Game On K9 Training

02/05/2026

Please read to the end.

It's my opinion that if the time is invested to teach loose lead walking, equipment like this is never needed for 'anti pulling'.

They may be a temporary solution to change the picture of lead walking for the dog whilst training if pulling has become very reinforcing or for safety but I have yet to resort to this. The only one I would ever recommend is one that doesn't tighten around the muzzle if they pull and it would have to be conditioned first to be a non event to the dog with a positive emotional response to it.

WHY I DON’T GENERALLY RECOMMEND HEAD HALTIS / HEAD COLLARS FOR DOGS

Too frequently I am reading online 'positive reinforcement / force free trainers recommend and use head collars’ and this statement being used as a way of highlighting our hypocrisy for criticising tools such as a prong, slip lead, grot or e-collar, whilst frequently recommending the use of a head collar.

I would consider myself relatively well connected with colleagues and peers, and I can only think of two who may be more quick to recommend a head collar so this common portrayal of what we supposedly advise is a little frustrating to me.

WHY I DON'T ACTIVELY RECOMMEND THIS EQUIPMENT

1. The muzzle is a highly sensitive area, and should a dog pull or lunge into a head collar, some designs of head collar can tighten on the nose or ride up into the eyes - which is unpleasant.
It can restrict breathing and cause sores from rubbing.

For some dogs, the equipment sitting on the muzzle without even tightenening is unpleasant.

2. If a dog lunges on a head collar, they risk giving themselves a serious neck injury due to the lead pulling the dog's muzzle round and back- causing a sudden and intense curve/turn/angle in the neck.

3. If a dog pulls into a head collar, this not only causes a curve in the neck but also significant loading into one foreleg. Although this can also be seen in collars and front leading harnesses.
For balance, we can also argue that excessive loading into both forelegs and shoulders can be observed in dogs pulling into a harness, even if it fits well.

4. Head collar can interfere with social, self regulating and explorative behaviour, especially if the lead is short. A dog may be less inclined to engage with the environment (creating vigilance when walking), less able to offer head turns or displacement sniffing as a means of difusing tension.
They may be less able to curve their body and generally soften their body language when passing or interacting with dogs.

WHAT HAPPENS IF OUR CLIENTS USE ONE?

We can count on one hand how many clients in the past few years have opted to use one (without us recommending it).

For full transparency- we can count on one hand how many times we have felt the need to suggest head collars as an option for the client to consider across our whole careers (that’s 16 years for me alone!).

Recommendation of this equipment would not be to teach the dog, but to safeguard the client whilst positive reinforcement based methods are being applied. i.e., the size and/or strength of the dog versus that of the handler/owner is a concern and that minimising that risk via other means (such as where the dog is walked whilst training is underway) prove challenging.

We would do so whilst being fully aware of the dog’s experience and the risks of that experience being aversive and work hard to mitigate that- rather than optimise that discomfort as a means of teaching the dog.

1. We do not expel our clients for their choices.

2. We will clearly explain the risks involved with this choice of equipment and put a huge emphasis on consistent loose lead walking and ensuring the dog does not lunge whilst wearing a head collar.

We will make clients aware of the risks of injury and monitor the dogs for signs of pain (which we do with all our cases anyway).

3. We will emphasis that the dog must happily put the equipment on, exhibit relaxed body language whilst wearing it and not try and paw to get it off.

4. We focus on trying to resolve the behaviours that give the client reason or need to use them and increase the handler's confidence when walking their dog.

Part of this will be looking at reducing on lead time as much as possible as well as looking at ensuring the choice of equipment doesn't replace focus on why the dog is exhibiting the behaviour (such as lunging or excessive pulling) and improving their ability to cope in that environment or context.

Improvement in those areas will reduce the perceived need for that equipment.


CAVEATS

The only 'force free' way to use a head collar is to introduce one (gradually) when a dog already walks reliably on a loose lead, providing the dog doesn't find the equipment sitting on their muzzle aversive (puts on willingly/happily, moves and behaves in a relaxed demeanour and doesn't try to paw off).

This in itself is somewhat contradictory as walking on a loose lead and not lunging should mean a head collar is not necessary.

However, we cannot completely disregard that some people will feel less anxious walking their dog knowing that should their dog suddenly lunge/pull - they won't be pulled over.

Should the dog pull/lunge- the equipment works (to stop the behaviour) by being uncomfortable (aversive) and I can't think of a single professional who would state otherwise.

If someone conditions a head collar paralell to proofing loose lead (and reducing any reactive behaviour) and a dog wears a head collar happily and comfortably, never lunges or pulls whilst wearing one, and the handler enables the dog to engage with the environment and communicate/signal to other dogs (unless taught and cued to not do so when on lead using positive reinforcement methods) then a head halti should be/feel neutral to a dog - providing the dog gets opportunities for species specific behaviours beyond the head collar!

If a dog is always on lead when out of the home and is less able to engage with their environment (sniffing, signaling to dogs etc) then frustration is likely going to increase over time - regardless of what equipment the dog is wearing.


IF YOU USE A HEAD COLLAR ON YOUR DOG

I would encourage you to get them checked out by a qualified physio periodically to ensure they have not hurt their neck.

