The Gentle Leader Headcollar is NOT a muzzle. When fitted properly, your dog is free to open his mouth to eat, drink, pant, fetch and bark. The developers of the Gentle Leader Headcollar understood the successful management of horses, cattle and sheep with halters. Following scientific study, the halter principle was adapted to dogs, taking into account basic anatomical differences and a dog’s natural instincts in response to specific pressure points on the head and neck. The design of the Gentle Leader Headcollar differs significantly from other similar products in that it has no cumbersome side straps and primary pressure is directed to the back of the neck, not on the nose, or front of the throat. The Gentle Leader Headcollar features two soft nylon straps. The collar portion fits high at the top of the neck, and the nose loop fits loosely and comfortably across the base of the muzzle. Each strap has a distinct and important purpose. The nose strap’s design is patented. The strap applies gentle pressure in the same way a dog’s pack leader would grasp a subordinate’s muzzle. Your dog will learn instinctively that you are the pack leader. The neck strap’s design mimics a mother picking up a puppy and works with your dog’s natural instinct to relax. With this gentle pressure applied to the back of the neck a dog will pull backwards not forwards, immediately correcting a leash-pulling tendency.