Testimonials
Pet Owners who have had their pets trained by Miriam Fields-Babineau
and
Purchasers of Comfort Trainer Head Halters
Pet Product Reviews, Too.
Trish King Professional Trainer and Behaviorist
Novato, CA
"I've tried pretty much all the halters out there, and have found the
Comfort Halter to be the most comfortable for the dog. It's easy to fit
and easy to put on and take off. I heartily recommend it for all dogs who
need that extra bit of control."
Trish King, CPDT, CDBC
www.canine-behavior-associates.com
k9teacher@comcast.net
415-250-0446
Comfort Halter to be the most comfortable for the dog. It's easy to fit
and easy to put on and take off. I heartily recommend it for all dogs who
need that extra bit of control."
Trish King, CPDT, CDBC
www.canine-behavior-associates.com
k9teacher@comcast.net
415-250-0446
Product Review - Braggin' Barks
http://bragginbarks.blogspot.com/2013/04/training-in-comfort-with-comfort-trainer.html
It was so nice to meet you on Tuesday. Thank you for the GREAT training
session. Booth really has taken to the head gear you designed. It's SOO much
better then the gentle leader. I appreciate you introducing me/us to this great
product.
Jennifer Van Winkle
Charlottesville, VA
session. Booth really has taken to the head gear you designed. It's SOO much
better then the gentle leader. I appreciate you introducing me/us to this great
product.
Jennifer Van Winkle
Charlottesville, VA
I have used them on many dogs in training for therapy work and service dog work. They are comfortable on the dog and I never even tighten them as much as suggested and they still work wonders. Dogs that would pull without them, walk nicely by my side. Often I am able later to stop using them and have the same results. They are the best and most comfortable I think of all the head halters out there. I have tried almost every other one that exists.
Kathy Summers.
“We have used the Comfort Trainer for years and love how it stops leash pulling, controls unwanted behaviors and was effective from the first time we used it.”
Eric Udler
Super Pet Expo
Rockville, MD
I have used the Comfort trainer for 12 years and 3 dogs. Head halter training had proven to be easy for me and comfortable for my dogs. I use Miriam's Comfort Trainer because the design and materials do not put undo stress on my dog. They fit correctly are well made, and they come in lots of pretty colors.
Evan Cohen
Professional: photographer
Amature dog: trainer
Baltimore, MD
I have used the Comfort trainer for 12 years and 3 dogs. Head halter training had proven to be easy for me and comfortable for my dogs. I use Miriam's Comfort Trainer because the design and materials do not put undo stress on my dog. They fit correctly are well made, and they come in lots of pretty colors.
Evan Cohen
Professional: photographer
Amature dog: trainer
We adopted a neglected, underweight, extremely under-socialized, and very scared German Shepherd Dog from our local humane society in December 2007. Today Marcus is a handsome dog who is finding much to enjoy in life thanks to the help of Miriam Fields and her Comfort Trainer head halter.
Unlike the “figure eight” style head halter which we had tried previously, the Comfort Trainer head halter is:
We spent several months working with Marcus using a Comfort Trainer head halter per Miriam’s direction. The Comfort Trainer assists in controlling the dog by allowing you to direct his focus by steering his head. Since Marcus is over ninety pounds, brute force manipulation was not an option and would have only added to his fears and stress level.
The Comfort Trainer gave us confidence to bring Marcus to new places and introduce him to new situations because it allows us to control him in a humane manner even when he is a frightened or confused. We have recommended the Comfort Trainer to other dog guardians and will continue to do so!
Jo Ann and Ed Beehler
November 2009
Kathy Summers.
“We have used the Comfort Trainer for years and love how it stops leash pulling, controls unwanted behaviors and was effective from the first time we used it.”
Eric Udler
Super Pet Expo
Rockville, MD
I have used the Comfort trainer for 12 years and 3 dogs. Head halter training had proven to be easy for me and comfortable for my dogs. I use Miriam's Comfort Trainer because the design and materials do not put undo stress on my dog. They fit correctly are well made, and they come in lots of pretty colors.