When wearing the head collar, your dog should be able to move their head around easily. Be mindful that your default setting ISN’T a tight/taught lead as this will cause your dog to hold their head at an unnatural angle, putting strain on their neck and increased loading into one shoulder and foreleg.
The default setting should be a loose lead (bounces and swings due to lack of tension).

Consider using a double ended lead, so the attachment to the muzzle is literally used only in an emergency. This reduces the risk of damage to the neck, but doesn't eradicate it given the intensity of behaviour likely observed in what is considered an emergency.

There are some head collar designs that do not tighten on the muzzle when there’s tension on the lead and the flat webbing is likely more comfortable on the muzzle than anything rounded, such as rope figure of 8 leads. These features may help them be less unpleasant for the dog.

Image from Company of Animals website.

11/03/2026

⭐ 3 week Recall Masterclass starting this weekend! ⭐

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13/02/2026

A professional is asked about what’s causing the rise in dog bites. They’re given the opportunity to educate the public on a big media platform on how to prevent their dog biting.

They don’t….

❌ Mention unethical breeding practises. That owners should get a dog from a breeder who considers the health and temperament of both parents, who proactively socialises any litters they bring into the world as well as pairing puppies with suitable homes.

❌ Mention the rise in ‘power’ and working breeds due to the influence of breeds frequently featuring in dog training social media videos, and how more and more people are getting a breed of dog who is beyond their current capabilities. All because they like and have been sold the idea of controlling such a powerful dog via social media.

❌ Discuss that an increase in dog population parallel to a busier world where people have less time (to train, walk and BE with their dog) will by default increase the risk of incidents.

❌ Describe how it’s important to systematically increase a puppy or dog’s experiences parallel to helping them develop coping strategies and confidence in navigating what is an ever increasing challenging world.

❌ Meeting the physical, social and mental stimulation needs of the dog as an individual, ensuring training takes into consideration what life skills the dog may need to live a fulfilled life safely.

❌ Being someone who your dog wants to listen to, not because they fear you, but because you are a calm, consistent communicator who helps them try to succeed in this complicated word.

❌ Being someone who listens to their dog by learning to understand (in the moment) canine body language, so you can be better able to respond to situations and help your dog not escalate their behaviour.

❌ Discuss how more dogs than ever are struggling with muscular skeletal issues, skin disease and gastro intestinal issues that could be the cause or maintaining factor in their aggression (and link this back to responsible breeding but also why it’s important to get a health check for any dog with behaviour problems!).

❌ Describe the rise in popularity in dog training as a profession resulting in trainers (using any method of dog training) taking on extreme cases without adequate practical experience or knowledge (including qualifications) on dog behaviour.

❌ Acknowledge the overwhelming amount of information on social media and online that can lead to owners hop skotching from one method or approach to another, often trying to bypass professional support.

A missed opportunity to highlight that growling, barking, lunging and biting are behaviours symptomatic of an underlying feeling that is often motivated or influenced by health problems, stress, historic or current negative experiences, as well as the relationship and interactions we have with our dogs.

What they do with that opportunity instead is…

✅ Refer to the force free ‘movement’ - a supposedly new 'movement' that's been around since the 80s- as ‘woke’ and largely responsible for the increase in dog bites.

✅ Prioritise the need to correct dogs with behaviour problems instead of (or before) understanding and supporting them by identifying why they are aggressive in the first place.

So focused on defending and advocating their preferred method of training, they used the platform to target those who do different and sensationally misrepresented and insulted them (or tried to).

Thank goodness the wonderful Ann BD had a larger section on this feature to bring some less emotive and more intelligent points into the discussion.

In a world where the number of followers can be mistaken for expertise…. I encourage everyone to follow professionals who demonstrate a deep understanding of behaviour and who showcase their process AND long term results.

Clients/owners walking/training/enjoying their relaxed and happy dogs - ideally months after their session- is my criteria for longterm success.

Please be cautious of those who struggle to communicate diplomatically and thoroughly, resorting to labels, name calling, insults and making sweeping generalised statements without acknowledging a single nuance of what is almost always a very complicated thing.

Professional conduct is waning within this industry and that need not be the case regardless of our stance on opposing methods of training.

Note- whilst it's not overly difficult to learn the identity of this professional, this post reflects on a broader issue within our industry. I acknowledge that this post cuts VERY close to my 'no name and shame' rule, but I will delete any naming of the individual in question.

27/01/2026

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24/12/2025

Wrap it up! It's Christmas!!✝️✨🫶🏼♥️🎄👼🏼⭐

Thank you to all my wonderful clients, past and present for partnering with me to support your dog's needs.

Keep in mind the bucket 🪣 over this period. It's a lot for some dogs! They may need extra calm and settle time - deep sleep, chews/lickmats/Kong's etc.

Walks are not always the answer!!

Have a wonderful Christmas and I look forward to seeing you and your dogs soon! ♥️

For enquiries - please fill out a contact form on the website!

🗓️ We're back to work 3rd Jan!

