The Best 4 Head Halters for Leash Training

Any big dog needs to be taught to walk nicely on a leash. Some dog owners swear by a normal leash and collar to train by giving a treat every few steps until the dog learns to simply walk by your side. That has never worked for me, nor has it given me peace of mind when I walk with Ezra. I mean, he’s a Bernese Mountain Dog, and they are bred to pull. If he really wants to pull me, he’ll pull me like I’m skateboarding down the street (except on two feet without any wheels).

For me, head halters have been the best leash training invention. In this post, I’ll review three different brands of head halters so you can make the best decision on which head halter will suit your individual needs.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using this link. Please see my disclosure for more details.

Why should you listen to me?

I am currently training Ezra on a head halter with positive results. I tried to use a regular leash and collar but by the time he was four months old, he was too strong and I needed something to give me control. I’ve been training on the Sidekick for over eight months and it’s been a saving grace. All my family of different ages are able to walk him on the Sidekick, which gives me peace of mind.

I was interested in learning more about top head halters amongst medium to giant breed dog owners so in Fall 2022 I surveyed 109 owners to see which halter they prefer best. The top three head halters were the Gentle Leader, Halti, and Dogmatic.

This article will detail the pros and cons of the top three head halters plus my personal up-and-coming favorite head halter using data from survey results and my own experience.

What are head halters?

Head halters are tools that dog owners use to prevent their dogs from pulling or lunging while on walks. Each head halter is a little bit different, but generally they have two fabric loops that go around the dog’s neck and nose. The head halter is used in addition to a collar. Most head halters also require a separate leash.

With a head halter, you can teach your dog to walk on a loose leash next to you. Head halters work by either pulling the dog’s head to the side or pulling him backwards if the dog walks too far away from you, lunges, or pulls on his leash. With some practice, your dog will eventually walk beside you.

Some dog owners use them throughout their dog’s entire life. Other dog owners use the head halter temporarily and then eventually graduate to a regular leash and collar or harness.

Why would I need a head halter?

You may need a head halter if:

1. You have never leash trained a medium to large sized dog before.
2. You have a dog that is stronger than you that needs leash training.
3. You have a dog that lunges or pulls on their leash.
4. You have a dog that weighs greater than ~30 lbs. that doesn’t know how to walk on a leash.
5. You want to train your dog without causing him any harm.
6. Your large dog is leash trained, but you want the peace of mind of being able to control him under unforeseen circumstances.
7. You have family members of all ages that will walk your dog and they need to learn how to use it easily without potentially harming your dog.

The best products to leash train your dog

The #1 thing to keep in mind as you shop for your own head halter is that not all dogs have the same needs. While this is a guide based on research and my own experience to help you identify a good halter for your dog, please keep in mind your dog may need something entirely different. Whichever head halter you choose, ensure it doesn’t rub your dog’s snout or irritate his eyes.

Best Overall

Gentle Leader

This is the market leader in head collars. I always have one on hand as a back-up option to the K9 Sidekick.

• Thin strap over the nose isn’t noticeable
• Readily available at all major retailers
• Lots of free content on YouTube to teach you to use it correctly
• Pulls at dog’s neck/chin.

See Best Available Price

Or read full review here.

Best Fitting Option

Halti Head Collar

Halti has been selling leash training tools since 1979 and is hugely successful. This long-standing product seems to work across the most dog breeds, is a high quality brand, and comfortable.

• Highly adjustable for multiple dog breeds, including dogs with shorter muzzles
• Options for added padding
• Securely attaches to the dog’s collar
• Generally the cheapest option
• Leads by the dog’s neck/chin

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Best Option for UK Dog Owners

Dogmatic

A brand built out of necessity, Dogmatic evolved from a dog owner with health issues who wanted to walk her dogs with ease. It is a tried and true product that is comfortable for owners and dogs.

• Fabric or leather options available
• Highly popular brand in the UK and readily available
• Sizing guide helps determine the specific size for your dog
• Not readily available in the US
• Leads by the dog’s chin vs. back of the head

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My Personal Favorite

K9 Sidekick

This is completely new innovation on the market. Once I found this, I haven’t needed anything else. This was life-changing and I love that it doesn’t pull at his neck at all.

• Pulls behind the dog’s skull vs. neck
• Doubles as a slip lead
• Securely fastens to the dog’s collar
• Is a training tool and leash combined into one
• Most expensive option
• Not as readily available in stores or online

See Best Available Price

Or read full review here.

Common questions about head halters

The last thing you need to know about head halters

The main thing you always need to consider is what fits your dog best without irritating his snout or eyes. All these options are highly reputable brands with a loyal following. I recommend testing out a few options to see which suit you and your dog best, and then working with a professional trainer to ensure you are using the head halter properly.