[Dailydrool] Question about Gentle Leader head collar and Bassets

[Lisa K. Metzler via Dailydrool]

Hi, Drooler Family!

I have a couple of questions about the Gentle Leader, and am coming to you experts for advice.

I have just added two Bassets to my crew, neither of which has really ever been on a leash.  The female, a petite and sweet little girl named Ariel who is 6 years old, basically just followed me on the leash.  She didn't pull or struggle, but she wasn't overly receptive to the leash.  She weighs roughly 40-45 pounds.  Her son, Rocky, is 3, weighs 55-60 pounds, and fought like a demon with the leash.  Neither had more than a regular collar on their neck.  

I need to get these kids at least to a point that I can walk with them and acclimate them to a new neighborhood and home.  They have never been anywhere but their previous owner's yard, large though it was.  Both are very sweet and gentle dogs, and came to me as owner-surrenders when the gentleman's illness had progressed to the point where he could no linger care for them. He raised Ariel from a puppy, then had her bred at 3, and raised her two sons. (He kept the other son, Buster, and he will go to his grandson eventually.) Needless to say, I am also working on a huge separation issue with the two that came to me.  But that's for another time...

My questions are these:  
>>Has anyone used the Gentle Leader on their Bassets, and with what results?  Good, bad, indifferent.  I just need some information and perspectives.  Before I spend the money, I want to know if it's a good investment.

>>Would the Gentle Leader be a good starting place with these dogs?  Would it be an easier and possibly quicker way to get them comfortable on a leash?  (I'm not looking for a shortcut to training them, but want to know if this head collar would be a more effective way to reach the goal.)

>>Once they are "trained" to walk on a leash with the Gentle Leader, can they progress to using a regular collar or harness, or should they remain in the Gentle Leader for times on a leash?

>>Could these dogs, after acclimating to being on a leash and learning basic commands, etc., ever be put on a coupler with the Gentle Leader for walking as a pair?

Thank you in advance for your considered opinions.  They are appreciated.

Lisa Metzler
Addie, Madison, Annie-the-Energizer-Bagel, Ariel, and Rocky
...and Penelope, Jasmine, and Pelly--watching from the Bridge


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