The Gentle Leader Harness Is Not A Muzzle

This is a guest post (yes those are allowed) from Amy Sellers.

I’ve been shocked at the number of people who have come up to me while I’m walking with my dog and made some sort of comment about her wearing a “muzzle”. So, this is my Public Service Announcement stating that THIS:

Jinx the Dog wearing Gentle Leader Harness

is called a Gentle Leader Harness (or easy walk harness). It’s a type of harness, like one that wraps around the dog’s neck or chest; it works well in correcting the dog against pulling during walks. According to the product’s website:

“When your dog pulls, pressure is applied to the back of the neck and bridge of the snout, the two areas mother and alpha dogs use to control undesirable behavior in the wild.”

Hey, it works… that’s all I can ask for in a $15 product that keeps my arm in my shoulder socket during walks.

It’s not a muzzle; if it were, it would be a crappy one. She is able to fully open her mouth to eat, drink, pant, or chew on her ball. (see image)

Jinx the Dog hiking with Gentle Leader Harness on

I’m not trying to sell this product by any means, I just want people to realize what this product is. When I walk my dog through the park on her leash, you don’t have to pull your children back telling them “that is not a nice dog.” You dont need to ask me what my dog did to make me put a muzzle on her. She’s a great dog – calm, great with children, doesn’t bark, doesn’t jump, and most importantly doesn’t bite, which is why she wears a Gentle Leader harness and not a muzzle.

K? Thanks

  • Dana Severance

    I wonder if people who ask that have ever seen a truly aggressive dog or a muzzle. On a completely separate note, it’d be hilarious to try to put one of those on Puck.

    • http://rynoweb.com Chuck Reynolds

      I want Amy to comment but I’ll throw in my opinion… Jinx is a female pit/boxer mix… most people recognize the pit in her but she’s better behaved than MOST dogs out there no matter where we’re at and she’s extremely gentle and well mannered… It’s like most people assume she’s like one of Michael Vik’s dogs just because she’s a pit… which pisses me off so much.