PetSafe Gentle Leader No-Pull Dog Headcollar

Curated from 95 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: March 11, 2025

PetSafe Gentle Leader No-Pull Dog Headcollar

Brand: PetSafe
Price: $15
Snoop Score:
7.1
Sentiment
6.7
Popularity
7.6
Technical
7.0

Snoop's Take

The PetSafe Gentle Leader No-Pull Dog Headcollar is designed to help dog owners manage their pets' pulling behavior during walks. This headcollar redirects your dog's pulling instincts, promoting more enjoyable and controlled outings for both owner and pet. Consumer feedback highlights the Gentle Leader's effectiveness, with many users stating that it has been life-changing for managing pulling. One user noted, "Using a gentle leader was an absolute game changer for my berner on walks," while another mentioned the importance of proper conditioning, stating, "Take time to positively condition them and they’re just as happy to wear them as anything else." However, some users expressed concerns about their dogs disliking the headcollar, emphasizing that it needs to be introduced correctly to avoid negative associations. Overall, the PetSafe Gentle Leader No-Pull Dog Headcollar is highly recommended for dog owners looking for an effective solution to manage pulling behavior. Despite some reports of resistance from certain dogs, the positive feedback from many users underscores its potential benefits when used correctly.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Headcollars

Both did their intended jobs, stopped the dogs from pulling and in the lab's case, lunging.

Positive Feedback

they can associate the pressure from the head collar with the triggers.

Negative Feedback
Product
7.1
PetSafe Gentle Leader No-Pull Dog Headcollar
Training
7 / 10
No-Pull Walks
7 / 10
Safety Enhancement
5 / 10
Breed Considerations
10 / 10
See how this compares to all Headcollars

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Effectively stops dogs from pulling
Both did their intended jobs, stopped the dogs from pulling and in the lab's case, lunging.
Life-changing for managing pulling
I can't believe I only now found this.
Love this !! xx
Effective for strong dogs
They're honestly a great tool for anyone who has a dog that's just physically a bit too strong for them.
it’s been a miracle for us.
the prong collar was definitely the game changer.
Effective with proper conditioning
I love gentle leader head collars. Take time to positively condition them and they’re just as happy to wear them as anything else.
Start them young and they’ll learn to it quickly.
Helps improve control during walks
Anyways, got her a gentle leader, and again it works like a charm!
It gives me better control if she decides to lurch after a squirrel or another dog.
Before getting this harness, I literally had bigger muscles on one arm from walking him.
Effective for large dogs
I use a front clip harness instead.
Great for dogs who pull
I wouldn’t use it as an only solution, but it personally seems like a good place to start while working on dog reactivity.
I think gentle leaders are a great tool to help with training good leash manners and loose leash walking.
Pleased with the Gentle Leader's effectiveness
I've begun to consider using a head collar or gentle leader until he fully masters staying in the heel position at all times while in public.
I was very pleased with it.
I 100% prefer the gentle leader.
Effective training tool when fitted properly
I think I will give it a try with my dog-- still not sure what role it will play among all the strategies the trainer gave me.
Gentle Leaders are great training tool when fitted properly.
Lifesaver for strong dogs
Mine was a lifesaver for my very strong puppy!
Game changer for managing pulling
Using a gentle leader was an absolute game changer for my berner on walks.
In my experience, it has been extremely durable!
Helps manage pulling effectively
It's a great tool in the right hands.
Provides more communication than flat collars
It's still a tool for negative reinforcement, so you have to be ok with that.
Distributes pressure evenly
a flat collar puts a ton of pressure on one spot, while a prong presses evenly across multiple points.
Helps calm dogs around stimuli
First of all the strap that goes along the base of your dog's skull puts pressure on a pressure point that helps to calm your dog down.
Immediate improvement in walk control
Gentle leader has been a miracle device for us. I was skeptical but it’s like instant tolerable walks.
Encourages proper desensitization techniques
Definitely the gentle leader. Before you know it you’ll have a dog that loves the thing and then will associate it with walk time.
Significantly improves walking behavior
I feel that the harness is more helpful but I've read good and bad things about it.
I switched to gentle leaders and they walk so much better now.
Helps reduce pulling pressure
it definitely helps remind her not to pull, and if she does react to something it causes her to spin around instead of choke herself like she would with a collar.
Game changer for loose leash walking
The gentle leader was a game changer for us.
Effective for stubborn dogs
With the GL, she walks calmly and correctly, right next to me, as calm as can be.

