Aidan

That's good to hear, thanks for the clarification. You did mention changing to a martingale so it wasn't clear that it was working out for you, so I thought I'd offer a solution.

The Gentle Leader comes with an excellent instructional DVD that explains correct fitting, correct desensitisation, and correct use. Unfortunately, like most instruction manuals, hardly anyone bothers to watch it. It's a shame, because I maintain we would not see the problems we see with them if they did. So I agree with your sentiment, good instruction leads to good use.

I can tell you, Anissa has the best dressed dogs in Hobart

As pf has pointed out, retractable on a head halter is not a good combination. Timing of correction is very important, all dogs will feel the correction but unless it provides them with enough information to figure out what they are supposed to be doing, the correction will be ineffective ("nagging"). A martingale will not solve this problem for you, only good instruction, good timing and perhaps more than anything else consistency will. If she is strong enough to injure you, then you need leverage. A head halter can provide this leverage, as can a front-attaching harness. One good way to use these tools is to use a double-ended leash attached at the other end to a flat collar. This way you can transition to the flat collar more easily and are only using the tool when required. Use rewards when she is in the correct position. Define what "correct position" means first, so that you are absolutely sure what to reward.

Don't complicate matters, this person has a serious issue. It does not sound like an issue that would require medication, so a veterinary behaviourist would be sufficient but not necessary. Exactly, the issue is serious and what complicates the situation is the amount of trainers claiming to be behaviourists that haven't undergone any formal study in behavioural sciences is my whole point...............you can't see that Aidan??? I have two perspectives. I am currently completing a degree in Behavioural Science and have a great appreciation for what a formal education can bring to a person as a professional, and as a person. But I was competent with behaviour problems like this before I enrolled in university, with no formal qualifications to speak of. Other trainers, vets and former clients were happy to refer this sort of case to me then and now. Word of mouth will usually find you a competent dog trainer, especially if you ask here. Let's not derail this thread - we're not going to change the situation that currently exists in Australia and this is not the place to discuss it. There is another thread already created for that.

It's a web application. You can make one yourself, you just type in the script and use some of the pre-set animated characters. I'm not even sure who is making these ones, one of those facebook friends I don't really know. They usually involve "in-jokes", here is one for anyone who likes lifting weights: (language warning)

http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/content/2008/s2252948.htm

Kind of like a pet peeve, something that gets up your nose.

Any of the trainers and behaviourists who post here would be able to help, there seem to be plenty in Vic.

Best to get some professional help. Where are you located? PM if preferred.

Wouldn't the same issues apply for trainers?

Don't complicate matters, this person has a serious issue. It does not sound like an issue that would require medication, so a veterinary behaviourist would be sufficient but not necessary.

You almost certainly won't punish it effectively, and you run the very real risk of making matters worse by trying I'm afraid. I'm not sure if you've ever just walked off, but it would be interesting to see what happens and would give a clue about the problem. Obviously if anyone is at risk of being seriously hurt it is better to break them up, but if it's just pinning to the ground then walking off might be your best course of action. In any case, getting in a behaviourist now would be money well spent. How you handle sudden changes can have a big effect on the situation and a behaviourist will be able to assess your dogs and make informed recommendations.

They are proud of it, they want to show it off and justify it.

More like gladiators, who also gave no consent and were forced to fight for their lives.