Evan Cohen
Professional: photographer
Amature dog: trainer
Baltimore, MD
I have used the Comfort trainer for 12 years and 3 dogs. Head halter training had proven to be easy for me and comfortable for my dogs. I use Miriam's Comfort Trainer because the design and materials do not put undo stress on my dog. They fit correctly are well made, and they come in lots of pretty colors.
Evan Cohen
Professional: photographer
Amature dog: trainer
We adopted a neglected, underweight, extremely under-socialized, and very scared German Shepherd Dog from our local humane society in December 2007. Today Marcus is a handsome dog who is finding much to enjoy in life thanks to the help of Miriam Fields and her Comfort Trainer head halter.
Unlike the “figure eight” style head halter which we had tried previously, the Comfort Trainer head halter is:
- easy to use
- easy to adjust
- comfortable for Marcus to wear (because it does not apply constant pressure to his nose or head)
We spent several months working with Marcus using a Comfort Trainer head halter per Miriam’s direction. The Comfort Trainer assists in controlling the dog by allowing you to direct his focus by steering his head. Since Marcus is over ninety pounds, brute force manipulation was not an option and would have only added to his fears and stress level.
The Comfort Trainer gave us confidence to bring Marcus to new places and introduce him to new situations because it allows us to control him in a humane manner even when he is a frightened or confused. We have recommended the Comfort Trainer to other dog guardians and will continue to do so!
Jo Ann and Ed Beehler
November 2009
Marcus Beehler wearing his Comfort Trainer
Reggie Bales wearing his Comfort Trainer
“If you are considering using a head halter on your dog, this is the one! The dog accepts wearing the Comfort Trainer much faster as the fabric and design is comfortable on their muzzle and prevents chafing. Plus, it is easy for the owner to adjust & connect. I highly recommend it to all my clients!”
~Terese Van Buren (Good as Gold Dog Training)
~Terese Van Buren (Good as Gold Dog Training)
I have long been a fan of the Comfort Trainer Head Collar. I think it is far superior to the Gentle Leader (which I think is mis-used by many pet owners and trainers who keep them very tight, for extra control). I have had personal experience with the GL wearing the fur from dogs' faces, and have seen this with clients' dogs (and my own) even when the collar is used appropriately. The flat nylon material is very abrasive. I've also used a Halti, but it too uses abrasive flat nylon material in its construction and does not come in as many sizes as it might, to fit a wide range of dogs' face shapes. The Comfort Trainer is particularly appropriate for brachycephalic dogs, while other head halters risk eye injury to "smoosh faced" dogs. I used the Comfort Trainer for nine year with Luca, he never fussed with it on, because he found it comfortable, while he hated the GL and and I hated it because it destroyed the fur on his face even when I lined it with moleskin. Luca was a puller from day one, until the day he died, when he was the slightest bit aroused (which was most of the time) he pulled. I could never have worked him in public without a head collar of some sort. The Comfort Trainer is made with rounded braided material that is soft. Nate, at 18 months, has worn a GL all his life and still fusses at it. I've switched him over to a Comfort Trainer, and he seems much more content with it, although some fussing still occurs, most likely out of habit. Like the design of the Halti, the Comfort Trainer can't be dragged off the nose by a frustrated dog's paws. It comes with two different buckle options. I prefer the model that has both a tongued buckle, and a quick release buckle. It allows me to fit the collar to his face with the tongued buckle and then use the quick release for easy off and on. When I bought my first Comfort Trainer, I thought it was expensive, by comparison to other head collars on the market, and set myself to a short-lived experiment; I decided to make one myself, copying the design of the CT. Eight hours and a very crude approximation later, I decided that the Miriam Fields-Babineau, the designer and manufacturer, had earned every penny she received for her efforts. She used to make every Comfort Trainer herself, but now has a manufacturer who creates her stock.
