Walliered Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Has anyone ever used a Gentle Leader on their hounds? I have a brand new Galgo and she has NEVER been on a leash. I need some help. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeylasMom Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Why do you feel you need one? My initial answer is no, too much of a chance she could get out of it and get away. Also not a huge fan in general unless other options have failed. If you're worried about pulling I recommend a freedom harness. Has front and back clips that give you extra security and power steering so to speak. Quote Jen, CPDT-KA with Zuri, lab in a greyhound suit, Violet, formerly known as Faith, Skye, the permanent puppy, Cisco, resident cat, and my baby girl Neyla, forever in my heart "The great thing about science is that you're free to disagree with it, but you'll be wrong." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walliered Posted February 19, 2015 Author Share Posted February 19, 2015 Thanks. I have a spook harness from Anne Greene and I also put a collar on her. That is 2 leashes for security, but that does nothing for the lunging and pulling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaryJane Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 I might suggest using both a halter and a leash attached to the collar and make sure that you are holding both leashes with one hand and then the other hand. You want a good grip but, you don't want to break your wrist by wrapping it around your hand. Don't let the free leash at the dog end be more than 1 or 2 feet, otherwise the dog will have to much traction if they bolt - this is how some other galgos in the US got loose from their new owners. Thanks. I have a spook harness from Anne Greene and I also put a collar on her. That is 2 leashes for security, but that does nothing for the lunging and pulling. Good to hear that you have 2 on her! As to the lunging and pulling -- what has worked with my foster greyhounds is I either speed up when I walk them or I slow down. Sometimes going faster helps with one dog whereas another dog gets helped by going slower. You can try both and see if either helps. Note, I have done this with greyhounds, not galgos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinw Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 (edited) Lunging and pulling...sounds so familiar Patience patience patience. I use the spook harness on Iker because I'm afraid that he will back out of a regular harness. Have you seen the special leashes offered by Anne Green? They attach to a collar and the harness. I tried using that with Iker at first but had better control just using the spook harness with q sturdy leash and carambient for extra security. I've also realized that I will probably never be able to walk Iker anyplace where there are people, etc. because he is simply too nervous and freaked out. Another thing that helps is if you can find a group of friends with dogs and take all have a big group walk. That will help your dog relax. With my guys, their reactions to squirrels and bunnies has faded a bit over time, but Xavi is still very keen. He's great on a leash until he sees a squirrel or a bunny. I wrap his leash around my hand several times and try to be retroactive by trying to spot animals before he does. I try to distract him best I can, but I have to depend on muscle more than anything. Be patient and keep remindIing yourself that these are hunting dogs and possibly street dogs who look at the world differently than you and your greyhounds do. Patience and humour . Edited February 19, 2015 by robinw Quote Xavi the galgo and Peter the cat. Missing Iker the galgo ?-Feb.9/19, Treasure (USS Treasure) April 12/01-May 6/13, Phoenix (Hallo Top Son) Dec.14/99-June 4/11 and Loca (Reko Swahili) Oct.9/95 - June 1/09, Allen the boss cat, died late November, 2021, age 19. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeylasMom Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Pulling because she's scared or just normal dog pulling? Quote Jen, CPDT-KA with Zuri, lab in a greyhound suit, Violet, formerly known as Faith, Skye, the permanent puppy, Cisco, resident cat, and my baby girl Neyla, forever in my heart "The great thing about science is that you're free to disagree with it, but you'll be wrong." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Bean_Scotch Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 The Spook harness is good to prevent escapes...It does nothing for pulling because dogs instinctively pull AGAINST pressure. I <3 the gentle leaders and typically only use them on excessive pullers and for owners who's dog is pulling their arm out of it's socket. Easy Walk Harnesses are equally as awesome. They work miracles, and make walking a joy instead of a chore. They work by taking advantage of 2 pressure points behind a dogs' ears. When pressure is applied it instantaneously calms the dog. The Gentle Leader was founded by Dr. R.K. Anderson, who was connected with Greyhounds and the founding of the premier martingale collar. They also take control of the nose, where the nose goes the body will follow. Be sure to accompany the gentle leader