wider webbing collar with metal eyelets and buckle, and the other, narrower part overlays this freely, and pulls out as a loop at the front which is placed over the nose. The ends of this are at the back of the collar and clip onto the lead. As I wasn't too sure of it, I used the link from the Halti with it to secure it to her normal collar (comfortable as the Canny collar sits higher than the normal collar). At first, she did turn her head back to grab at the lead, but just a very light tug up on the lead and a 'no' corrected this. She stopped doing it after just a few minutes. We had a really relaxed walk, and it was very easy to control her direction and get her to move on if she stopped or tried to approach passers by. She did try pulling a bit on the way back, but only very slightly, and certainly not enough to cause shoulder or wrist pain, and again, a light tug brought her back to my side.
I found that having the lead at the back was much better for control and kept her attention off both the lead and headcollar altogether most of the time. There seems to be no chance of her head being jerked sideways awkwardly either. I only wish the overall design was a little less bulky and more like the Halti for webbing width and fastenings. Time will tell, but first impressions are good ones.

Once she's used to walking in a relaxed manner, I'll get a double end lead and attach it to her collar too with the aim to gradually favour the normal collar for control rather than the headcollar. She's only 18 weeks old, but capable of pulling heavily and being skittish at times. I have arthritis in my wrists and a shoulder, and find the headcollars a good thing for both of us.
Thanks to being able to search on CD and find the various bits of info, plus help from Annie, it's been easy to know what I'm looking for!   :)

It does seem to be horses for courses.  I think you will appreciate the wider webbing as your dog matures, as the narrow halti webbing seems to be the main problem with larger dogs causing marking/rubbing of the hair on the head, more noticeable with dogs with smooth hair on their heads.

Yes, that's a good point - it just seems so clumsy compared to a Halti. I suppose some very powerful, mature dogs come in the same size though and perhaps it's better in that respect, although for some reason, both of us feel the buckle is a little on the loose side from a design point of view - perhaps it's because it rattles a little :)

She has quite a curly head tapering onto a smooth neck & body so I see what you mean about how the Halti could mark or rub the hair.
I'd like the best of both worlds I suppose, but it never happens...unless someone knows of another make that does combine both the best attributes of these headcollars.
We had another good walk with the Canny collar this morning, with only a little spell of trying to bite the lead!

Hi Trisha,  Glad you've seen a big improvement with the headcollars, it is bliss isn't it when you're used to a pulling dog?  I think the different brands of headcollar probably all have pros and cons, it's just a case of trying to find the one that suits you and your dog best.  The problem you had with the Halti fastening at the front I also found with the Dogmatic which my dog kept getting in his mouth.  As for banging against your legs, this seems to be a tactic most dogs use when in a headcollar! :)

Yes Annie, it is nice to have an often relaxed lead in my hand again! I don't mind a bit of playful skipping around as she's still just a baby :)

Pity I'm not into textiles - could probably design/make one incorporating the best features of a few! ;)

I did look at the Dogmatic but noticed that it's very similar to the Halti. (as is the Gentle leader)

She's only banged against my legs with this Canny collar a couple of times too! Crafty monkeys aren't they! Thanks again for the help.

You're very welcome Trisha - maybe I should look out for a canny collar as well! :)  Has she managed to slip out of it at all?  I can't work out how tight the nose loop is when the dog isn't pulling.

The nose loop moves completely independantly of the collar. It's attached through neat metal 'tags', and you just pull it through a plastic square at the front and loop it over the nose, pull the two ends taught at the back and clip the lead onto them.
You may get a better picture of the design and use here: http://www.cannyco.com/CannyFiles/fitting.htm

For some reason, the nose loop doesn't go loose enough to come off when she isn't pulling, and appears to be very similar on the nose to the Halti. She's pawed at it a few times, but it stayed put. Any mischief such as pawing, or trying to turn to bite the lead is soon stopped by a gentle pull upward with the lead and a 'no' (quite suprised!) and any pulling is countered with a light tug (depending on how hard the pulling is :))

The size guide doesn't mention SP's, but the measuring guide stated 13-15" for size 3, and I used a tape measure around her throat to the back of the neck behind the ears - 13" - I ordered a size 3, and it's spot on for fit on the first hole, meaning it'll grow with her for some time!

If the collar is a good snug fit, and the lead clip adequate, I doubt the dog could get loose unless the buckle came undone (I do prefer the clip lock plastic fasteners). For added security, just in case it was possible to slip over her head (doubtful) I slotted the Halti link onto it.
I can see that it will be most secure for any headcollar if a double ended lead is used.