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Potential for negative associations with triggers
they can associate the pressure from the head collar with the triggers.
Some dogs dislike the gentle leader
My dane hated the gentle leader.
My dog seemed traumatized by the experience of having it on.
my dog decided it was a hell no lol
it was either useless or downright harmful.
Can cause neck injuries if dog lunges
if they lunge the head halter will abruptly snap their head back and potentially injure their neck.
Does not fit dogs with short snouts
it does not work for us, goes a bit towards his eyes, he has a short nose.
Needs to be fitted snugly to be effective
It needs to be quite snug to work - remember, it is NOT around the dog's throat so the snugness will not be restricting or uncomfortable.
Can be aversive if not introduced properly
If it's not introduced properly, then it can be quite aversive to some dogs.
Some dogs resist wearing the gentle leader
I couldn’t get my dog to accept wearing the gentle leader.
Dogs may dislike the gentle leader
He did much better with the Easy Walk harness around his chest.
Total game changer.
Misunderstood as a muzzle by the public
I'm like "Um... It's a head halter, not a muzzle. He isn't mean, he's literally wagging his tail and smiling at you."
Can cause discomfort if not fitted properly
However, I've had trouble fitting it to my dog and it keeps sliding into her armpit area which causes rashes.
Some dogs resist wearing headcollars
Even fitted correctly, which most are not, it’s obvious that that harness interferes with gait.

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

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Ezierfy Dog Head Collar, Printed No-Pull Head HalterEzierfy Dog Head Collar, Printed No-Pull Head Halter$19
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Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Discussion about choosing between head collars
A trainer suggested getting a head collar and from what I've read it seems people have an easier time redirecting dogs with it.
the stare is so relatable, I’m thinking of trying a canny or halti too but would be great to hear how you found it!
Debate between head collars and other training tools
it seems like the consensus is that it depends on the dog, and regardless of which I use people will have strong opinions either way…
Discussion about training methods with head collars
The best advice I can give you since you will be going to a trainer is to perfect how fast and how exciting you can make the word YES! sound.
Discussion about different head collar brands
0/10 would not recommend that option.
Gentle Leader and Dogmatic
make sure that I do Not get the optifit.
Discussion about choosing between collar types
He wants to pull constantly. My parents are finding it increasingly difficult to keep pulling him, while he’s pulling away, and can topple us over.
Discussion about comparing dog harnesses
easy walk vs gentle leader harness? Which is better?
Easy walker harness but if that doesn't work then gentle leader head collar
Discussion about training methods and tools for pulling
My current pup HATES it.
Walking a coonhound is not enough to kill the pull drive.
nothing that helps with the specific combination of issues I need to address with my dog.
the tool works largely because of the way the main part clips high up behind the ears.
Discussion about opting for a harness instead of head collars
So we’re going to go with either the Gentle leader or Halti head collar.
Head collars rest on some of the most sensitive parts of a dog’s face.
Seeking recommendations for a front clip harness
On the hunt for a sturdy, front clipping harness that fits around his big head lol.
Discussion about the effectiveness of various harnesses
They’ve not totally solved the problem, but they’ve made training easier and walks more enjoyable.
personally I feel it fits most dogs better.
Debate over the best training tools for leash pulling
a harness is the most comfortable way for a dog to pull without injury while you work on the behaviors themselves.
Discussion about washing collars and harnesses
Running them through the wash doesn't seem to do the trick.
If you really can’t get the stink out it’s probably time to buy new gear.
I hand wash them because I don’t like having the metal buckles and stuff clanging around in my washer.
By hand, with soap and water.

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Discussion about effectiveness of different training tools
It's a fantastic tool, for gently teaching leash manners, and like OP, I can't understand why it's not more widely used.
The easy walk harness was best thing we ever bought for our dog.
Did not work. My dog kept jumping up and spinning.
Personal experiences with dog training struggles
the gentle leader is exactly what they're talking about
the front clip harness was a game changer.
Concerns about panting/drinking while using the headcollar
Is she able to pant/drink water with this one on?
Discussion on harness vs headcollar effectiveness
Is it as good as everyone says? What is the secret behind it?
Best equipment decision I've made yet.

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