Obedience training requires special dedication on the part of the Rottweiler owner and thankfully there is a wide array of tools available to make the job just a little bit easier. One more recent entry into the marketplace is called a head collar. While the name may conjure images of medieval torture the reality is that these collars can be quite effective and still perfectly humane when used as part of a training regimen with your Rottweiler.
The name describes it quite well; a head collar fits over your Rottweiler’s head and around its neck. Though it can be restraining, a head collar still allows plenty of room for your dog to open its mouth, eat and drink without creating a problem. Like other training collars, the head collar contracts when the leash (also known as a lead) is pulled. This action results in the dog’s head and mouth movement being restricted.
Head collars are designed in two parts so that if the mask/muzzle portion of the collar should somehow come off, the collar itself will remain in tact and in place. Your Rottweiler will react to the pressure of this type of collar rather quickly and instinctively, rendering it potentially more effective as a training aid, especially in instances when you are working to stop negative behavior in an overly aggressive Rottweiler.
The Pros of using a Head Collar
Head collars can be a convenient choice for the owner of a Rottweiler who intends to handle obedience training at home. It produces results more quickly and with less risk of potential injury than other traditional training / choke type collars. It can additionally be a good deterrent for dogs that display a tendency of pulling on their leads when outside the home.
A head collar is especially effective when introducing your Rottweiler to a more distracting and unfamiliar environment as it minimizes the risks usually involved in this type of situation. When put in a situation where it is surrounded by strange animals, people and noises, some Rottweilers will instinctively react in an aggressive way purely out of fear. A head collar ensures that you as the handler can maintain full control of your Rottweiler, making it less strenuous to regain your dog’s composure.
The Cons of using a Head Collar
An unhealthy dependency can result if you make use of a head collar on your Rottweiler for an extended period of time, or use it in an improper way. The collar can become a security blanket or crutch, leading the dog to revert back to negative behavior when you remove it or replace it with a traditional style collar.
Additionally, some Rottweilers do not react favorably to head collars at all and can injure themselves in an attempt to remove the collar by clawing at themselves or rubbing furiously against a tree or the ground.
A fairly common myth says that head collars can be used to replace the traditional muzzle. Not only is this a dangerous misconception, it is one that can lead to a variety of issues. As I mentioned previously, a head collar still allows for facial movement unless specifically restricted by the lead in the hands of the owner.
Prior to making use of head collars or any other training devices on your Rottweiler, you should thoroughly research your options and discuss your choices with your vet or a professional dog trainer in order to best decide if the head collar is the right decision for both you and your Rottweiler.