One thing I didn't like about the Dogmatic was the fact it was so thin in width which made doing up the small buckle really fiddly, especially when you have a long haired dog like mine!  Like you, I prefer the plastic clips but I suppose they can break so may be less secure.  Just watched the video - looks very similar to the Gentle Leader apart from the lead attaching behind the head rather than in front.  Nose loop did look quite tight I thought but the dog seemed able to pant OK.  Quite like the idea of being able to take the nose loop off without removing the whole headcollar when the dog is free running.  Did you get those optional clips they mention?  I think you can buy the Canny collar in shops can't you?  Don't know how the prices compare to those online?

I didn't notice or see the small buckle on the Dogmatic. As soon as I saw it had the same style as a Halti I ruled it out - definitely hard enough to get some of these things on a wriggly dog without having a small buckle :)

She has one of those Rogs collars, with an added slide lock on the clip, it looks really strongly made, so perhaps my preference for such fasteners is based on that.

The loop on the Canny does seem to be very similar in action to the Halti - she can pant, lick faces and eat biscuits or pick sticks up easily (done all of those things today). I didn't buy the clips because she's just too skittish still to let loose, and where we live there are no safe open spaces well away or protected from traffic close by. Up to size 3, the two ends can clip to each other though for such purposes.
When she gets calmer and a little better used to the car (gets car sick) we can take her somewhere to let her have a run, but she does get some good running and leaping done in the garden!

I bought mine online as part of an order for a bigger bed I wanted for her etc., but it can be bought online cheaper and post free at enjoyablewalkies (£12.50 & best deal I've seen) Most places charge around £14.95, and there's always Ebay but postage to be paid. I've never seen them in any pet shops I've been to so far.

Hi Trisha,  Thanks for the info - sorry for the delay in replying but had problems with the ISP yesterday.  Enjoyablewalkies looks a good bet, especially as they have free p & p as well.  Just tried measuring my lad though and it seems he will need a size 6!   Think I had better double check that before ordering. :D

You're welcome Annie .....size 6! wow.
I remember looking at the size chart and thinking what a whopper dog a size 7 would be 1!!!

I'm sure you'll be measuring correctly as they describe how to easily.
I just used a tape measure around her throat to the back - fairly high in a similar position to the back of the Halti - it was exactly 13", so the size 3 (13-15") should last us a while!

Decided on a size 5 in the end as they said the measurement should be snug and I can change it if I need the next size.  Ordered the two clips as well as they're not included with size 5.

It's not that his neck is big, more that he has so much thick hair round it!  Strangely enough, my almost 14 year old has a smaller neck measurement!

Hope you find it good to use!
Nice you can change it if wrong, but hope it fits first time :)

You have to send it back at your own cost but they do say they will replace with another size in those circumstances (this is enjoyablewalkies I'm talking about).  I'll be careful with this one and not use it at all unless I'm completely happy (in other words, not make the same mistake I did with the Dogmatic!

I'll let you know how I get on. :)

Ah  yes! - I remember the problems you had with the Dogmatic size & not being able to return it!

Good luck with the new one :)

Hi Trish,  Canny collar turned up this morning (only ordered yesterday pm so brilliant service from enjoyablewalkies).  First impressions very good.  Think it is a much better idea to be able to put the basic flat collar on first and then the nose loop, as most of the others you have to put the nose loop on first and then try to do up the collar part while the dog is trying to get the nose loop off!  Looks sturdy enough for my big lad - only possible weakness is that little plastic yellow clip under the nose loop, ie if it gets brittle and breaks. 

Once I'm certain it is the right size, I'll try him out in it and will let you know how I get on. :)

Annie, that's certainly good service! It's something that makes me go back to a company.

Yes, It is a bit easier to get on. Re the yellow clip - hadn't thought about it breaking and daren't take a closer look at it right now or she'll think we're going somewhere & it's too hot at the moment! It does only allow the loop to slide back and forth so perhaps is adequate for it's purpose. Again - no such thing as perfect design!
At least if it did ever break the dog is still secure! ...and I'd expect the manufacturers to repair or replace if it broke in an unreasonable time.

Hope you find it fits and good to use! :)

Hi Trisha,  Tried it for the first time this morning although didn't go far as it is roasting here, 31 degrees is being mentioned!   Liked it better than the other head collars I've tried with Angus, especially the fact that the lead attaches at the back of the neck and also that even if Angus managed to get the nose loop off, he would still be securely held.  Angus didn't like it of course and spent a lot of time and effort trying to get the nose loop off - unsuccessfully!  Sure he will get used to it though.  Thanks for all your info. :)

Oh that is good news Annie! - glad to have been able to pass on something useful :)
Sophie doesn't exactly like it, and has tried to get it off on a few occasions, but generally, she walks far better with it. I suspect it may have a gentler 'nose pressure' action than the Halti because she does get ahead easier, yet doesn't exactly pull.
I like it, and she doesn't try to grab the lead much at all now.

