If you’re not familiar, a dog head halter is a sort of harness that you attach to your dog’s head. Unlike a collar, pulling your dog with a halter doesn’t hurt him or her.
If you’re a dog owner who doesn’t like it when you have to pull your dog by the neck, then maybe a nice head halter will be a better alternative. In this article, we made a list of the best dog head halters for you to check out.
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Last update on 2023-10-02 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon
We also included a short buying guide so you’ll know how to choose the one best suited for your dog.
How to Choose the Best Dog Head Halter
Though we made a list of the best brands that you can buy, each dog has its own needs. That’s why you have to buy the head collar that perfectly matches those needs. This is what the buying guide is for. When you choose which head halter to buy for your dog, you should take these factors into consideration:
Size
The size of your head halter has to match size your dog’s head. There are five different sizes you’ll find in your pet store: extra small, small, medium, large, and extra-large. Usually, the extra small ones are used for puppies and toy dogs.
Small or medium halters can be used for bigger sized dogs like shitzus, poodles, or corgis. Meanwhile, large and extra-large ones are usually used for bigger dog breeds.
Material
You’ll find that there are halters that come in various materials such as leather and nylon. Different dogs prefer different materials, so it is recommended that you bring your dog to the pet store and let him try out the different head collars. Try on different halters made of different materials to know which among them is most comfortable for your dog.
Adjustability
You must always prepare for the day when your dog will start to grow. Fortunately, there are head halters that are adjustable so that they can fit your dog’s head if he gets bigger. If your dog is the type that grows big pretty fast (bigger dogs like golden retrievers do), then it’s best to get a halter that can be easily adjustable. This way, you won’t have to keep on buying new ones every now and then. However, if your dog doesn’t grow that much (like shitzus or toy poodles), you don’t need to buy one that’s so adjustable.
Design
Every owner wants their dog to look the cutest that he can be. That’s why you also have to think about the design of the head collar you’ll buy for your dog. Dog collars that are a bit cutesy or colorful go well with small to medium sized dogs because they can match the dog’s cuteness. Bigger and more elegant looking dogs go better with more sophisticated designs like leather head halters that can be attached to a chain dog leash.
7 Best Dog Head Halters
PetSafe Gentle Leader Head Collar
Excellent Control with Adjustable Nylon Straps
The Petsafe head collar is made of nylon and has a neoprene nose pad. This allows your dog full comfort. This way, you can pull your dog without making him feel uncomfortable. It also allows you to train your dog to follow directions easily.
Why We Like It:
- It is very comfortable for your dog
- Comes with full instructions and a training DVD
- It is a brand known for making quality products for many years
- Highly adjustable
- It has a nice and bright color
The Company of Animals Halti Headcollar
Ideal for Training and Walking
What makes The Company of Animals Halti headcollar unique is that it is built to be really lightweight, making it ideal even for the small dogs to wear. Even though it is light, its nylon material is stitched in such a way that it is really strong and durable. With this type of structure, your dog won’t get away from you, but he also won’t feel the collar too much. It also has an auto on-off feature that allows you to close the dog’s jaw whenever you think your dog is about to be violent.
Why We Like It:
- It comes in a variety of sizes for different breeds
- It is lightweight but also very sturdy
- It has an on-off muzzle feature
Dogs My Love Dog Head Collar
Designed for Halting your Dog’s Pulling and Jumping Behavior
If you have a strong dog with very powerful jaws and an active personality, this is the best option you can get for a head halter. It’s good for dogs of any breed as it comes in 6 sizes ranging from extra small to XXL. It’s also pretty bulky because it’s made of durable ¾ inch wide nylon making it very secure. It’s also designed in a way to allow your dog to open his or her mouth without much trouble.
Why We Like It:
- It comes in various sizes
- It has a neoprene nose pad
- It has a very wide nylon structure for a secure hold on your dog
- It is very durable
Sporn YUP! Pet Head Halter
A Collar and Halter in One!
The Sporn YUP! head halter is very well-known for its innovative design as it can be turned from a head halter into a collar instantly. If your dog is used to the traditional collar but you want to wind him off it and switch to a head collar, you can do it slowly with this.