13/12/2025

Beautiful morning for some dog training with .... Feeling very Christmassy!! ❄️🎄🫶🏼

12/12/2025

*****Raising Puppies*****

Those of you who know me will know that the last puppy I raised was my beautiful little boy - Gimli, who tragically passed away at 15 months.

There will never be another dog like him and no other dog will fill the massive whole he left in our lives.

I had the most amazing bond and connection with Gimli, which I've never had with any other dog.

Why was our bond so strong? Because our relationship was built on trust, nurture, understanding, empathy and love.

I never once had to raise my voice or use any form of correction or punishment with him. Instead I taught him that making good choices paid off and I supported him through his challenges.

He wasn't an easy puppy and we had to make a lot of adjustments to our routine and lifestyle but boy was it worth it. Because he gave all that support and love back in bucket loads.

And I would give anything to be able to do it all again with him 💔

So if you're planning on introducing a puppy into your family over the holidays, please, please don't listen to all the awful advice on social media saying to let them cry it out, show them who's boss, leave them alone they will be fine, ignore them. Instead - nurture them, protect them, support them, show them and love them.

And if you do that you will have a relationship with your dog that is magical

20/11/2025

How do we think people in the UK would respond to something like this? Would be amazing to see the shift...

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FWtPngUUW/

The Netherlands is making a change many people have quietly wished for. A New Year’s Eve without the chaos, the sirens, and the pets trembling under tables.

It won’t erase the memories of past nights, but it opens the door to something calmer. Something kinder. A celebration that feels like a celebration instead of a neighborhood-wide battle of noise.

And for millions of dogs who don’t understand why the sky suddenly explodes, this shift could mean the difference between terror and peace.
Check comments for the full story ⬇️

28/10/2025

If you're ever unsure about the use of a slip lead to 'correct' behaviour....often used to 'teach' loose lead walking ....then why not put yourself in your dog's paws and try what Roz does here.....

NB. Slip leads have their place - as originally designed - for the gundog community for quick release. Never were they meant as a loose lead walking tool.

08/10/2025

What happens when the husband takes the dogs for a walk......and your dog is only at the start of his gundog training....oh the work I'm going to have to do now🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️😱😱🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️

03/10/2025

If you're ever unsure why don't talk balanced training or why we are so sure that the way we train is the kindest, long-lasting method for real transformation in your dogs, Spaniel Aid explain it perfectly. And these guys see the repercussions of balanced training day in day out.....
Thank you again Spaniel Aid for using your voice on this 🫶🏼💗

This week, like most weeks, we have taken in a dog whose owner had sought help from someone who calls themselves a balanced trainer. Someone who uses aversive consequences as ‘corrections’ alongside positive reinforcement to ‘reward’ when working to change a dog’s behaviour.

Let us be absolutely clear: Spaniel Aid does not support or endorse any form of “balanced” training, or any use of aversive training methods or tools. When we are out and about in public places, we are increasingly seeing dogs wearing prong collars, choke leads or anti-bark collars. These tools are designed to change a dog’s behaviour by teaching them to avoid something painful or scary. In the short term, they may be effective in suppressing the unwanted behaviour, but they do nothing to change it for the better in the long term. Often, in order to keep suppressing the behaviour, the intensity with which the tool is used has to be increased, and that has a detrimental effect on the dog’s welfare. Overly controlling and aversive training methods don’t address the root cause of the problem behaviour, or change the way a dog feels about a perceived threat or attraction. All they do is change the response to it, leaving the dog feeling fearful, confused and uncomfortable. Because these negative emotions form part of the training process, the saddest consequence of using aversive techniques is the damage it can do to the relationship, and the loss of trust, between a dog and their human.

If you are struggling with your dog’s behaviour and you seek the help of a trainer, ask them if they use these methods to shut down the behaviour you want to stop. Then ask yourself if you really want to do that to your dog. At Spaniel Aid we see damaged dogs who need to learn to trust and rebuild their relationship with people after unethical training methods have been used, and our fosterers must cope with the behavioural fallout and often unpredictable reactivity that is frequently a result of the use aversive equipment and training techniques. In contrast, ethical training using positive reinforcement focuses on understanding why the dog is behaving how it is, encouraging long lasting behaviour change by setting the dog up to make good choices, and helping the dog to develop new neural pathways, all while building a trusting relationship with their handler. Reward based training results in a dog that feels happier, more relaxed and more self-confident, because they are being listened to and supported in learning at their own pace.

Spaniel Aid supports positive reinforcement training because evidence from multiple well regarded scientific studies shows it’s effective, because it doesn’t damage the dog’s emotional state, and because it’s kind and ethical. Please help us to fight the misinformation and the cruelty inherent in so many of the training practices currently being promoted and offered to owners. Ask questions of anyone you ask for training advice to find out what methods they use, and how they will teach you to support your dog in learning new skills and responses. If their answers don’t feel right in your heart, walk away - our dogs need us to be their advocates because their lives depend on us. Please stand against cruelty: Be another shoulder to the boulder and one day it will roll.

For telephone support: https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/get-help/behaviour-support-line
To find an in-person trainer/behaviourist: https://abtc.org.uk/ or https://www.imdt.uk.com/
For online support: https://fbdtas.com/