How to Use a Comfort Trainer Head Halter

Head halters can often be confusing to first time users. While the Comfort trainer is far easier than most, be sure to read this primer on proper application and training tips to get the most out of this dog training tool.

The Comfort Trainer Head Halter comes with both a buckel attachment and (in the EZ clip style) a quick-release clip. No other head halter offers both attachments, giving the user the option of either one for application. To make applications easiest, it is best to use the buckle attachment only when sizing the head halter on the dog's head. Thereafter, use the clip to easily place the training tool on the dog's head and to remove it when you are done with the training session.

The Acclimation Process

Begin by allowing your dog to smell the head halter. As he does so, praise (click if using a clicker) and reward. Continue to do this for a couple minutes until your dog is very comfortable being near the training tool.

With a treat in your hand, target your dog to put his nose on your hand. As he does so, click and reward. Do this at least 3 times, until the dog immediately puts his nose against your hand without hesitation, targeting on the treat.

Slip the nose band over your hand, golden part up. Put a treat in that hand and have your dog target through the nose band onto your hand. As he does so, slide the nose band onto his face, gold side on top. Praise (click) and reward. Repeat this 3 times.

Allow the nose band to rest on his nose as you reward. While your dog eats his treats, slip the webbed material behind your dog's ears and buckle. The buckle tongue will go directly into the material for a custom fit. If your dog is wiggly, have someone rub his chest as you buckle the strap. Continue to praise your dog and give him high value treats such as freeze dried chicken or pieces of cheese.

The back strap should be snug but not horribly tight. You should be able to fit 2 fingers, pads on the dog, between your dog and the strap. Click/praise and reward.

Do not allow your dog to fuss. Get him started training right away using a high value reward. This will acclimate him to the head halter faster. The Comfort Trainer may feel like a new hat, itchy, but is not painful or uncomfortable.

Getting Started

The best means of insuring your dog acclimates quickly to the Comfort Trainer is to immediately begin training. Using the lure and reward method (lure with a treat, reward when the dog attains the position required by the lure motion) your dog will quickly tune out the "newness" of wearing the Comfort Trainer and concentrate on learning new behaviors.

Heeling: Hold your leash in your right hand, treat in your left. The leash should be loose, never tight, arms down at your sides. Target the dog with the food in your left hand. Move forward a few steps, as your dog moves with you, praise, then click and reward when you stop. Repeat this process until your dog can easily move with you at least 20 steps.

Troubleshooting: As your dog is wearing a head halter due to his not being attentive or easily distracted, you will need to redirect your dog from time to time. The best means of doing so is to turn in the opposite direction. Example: You are walking forward. Your dog sees a squirrel and begins to move toward it. Keeping your arms down, turn right. As you do so, show your target (treat filled) hand. As you regain his attention in the turn, the presence of the target will renew his attention as well. This effectively redirects using a head halter, without restraint.

Head Halters are not meant to be used to pull a dog, they are meant for redirection only. Used properly it is a VERY humane, non-painful tool.

Sit: The Comfort Trainer can be used to aid in placing a dog into the sitting position if the lure alone and/or light pressure on his rear are not sufficient. There are some dogs that are so easily distracted or stubborn that they don't care what is waved in front of their faces. You can use the Comfort Trainer as leverage to aid in lowering the rear end. As you apply pressure to the dog's rear, gently lift the dog's head upward, with pressure under the dog's chin, via the Comfort Trainer. The leash should be brought forward and slightly upward to achieve this effect. Release this pressure immediately the moment the dog's rear end is seated. Never keep the leash taught at any time.

Stay: While you should use positive training techniques, including shaping and successive approximation to train this exercise, the Comfort Trainer can aid in redirecting the dog to the original position of the stay cue by guiding, not pulling, the dog back into position. In guiding, you apply gentle downward pressure as you turn the dog's head, effectively turning his body without causing vertebral misalignment.


Special Considerations Associated with Head Halter Usage

The Comfort Trainer should only remain on the dog while in the process of training; not when the dog is released from training, playing with other dogs, loose in a yard or confined in any manner. This is a tool for training, not restraining.

Never pull the dog into a down position, up from a down position or haul forward on it when the dog pulls backward. These actions will frighten the dog and can cause muzzle abrasion due to improper usage.

If the Comfort Trainer alone is not sufficient, you can achieve a form of "power steering" by using both the Comfort Trainer and Freedom Harness or Easy Walk front connecting harnesses in conjunction with each other. This will totally control the dog's front end, without damaging the dog physically or emotionally while training. In fact, it gently guides the dog and quickly trains to walk nicely.

As with any training tool, it is only as good as the user. Please use this tool in a gentle manner, with positive reinforcement techniques. Improper usage can physically and mentally damage a dog.

Should you have any questions regarding usage of the Comfort Trainer, consult with a professional dog trainer who is familiar with the product. You can likely locate one through a professional dog trainer's network at: www.apdt.com or www.canineprofessionals.com

Other informational sources include www.petexpertise.com and www.miriamfields.net (the inventor of the product).