Unlike most head halters, this one doesn’t have too many knots or rings. It’s very easy to put on and take off. This way, you can give your dog maximum comfort.
Why We Like It:
- It can be converted from a halter to a collar
- It is very easy to put on
- It is very comfortable for your dog
Pawaboo Dog Mouth Muzzle
Lightweight, Easy to Adjust, and Made of Durable Nylon
Pawaboo makes it easier for you to keep your dog in place with its heavy-duty buckle that connects to your dog’s leash. It makes use of reinforced box stitching, making it very durable. Also, it has 2 luminous seams around it making your dog visible during the night.
Why We Like It:
- Its built is very robust and durable
- It is built from high quality nylon
- It has 2 luminous seams for added visibility and safety at night
Barkless Dog Head Collar
A No-Pull Halter with a Free Training Guide
The Barkless Dog head collar is able to stop your dog from running around even without you having to pull. It is built to already apply soft resistance on your dog’s mouth so that he doesn’t move around that much.
Why We Like It:
- It has a no-pull mechanism for your dog
- It is made out of durable black nylon
- There are 5 different sizes to choose from
- It includes a leash and guidebook in the package
GoodBoy Dog Head Halter with Safety Strap
Comfy Head Halter For Gentle Pulling Prevention During Walks
Unlike other dog head halters, the GoodBoy halter is extremely soft and comfortable. It is made from neoprene and extra padding, so there’s no rubbing or chafing when it is being worn. Instead, your pet is gently encouraged not to pull, and you’ll be able to steer him easily without feeling like you’re causing him any discomfort.
Customers will love how easy the halter is to adjust and put on. You just use the quick release buckle and plastic clip under the chin to adjust and place on and off the dog’s snout. Adjustable side straps and an adjustable neck strap contribute to a further bespoke fit for extra comfort for your individual pet’s size.
Despite the harness being unsuitable for short snouted breeds like bulldogs, pugs and boxer dogs, it is suitable for most other breeds, helping with better walking habits and overall owner to pet control.
Why We Like It:
- Incredibly soft and comfortable
- Various adjustability points
- Strong, durable fabric
- Safe quick release feature
What We Don’t Like:
- Training with it recommended before use during walks
- Paws can easily release the adjustment clip under the pets snout
FAQs
Q: Why use dog head halter?
A: Unlike a regular neck collar, a dog head halter won’t choke your dog. Rather, it will give your dog direction since it’s attached to his head. This way, he will know where to go during your walk.
Q: How to measure a dog for a head halter?
A: You will use the standard sizes as your basis to measure your dog’s head collar. The sizes are extra small, small, medium, large, and extra large. If it’s your first time buying a dog head halter, it’s recommended that you bring your dog to the pet store to determine his head size.
Q: Can a head halter hurt my dog?
A: Generally, a head halter doesn’t hurt your dog unless you tug too hard. A head halter is as safe as a dog harness because it won’t choke your dog. So to answer that question, it’s really more about how you handle the head halter rather than the head halter’s structure.
Conclusion
Do you want to replace your traditional dog collar with something safer and more comfortable for your dog? Then choose the best dog head halter from the list we mentioned above. Of course, you have to first know exactly what you are buying. This is why you have to do your homework before you just go out and buy one.
You have to know how to buy the right product for your dog and know how to use it. With those bits of information and our list of the best products available, you’ll be able to get your dog a great head halter that he’ll be comfortable in.
4 Replies to “The Best Dog Head Halters in 2021”
I have two olde English bulldogs….9 months old and a little over 60 pounds each…
They are not properly leash trained, they pull hard and it’s very difficult to walk them.
Is there a good headcollar for bulldogs?
You may try PetSafe. But also, if pulling is an issue, check no-pull harnesses https://gooddogsco.com/best-no-pull-dog-harness/
I have the Petsafe but it rubs my dogs nose and still gets his nose out of it. Is there a recommendation more suitable for an escape artist?
You may try Halti or Pawaboo. They have more bells and whistles in terms of fixating so it may work.