with proper positive reinforcement training as you don't want the gentle leader doing all the work for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greysmom Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 I used a Gentle Leader with one of my greys. It is NOT a secure way to walk an anxious dog, though it did really help with his pulling. As long as you use it as the instructions say and do leash training at the same time. Dude was eventually just fine walking on a regular leash/collar combo. It did take a while. Quote Chris - Mom to: Felicity (DeLand), and Andi (Braska Pandora) siggy by Chris Harper, on Flickr Angels: Libby (Everlast), Dorie (Dog Gone Holly), Dude (TNJ VooDoo), Copper (Kid's Copper), Cash (GSI Payncash), Toni (LPH Cry Baby), Whiskey (KT's Phys Ed), Atom, Lilly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeylasMom Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 My two cents - Gentle Leaders often work so well because the dog shuts down with it on. Certainly not all dogs, but if you watch the body language of dogs when you put them on you often see their body language change drastically from a happy, relaxed dog to one that is stiff, tail hanging low, just not loving life. Again not all dogs, certainly not true of the CCI dogs that are required to wear them, but they're introduced to them as puppies. Anyway, it wouldn't be my first choice for many dogs for that reason, but especially for a galgo that has the potential to already be shutdown. A Freedom Harness will give you the same benefit of a dog that pulls less and imo is safer if fitted properly. And the leash that comes with the harness has 2 clips so you can attach one to the front harness and one to a martingale collar for safety (and just hold so that the part attached to the front is feeling the pressure). Also, probably better to exercise her primarily in the yard off leash and then do short training walks where she gets lots of reinforcement (ie. food if she'll take it) for paying attention and/or staying close to you. Quote Jen, CPDT-KA with Zuri, lab in a greyhound suit, Violet, formerly known as Faith, Skye, the permanent puppy, Cisco, resident cat, and my baby girl Neyla, forever in my heart "The great thing about science is that you're free to disagree with it, but you'll be wrong." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jetska Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Galgos are better built than greyhounds but given that greyhounds have a tendency towards neck problems as they get older I would never use any kind of head halter on a hound. I prefer to walk them in harnesses - unfortunately Barbie refuses to walk in any harness I have tried so far but I'm still looking, so she's just on her martingale. I agree with the group walk idea and short walks (at the moment walks are pure, high difficulty level training, which is exhausting). Perhaps work on teaching a retrieve or do some flirt pole work in a backyard or big enough indoor area ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FiveRoooooers Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 It has been my experience that often the quieting effects you are looking for can be achieved by having the dog just wear the Gentle Leader not connected to the leash. Keep their usual martingale and/or harness on them and don't rely on a connection to the GL. Quote Old Dogs are the Best Dogs. Thank you, campers. Current enrollees: Punkin. AnnIE Oooh M Angels: Pal . Segugio. Sorella (TPGIT). LadyBug. Zeke-aroni. MiMi Sizzle Pants. Gracie. Seamie . (Foster)Sweet. Andy. PaddyALVIN!Mayhem. Bosco. Bruno. Dottie B. Trevor Double-Heart. Bea. Cletus, KLTO. Aiden 1-4. Upon reflection, our lives are often referenced in parts defined by the all-too-short lives of our dogs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
galgomum Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 To all our galgo adopters I suggest to find a good dog training center in their area and take their galgo to a basic behavior class.It is good for bonding, you get some good guiding on how to work with your galgo and it is often good for the dogs confidence.Another benefit, most dogs will sleep for hours after class. If she is not used to a leash, imagine how she feels with a contraption around her nose Quote ~SAGE~ Save A Galgo EspañolPetra Postma Photography Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walliered Posted February 19, 2015 Author Share Posted February 19, 2015 Thanks everyone. Let me tell you about the Galgo. She is extremely curious and very friendly. She gets into strangers faces immediately. There is absolutely no fear in her. I believe she was named Mousie at Scooby and was one of their favorites. She is nothing but a bundle of energy and she does not shut it down to take naps. The paperwork says she just turned 4, but she acts like a one year old to me. I get a total upper body work out when I walk her and with COPD and being 68 that is saying something…lol Then I add the Greyhounds..both have corns, so one does not really want to walk, but the other does and has a high prey drive so you can imagine what we look like when we see a bird, squirrel or leaf. It wears me out. Plus today is going to be the coldest day that Georgia has had in a while. She is sweet and loving and with the spray water bottle within her sight, she will mind me. Everything about her is "shelter dog" traits. She is a keeper and is pretty well fitting in. Sorry this is so long, but no one has any idea what a new adopter is going through other than you people. