Gencon vs Dogmatic

GBNI

Looking opinions more on the Gencon. I currently have a Dogmatic but typically it's too big and the smaller size is way too small! I like its action though and the dog is definitely improving with training but I need that little extra help when we meet other dogs! :rotfl:

elsien

Dogmatic for me every time.
I fostered a very dog aggressive bull terrier and because she went so loopy when she say another dog, the gencon was pulling far too tight and cutting into her mouth making it sore.
It may work for dogs that just need a little bit of correction, but for a real puller who's not going to back down when the gencon pulls tight, it can end up doing them a bit of damage.
That's my experience, anyway.
If you want something similar to the dogmatic, you could look at a halti or gentle leader to see if any of the sizes suit you better. I've not tried the gentle leader. I used a halti with my last dog but this one got it off in 2 seconds flat due to the shape of his head, hence the upgrade to the dogmatic for us.

krlyr

Dogmatic here. Have you tried the "L" sizings? What's your dogs measurements?

GBNI

I can't remember her measurements offhand I'm afraid. I have had the Domagtic quite a while but it just annoys me when it slips round if she takes a mad pull! Getting less these days though I think maybe as she has worn it perhaps the material has stretched out more hence I'm noticing the slipping more?

If I remember correctly, she is currently in size 3. She's quite 'jowly' but the head piece fits fine behind the ears, it's more the nose area is too big. I tried a 2 but the rings pressed right into her mouth and left marks. (Dogmatic refunded this no bother, they are very good!)

Never thought of that in regards to the Gencon Elsien, I'll look up those other two. I was more attracted to it as it has a one size fits all approach.

sheramber

You might find it better to use a taining lead with a clip on each end, so you clip one end on the headcollar and one on the collar or harness.

That way you have two points of contact to control the dog.

If she is not aggressive then consider a harness with a clip on the front/chest and one on the back.

Again a lead clipped on the front and on the back gives two points of control.

GBNI

I should have said that's how I do use it, with a collar and a training lead. It's more for a back up when she meets other dogs as she is somewhat enthusiastic!

I have tried front leading harnesses with two clips (inc the Perfect Fit) but she has *very* sensitive skin in her 'armpit' area and even the Perfect Fit one rubbed her there!

sheramber

It sounds like you need to train her not to be so enthusiastic rather than holding her back which does not teach her what to do instead.

First teach her a strong 'sit'.

Then when she sees another dog, before she gets excited, ask her to sit. When she does reward her but keep her sitting, under control. then take one step nearer. and do the same .

If she gets excited stop and go back that step and repeat. She has to learn that unless she is calm she does not get to meet the other dog.

To do this you need acess to other dogs for practice

You can ask other dog walkers to help you practice with their dogs. Most will be willing to help.

Have you been to training classes? If not , it might be worth considering, as long as they use kind, rewarding methods. Visit , without your dog first, to assess whether the classes are suitable.

Or consider one to one training to learn how to handle her meeting other dogs.

GBNI

She is being trained, but she weighs more than half of what I do and as a result I need something that gives me control while she is still learning.

elsien

Same for us, GBNI. Head collar for when he needs to behave himself, harness and training when he's more sensible to hammer some manners into his little pea brain. Hoping eventually to not need the head collar at all, but that's a way off yet. But now we only need it in busy or new places, which is a definite improvement.

GBNI

That's exactly it Elsien Just gives you that back up if you may require it! A training aid. I am using the method sheramber has suggested for when we meet other dogs and it does seem to be the most efective.

She is really very sweet (as most labradors tend to be!) and she wants to be friends with *everyone* whether they want to or not