Product Review: Holt Head Collar

This Holt Head Collar is often sold under the Top Paw and Walk n' Train brands. It features an adjustable slide lock on the bottom of the noseband, foam padding on the top of the noseband, and a safety strap that connects to the dog's regular collar. This collar is currently available in four colors, including pink!

Photo by Erin Koski

I picked this head halter up at a thrift store for less than a dollar, assuming it to be another Halti knockoff. As it turns out, this Holt collar has a couple of features that the Halti lacks.

You can't really tell from the picture, but the inside of the noseband is padded with foam. This seems to make it rub less on the top of the muzzle, and also provides a little bit of shock absorption if the dog makes a sudden move.

One of the big features of the Gentle Leader headcollar is the slide lock on the noseband that limits how wide it can open. There is nothing to limit the noseband on the Halti, however it does have cheekpieces that help keep the band in place. The Walk & Train head halter offers the best of both worlds, with cheekpieces to help hold the noseband in place, and a slidelock that can limit how far it opens.

Pros: More comfortable than other head halters we've tried. Padded noseband comes standard. Unique combination of features allows for a secure and comfortable fit.

Cons: Adjustment features make it easier to misuse the collar, too tight and the dog won't be able to pant effectively.

Bottom Line: I had grabbed this head halter out of a drawer because I needed one in a pinch, but it has turned out to be a favorite.