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest IrskasMom Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 (edited) ......... and that is why I am sending you lots and lots of Hugs :grouphug :grouphug you are certainly braver then I am . Pretty soon , you will have it under Control . You will look back and say:"how did I ever make it!"......... For the LOVE of this noble Creatures . Edited February 19, 2015 by IrskasMom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinw Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Xavi's off switch is broken, too. Keep your sense of humour and enjoy it. Quote Xavi the galgo and Peter the cat. Missing Iker the galgo ?-Feb.9/19, Treasure (USS Treasure) April 12/01-May 6/13, Phoenix (Hallo Top Son) Dec.14/99-June 4/11 and Loca (Reko Swahili) Oct.9/95 - June 1/09, Allen the boss cat, died late November, 2021, age 19. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
galgrey Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 (edited) Some good advice here. I'm ordered a Spook Harness for Cristiano. He's not a spook, but he has a very high prey drive and lunges, pulls, and bucks like a horse when he sees rabbits, squirrels, or cats so I'm concerned he will back out of the regular harness I'm using. I have a Freedom Harness that I haven't tried because I know a couple of spooks that backed out of a Freedom Harness. So for extra safety, I'm walking him with the harness and a collar with a 4 foot leash attached to each one. I'm having to walk him alone because I don't have enough hands to walk him and Princess right now! He's very friendly and social and I'm looking into a training class for him. I've had two galgos before and he has by far the highest prey drive. Good luck with your new girl. I saw pictures of her online. She's adorable. Are you calling her Mousie? Would love to see some pictures of her in her new home. Edited February 19, 2015 by galgrey Quote Cynthia, & Cristiano, galgoAlways in my heart: Frostman Newdawn Frost, Keno Jet Action & Chloe (NGA racing name unknown), Irys (galgo), Hannah (weim), Cruz (galgo), & Carly CW Your Charming Princess http://www.greyhound-data.com/d?i=1018857 "It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life, gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are." -- Unknown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walliered Posted February 19, 2015 Author Share Posted February 19, 2015 Yes, I am calling her Mousie. She knows her name and it is fine with me. My vet said she needs braces badly..LOL She looks like a mouse from the side and she drinks by putting her whole muzzle under the water with her nose. She blows bubbles from her nose while she tries to scoop the water..it is funny to watch. The spook harness that Anne Greene with Majesticcollars.com is wonderful. I have ordered another one from her. I will try to get my girlfriend to post pictures of her because I do not know how. They are all laying down right now after about 45 minutes of trying to walk in 22 degree weather. I know I am going to have arms like Arnold Schwartznouses (Spelling??) lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonnaBehr Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 My Saluki girl is a terrible puller, but that is because she is not only a sighthound but a scenthound too. I tried using a no-pull harness but after two days she realized she can pull with that. The ONLY way I can walk her without any pulling is by using the gentle leader. I originally connected it to the leash for about a week and now I only have to connect it to her Martingale and it has the same effect. If she doesn't wear the gentle leader, it's back to square one. She is not stressed wearing it and it works for both of us and makes for a much nicer walk. Quote Mom to Melly and Dani Greyhound Bridge Angels - Jessie, Brittne, Buddy, Red, Chica, Ford and Dodge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walliered Posted February 19, 2015 Author Share Posted February 19, 2015 Thank you so much. I am buying one tomorrow. I can't take her pulling anymore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeylasMom Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Please take the little time it will take you to condition her to the gentle leader before you start using it. You can see how to do it with this video: Also make sure you have a second leash (or use a coupler) attached to a martingale harness or the spook harness as a backup so she doesn't slip out of this. Quote Jen, CPDT-KA with Zuri, lab in a greyhound suit, Violet, formerly known as Faith, Skye, the permanent puppy, Cisco, resident cat, and my baby girl Neyla, forever in my heart "The great thing about science is that you're free to disagree with it, but you'll be wrong." