Question

I have a Jack Russell that behaves bizarrely once he has his head halter put on. He is 10 months old and has done training with his halter, but once it is put on it is almost like he shuts down. He will not move and almost fears having it put on. We have never done anything that could associate the halter with a negative experience and even the training school we went to was puzzled by the behaviour. Are you able to shed some light on what could be the cause? Our other, six-year-old, Jack Russell doesn't like having it put on, but behaves normally once it is on.
Nyreeda

Answer
provided by Dr Paddy Batch BVSc

What you see, I have also seen with a pup lying on the ground with its halter on, so it could not be managed. Perhaps what we tried will work for you. Leave the halter on for a few days so your dog will eat and drink with it on. The fear you see is the fear of control. Remember in all training humans must be top dog.