3 Reasons to avoid putting a Head Collar on your dog

The dog training industry remains unregulated, and there are no restrictions on different training styles. An example is when choosing a headcollar or head halter. This popular ‘quick fix’ is a tool designed to help dog owners control their pets during walks.  It fits around the dog's head, with a loop around the muzzle which sits under the eyes and another behind the head, creating a snug fit.  The lead attaches under the chin.  The way it works is when the dog pulls, pressure is placed on the head and neck areas as they turn their head and it acts as a brake. They are widely available and commonly used.

This type of equipment is marketed as a 'negative reinforcement' tool (remove something unpleasant) when the dog pulls on the lead. However, this action puts pressure on the dog's facial and neck area thus making it more like positive punishment (add something unpleasant) eg. pain if there is a sharp head turn.

1.       It should be known that this equipment can be just as uncomfortable, if not more so, than prong collars as it tightens across a dog’s muzzle when they pull, causing pain.  While certain dogs might adjust well to head halters, this is unlikely and many show signs of stress, such as twisting and thrashing about and trying to remove it.  Ultimately, this tool can hinder interactive training for dogs.  Although this management tool is recommended to initially be trained to a dog with positive reinforcement, this seldom happens.

2.       There are various other health and welfare concerns when using this type of equipment eg. head and neck problems, jaw pain, headaches, eyesight, hearing, breathing (particularly in hot temperatures) and throat pain.  This is due to persistent pressure in those areas when on walks and ill fitting.  The constant stresses on a dog's physical body can make understanding what is expected difficult for the dog.  When they feel pressured, dogs struggle to balance what feels safe and comfortable. 

3.       Mental health can also affected.  The physical pain whilst walking with the head collar on, can lead to what seems like better behaviour, but this is not the case.  Instead of fostering true learning as with positive reinforcement training, these approaches often just suppress behaviours, leaving the dog less reluctant to engage with the handler, causing emotional instability.

There is scientific evidence in support of these claims.  In a study of head collar v front clip harness, dogs underwent thermal imaging to measure ear temperature which corresponds with anxious feelings whilst wearing the equipment during the scan.  Results revealed that the dogs wearing the head collars experienced higher stress levels and fearful body language was more commonly expressed when dogs were wearing a headcollar, suggesting it causes discomfort and pain for them.

A harness like a ‘Perfect Fit’ harness will likely be a more humane option as these have back clips and front/back clips to evenly distribute pressure from the lead, thus the dog is more comfortable and has minimum aversives on their body. https://perfect-fit-dog-harness.com/pages/why-perfectfit

There is global legislation in place called the ‘five freedoms’ which highlight the basic welfare needs of keeping animals in human care.  One of these freedoms is ‘freedom from pain’ & another is ‘freedom from discomfort’.  If the dog is pulling, using harsh and frustrating training methods can violate these freedoms, leading to increased stress and emotional distress in animals.  Aversive techniques, can create confusion making animals appear compliant when they are stressed.  This fear can hinder their ability to learn and adapt, ultimately making behaviour issues worse over time.  It should always be remembered that section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act (2006) requires pet owners to take care of animals by meeting their welfare needs, which includes always protecting them from pain and suffering.

Choosing positive reinforcement training for your dog instead of punishment-based methods is a smart choice that helps build a happy and healthy relationship.  This approach is more effective for teaching your dog because it encourages good behaviour through rewards, which helps them learn better.  By focusing on positive methods, you create a fun and safe environment for your dog, which sets the foundation for good behaviour throughout the dog's life.

Punishment training creates: fear & anxiety: dread in the dog; owner & dog relationship eg. trust is lost due to pain; learning is inhibited; aggression; avoidance.

Positive training attributes:

Builds connection & trust; dogs are happy to be training; better learning; dog is relaxed; brain can assimilate learning quicker; no fear; creates resiliency & confidence.

If you require assistance with lead training in a positive way, please get in touch.

Faith @Pandapetservices

References:

Animal Humane Society (2019). The Five Freedoms for animals. [online] Animal Humane Society. Available at: https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/health/five-freedoms-animals

Australian Veterinary Association. (2026). The use of punishment and negative reinforcement in dog training - Australian Veterinary Association. [online] Available at: https://www.ava.com.au/policy/the-use-of-punishment-and-negative-reinforcement-in-dog-training

BSAVA (2024). Aversive training methods | BSAVA. [online] BSAVA. Available at: https://www.bsava.com/position-statement/aversive-training-methods/

Caroline (2022). Why you shouldn’t use punishment as a dog training tool. [online] Gooddoggie. Available at: https://www.gooddoggie.co.uk/why-you-shouldnt-use-punishment-as-a-dog-training-tool/

Centre for Animal Behaviour. (2025). The Benefits of Positive Reinforcement Training in Dogs. [online] Available at: https://centreofanimalbehaviour.co.uk/positive-reinforcement-training/

Clothier, S. (2026). The Problem With Head Halters. [online] suzanneclothier. Available at: https://suzanneclothier.com/article/problem-head-halters/

https://www.facebook.com/GenconAllin1 (2023). All-In-One Dog Headcollar. [online] Gencon All in 1 Dog Leads. Available at: https://gencon-allin1.co.uk/shop/all-in-one-dog-headcollar/

https://www.facebook.com/simpawtico.training (2023). Don’t Use a Head Halter Unless You Have To: What You Need To Know - Simpawtico Dog Training. [online] Simpawtico Dog Training. Available at: https://www.simpawtico-training.com/dont-use-a-head-halter/

PerfectFit. (2026). Why PerfectFit? [online] Available at: https://perfect-fit-dog-harness.com/pages/why-perfectfit

Today, D. (2020). Headcollar vs Harness - which is better for our dogs’ welfare? [online] Dogs Today Magazine. Available at: https://dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/2020/05/18/headcollar-vs-harness-which-is-better-for-our-dogs-welfare/

DOGGY•U (2026). Gentle Leader & Halti: When I Use Head Collars and How To Condition Them. [online] YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqR28Qf1HIQ

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