1st Session with Headcollar On (Patreon)

Hey folks!

Here's Denver's first session actually wearing the headcollar. I want to get him used to this piece of equipment as early as possible, as I will typically will use it as a management tool at some point during adolescence. But starting during adolescence is much harder than conditioning it now. He will also be conditioned to a muzzle, goggles, and booties in the next few months, as I want the option for him to be able to wear a variety of equipment as needed.

I did two sessions previously where I just fed him through the headcollar but never clipped it. Notice how he's happily shoving his face in to eat food. Another point of note is how I get it on and off. I know that those are sticky points where the dog can get frustrated if I don't do it quickly, so I give him a little cookie scatter while it gets clipped on and off. Once it's on, I immediately ask him for some known skills so he's not thinking about the headcollar, and then take it off quickly to have a short successful session. The full session is just under a minute. This type of short, fun session will build positive associations with the head collar for later on.