Yes - too hot today for walks! She seems a bit sorry for herself anyway today - teething I think, as another large back tooth came out yesterday.

My only problem with the Canny Collar is that the locus of control is more around the neck, where a normal collar would be, than based on the head, where the other head collars would be.  The downside of this is that, if you have a determined puller, it is much easier for them to pull on it, than on other head collars.  I realised this when after using a halti, which I could hold mine on, on my little finger, I tried a Canny Collar and found I needed to hold on much tighter and they had more control over it than over the halti.

Have also tried a Gentle Leader and a Gencom.  So far my preferred favourite is the Gencom.  I only use them on pups and youngters which haven't yet learnt to walk on a loose lead, when I'm in a rush, though.

Yes, you're right - the control on pulling is a little less positive than the Halti, but with the Halti she was spending most of her walk grabbing the lead dangling by the side of her chin & face, and sometimes clamping down on it to pull me back. When not in mischievous mode, she walked beautifully on the Halti.
She's not a huge puller - still under 5 months, but quite heavy and determined, which causes me arthritic pain. Hopefully, as she gets more used to the Canny, I can gradually get her used to normal collar control by getting a double ended lead and slowly favouring the collar end.
Having the lead behind her head has meant she makes only a little effort in trying to grab it, and easily foiled by pulling upwards on the lead.

I just took another look at the Gencon head collar and remember why I didn't try one: It also controls from the side, nearly the same as the Halti, and also, you have to choose either left or right side walking - (probably not difficult used either way though if the dog doesn't grab the lead).

It's obvious from different peoples experiences with the various brands, that very much depends on the individual dog plus the needs of the owner.

It definitely depends on the individual dog for sure.

There is a difference between the halti and the Gencon, in terms of where the lead comes from though.  The halti lead attaches below the dog's chin, which is really close to the mouth.  The Gencon is all one lead, but the lead part comes away from the lead just behind the ears, and is much further away from the mouth, so you might not have had as much of a problem. 

Thanks for the extra information - it's not totally clear how easy the lead would be to grab from the picture on the site.
I was looking at the headcollar, not the all in one version. Because she's still a bit skittish and has the odd go at getting it off, I like to use the Halti link on a headcollar - is there anywhere to secure that to the normal collar on the Gencon please ?

I only have the All-in-one version of the Gencon, not the separate head collar.  On the All-in-one, there's not really anywhere to attach the halti link to.  There is a stopper, like the stopper on a slip lead, which you push down once you've got it on the dog, so it can't loosen and come off by accident.  I walk mine on roads with it on, with no problems, although at first I was a bit concerned about it - after several trips I saw that it wasn't going to come off easily.  But I do accept that dogs with different face shapes etc might get it off. 

I don't know about the separate Gencon head collar - there might be somewhere to secure a halti link on that - I'd imagine, as there must be somewhere to attach a lead.  Does anyone else have one?

Yes, it does look as though it could come off easily - good to hear that it doesn't :)

Be interested to hear from anyone with the basic headcollar.

I have never liked plastic clips on collars as have managed to break a few on puppy collars, bum bags, back packs etc, so trust a proper metal buckle more.

Perhaps because I've only used these plastic clips recently, I haven't yet encountered one that has broken

I think I'll get used to the buckle soon.

I agree Brainless - the plastic clips become very brittle with time. :(

:d ..in that case, I will learn to like the buckle one!

i use haltis on two of my dogs and gentle leaders on the other two, Bruce has a gentle leader because when wearing the halti he kept his head to the floor and at the first sight of grass would throw himself at it in order to rid himself of the halti, Mya has a gentle leader mainly because when looking for a head collar the first collar i found was a gentle leader, Tess has a halti and is fine wearing this, Jack also wears a halti as he easily slips out of a gentle leader, but i may switch him to a canny collar as he has a habit of raising his head and pulling into the head collar, so much so i walk Tess, Bruce and Mya on my right and Jack on his own on my left.
tanya

"Bruce has a gentle leader because when wearing the halti he kept his head to the floor and at the first sight of grass would throw himself at it in order to rid himself of the halti"

That's exactly the problem I had! ..then when that failed, she'd grab the lead and tug it just because she could! :)
Why do you think Bruce doesn't do that on the grass with the Gentle leader ?