I run a boarding/daycare facility for small dogs only. All dogs participate in daycare groups. We separate dogs by playing style or lack of a style (dogs that get along but won't play just hang out). When we have only a few dogs in the facility we try to get all the dogs to coexist together in one space. However there always seems to be one dog (usually a young one) that wants to play badly but is so rude noone will play with it. you know the type: pushy in your face comeon play with me attitude. One day I was feeling sorry for this one young dachshund and i was tired of trying to convince her to stop bugging the dogs that did not want to play - so I got to thinking about Calming Caps from Premier but decided the that it might put the other dogs off because it would be so visible and odd. Then though of the Gentle Leader and wondered if the side effect of depressing attitude in some dogs might help this dog tone down its greeting behavior. Well no harm trying, we would know quickly if it helped, little did I know just how quickly. I barely had the thing on and adjusted when one other dog came over to see what was going on. as soon as I let the dachshund go the fun began! the dachshund let the other dog sniff her all over and then they immediately starting playing together rolling around and wrestling together. Play bows included. I was amazed that it worked so quickly. I did remove the Gentle Leader once they were tired out and the two remained best friends all day. I thought this might be a fluke so I was determined to try it again with the situation warrented it. Well that came the next day. We had 2 rude dogs, a puppy schnauzer and a boston terrier. The boston had never really played with anyone but would snap at dogs coming over to initiate play. The puppy schnauzer was so full of herself and was constantly jumping at all the dogs to try to initiate some play the only dog she would not bother was the Boston. I decided to put a Gentle Leader on the schnauzer AND the boston. I was amazed again. Both the schanauzer and the boston found each other within moments and started playing furiously! About 15 in into the playing i removed both Genle Leaders (they were starting to grab and pull on them) and the playing continued. The joy was mutual. They really enjoyed each other and the effect if you want to call it that lasted until the two dogs went home.
Has anyone else used a Gentle Leader in this fashion, to get dogs to communicate with each other better or in a more appropriate way?
