I use a Gentle Leader on my GSP at this time of year when we go to lots of Country Fairs etc., he gets very excited and I find this helps keep him calm. My problem is that to date in the year since we've had him we have broken 3. I have just seen an advert for a Dogmatic Leather Headcollar, anyone tried them, they are more expensive then the haltis and gentle leaders but would be well worth it if they last longer. Ingrid
www.dogmatic.org.uk

The dogmatic is very good but the leather needs a lot of softening up before it can be used without rubbing.

Fiona

Thanks Fiona, don't mind treating the leather as long at it works and last a bit longer. Ingrid

Have you tried a Lupi - harness. My mum had to look after one of my rescues for a while and could not handle him on a head collar but had no problems at all with the Lupi.

Christine

What size do you use? Our agility/training instructor sells ones she's brought in from the states that buckle rather than clip and they fit so much more securely. They are still Gentle Leaders, but proper metal buckles. If you let me know the size I can find out if she's got it and pick one up for you. They also come in funky colours - yellow, purple, green...

Wendy

If it is the clips that are breaking you can by these seperatly in MILLETS shops & they are very cheap just need sowing on:d

Thank you all for you replies, have gone ahead and ordered one and the neatfoot oil to soften it up, find that and saddle soap does wonders on leather.
Christine, I don't use the gentle leader that often, just something about it seems to calm him down when we take him out to country shows etc. & when I first got him he was a bit funny with strange women so it was handy to have control of his head. he's fine now tho.
It's not the clips that go, seems to always be the webbing, must admit I have been disappointed at how quickly it wears and frays.
Thanks again Ingrid

Dogmatic headcollars are much more expensive than halties but they are brilliant! I got one for my 85kg Wolfhound boy and walking is now a pleasure, we've got complete control. They are leather with a secure buckle fastner, well worth the outlay.