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diane4114 Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 I've used a gentle leader on a couple of houds...but I would never use one on a spook. I don't like a general everyday harness on a dog that actively pulls. It gives them something to lean into and (I think) makes them pull more. I would use one a spook that doesn't pull. I like this http://www.ebay.com/itm/SPORN-Non-Pull-Halter-Dog-Harness-Training-/370926078816?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item565ceacb60 for a dog that pulls. It can be a trick to put on at first. The fleece cover is loose and slides and if your not careful when you unhook the straps will come off. What I did was to tack (sew) the fleece to the strap itself. Quote Willow( Hi Tech Popandgo ) CGC #31965 Calico Salad x MayPop 8-9-93/9-24-07 Austin( Nodak Austin ) #55202 Chrisse's Twelve x Lotsa Liz 2-25-96/2-15-05 Matt( Kelsos Metaphor ) #90695 Oswald Cobblepot x Kelso's Movita 8-10-00/2-28-14 Buddy (Aljo Class Act) #78137 Action By Design x Miss Classy 12-8-98/8-29-09 Sonny (Onaim Excalibur)#97927 Flying Train x Rough Diamond 9-7-01/1-9-2016Hunter (SS Snow Roll) #35135 Craigie Whistler x Lightning Snow 10-4-2005/9-23-17 Leo (Yolo Empleo)#72060 4-13-18 Fiesta Paraguas x Mega Bien Hecho Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moofie Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 (edited) I used a dogmatic headcollar (looks bit like a horse halter) on my greyhound Hattie with double ended lead attached to the harness which gave me good control when she would pull, rear & spin on spotting cats, squirrels etc. The headcollar end of lead had more slack so she didn't lunge into it just could use it to give me some control in those moments. I use a gentle leader on my lurcher who will on occassions just tow you where she wants to go on a collar, that has a link strap to clip to a collar. The GL is more adjustable but I don't like how it can move on the muzzle. Our foster mutt pup I don't think had much basic training & pulls like a train, we slowly introduced a GL headcollar (just what I had in that fitted) which helped a bit with control (used with double lead). We then saw a trainer & the clicker training has worked brilliantly for him so he knows what things he did right as I suspect previously he got treats just to distract him from pulling by previous owner. Edited February 20, 2015 by moofie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
galgrey Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 I've used a gentle leader on a couple of houds...but I would never use one on a spook. I don't like a general everyday harness on a dog that actively pulls. It gives them something to lean into and (I think) makes them pull more. I would use one a spook that doesn't pull. I like this http://www.ebay.com/itm/SPORN-Non-Pull-Halter-Dog-Harness-Training-/370926078816?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item565ceacb60 for a dog that pulls. It can be a trick to put on at first. The fleece cover is loose and slides and if your not careful when you unhook the straps will come off. What I did was to tack (sew) the fleece to the strap itself. I used to use a Sporn Harness on my weimaraner. It made walking her enjoyable. Quote Cynthia, & Cristiano, galgoAlways in my heart: Frostman Newdawn Frost, Keno Jet Action & Chloe (NGA racing name unknown), Irys (galgo), Hannah (weim), Cruz (galgo), & Carly CW Your Charming Princess http://www.greyhound-data.com/d?i=1018857 "It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life, gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are." -- Unknown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seeh2o Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 I use a gentle leader on my high prey drive girl, but I also use a special martingale and attach the leash to both. It served us well last week when she saw a squirrel - took a flying leap, turned her body around in mid-air and tried to back out of the GL and collar. I was walking her with an Ultimate Leash (I still have several!) and pulled it down like a horse on a lead, pulled her to me and we had a brief "come to Jesus moment". She hasn't done that in months and months. She is not one of the dogs that shuts down with the GL on, she's bright, happy and on high alert on all our walks. I'm going to take her to the Solvang Greyhound Fest on Saturday, I'm putting a harness on her and attach it to the leash as well. She's going to be on lock down, but she's going to have a great time! Quote Sunsands Doodles: Doodles aka Claire, Bella Run Softly: Softy aka Bowie (the Diamond Dog) Missing my beautiful boy Sunsands Carl 2.25.2003 - 4.1.2014 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonnaBehr Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 Moofie, I have a problem with Melly going crazy when she sees another dog when we are walking. Although she is friendly once she meets the dog, if she sees one a block away, she goes nuts. My trainer told me to get her a dogmatic headcollar. Does it work well and provide more control? Quote Mom to Melly and Dani Greyhound Bridge Angels - Jessie, Brittne, Buddy, Red, Chica, Ford and Dodge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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