Barbara Handelman
M.Ed, CDBC, Certified Behavior Consultant, IAABC Member #056 Norwich, Vermont, 802 649-5213 "Canine Behavior: A Photo Illustrated Handbook" www.woofandwordpress.com DVD Creator: "Clicker Train Your Own Assistance Dog" Blog: www.woofandwordpress.com/blog
Barbara Handelman
M.Ed, CDBC, Certified Behavior Consultant, IAABC Member #056 Norwich, Vermont, 802 649-5213 "Canine Behavior: A Photo Illustrated Handbook" www.woofandwordpress.com DVD Creator: "Clicker Train Your Own Assistance Dog" Blog: www.woofandwordpress.com/blog
While I have always understood the value of the head halter I was unable to utilize them because I had issues with both the Halti collar and the Gentle Leader. My friend Karen [Lanoue-Lambrecht] told me about a head halter called the Comfort Trainer and it's become one of my favorite training tools. The Comfort Trainer is hand made and perfectly serves the function of helping dogs learn to walk cooperatively with their humans. It most resembles a horse's halter which is what the head halter is supposed to do. I have yet to see a dog who had a significant problem with the CT and I've put them on dogs from Lab's to Bernese Mountain Dogs to Brittany Spaniels. When I'm working with a dog who needs to learn to respect the leash and the person on the other end of their leash the CT is my first thought. The fact that the dog is never over corrected by the CT is a huge advantage as well as the fact that each CT is fitted perfectly for the dog who is wearing it so it does not slip or have the fit change as the dog wears it.
My issue with the Gentle Leader is that due to the constantly cinched nature of the device around the dog's muzzle the dog is being corrected the entire time the GL is on the dog. This removes the dog's ability to make the right choice which inhibits the dogs ability to learn. From my perspective, the best part of training a dog or working with a dog is seeing them learn and capturing their break through moments. I do not like any form of over restriction when working with dogs, young or old. I have never met a dog that needed constant correction.
It's not 'the answer' for every dog but no training tool is.
Emily Rogeness
Peabody, MA
Professional Dog Trainer
(see pics below of my students wearing the Comfort Trainer)
My issue with the Gentle Leader is that due to the constantly cinched nature of the device around the dog's muzzle the dog is being corrected the entire time the GL is on the dog. This removes the dog's ability to make the right choice which inhibits the dogs ability to learn. From my perspective, the best part of training a dog or working with a dog is seeing them learn and capturing their break through moments. I do not like any form of over restriction when working with dogs, young or old. I have never met a dog that needed constant correction.
It's not 'the answer' for every dog but no training tool is.
Emily Rogeness
Peabody, MA
Professional Dog Trainer
(see pics below of my students wearing the Comfort Trainer)
Heather Hudson - Owner of Chase (Golden Retriever)
Chase is my very sweet and loving companion that I hoped to show in obedience. But at seven months old I knew I needed help with this super smart and active pup. He was rushing through doors, counter-surfing, and stealing food from the other dogs…. only to name a few. My husband was completely frustrated. Chase was a long ways away from becoming an obedience champ! That’s when Miriam entered the picture. Chase stayed with Miriam at Shady Mountain Pet Retreat for training. I visited once a week during his stay so Miriam could show me how to work with him. It was fun to see how far he had come each week. At home it was amazing to see how all of his old issues were all but non-existent. We still visit Miriam every week to continue our training. In a very short four months, Chase has transformed into the PERFECT dog.
Over the holiday weekend Chase went with me to a large family gathering. His perfect manners induced many compliments and comments like, “I want a dog like that” and “why won’t my dog behave like that”. He has also earned his Rally Novice, Rally Advanced, and Novice Obedience titles with Miriam’s handling. His titles are a great accomplishment for such a young pup. I am extremely pleased with my experiences at Shady Mountain Pet Treat.
The facility is great and is always in tip-top shape. Chase obviously likes the suites and always greats Miriam with his “boy I haven’t seen you in a while” talk. I look forward to continuing our weekly training with Miriam and to see Chase’s future progress (and mine too)!
Heather Hudson
Lynchburg, VA
Over the holiday weekend Chase went with me to a large family gathering. His perfect manners induced many compliments and comments like, “I want a dog like that” and “why won’t my dog behave like that”. He has also earned his Rally Novice, Rally Advanced, and Novice Obedience titles with Miriam’s handling. His titles are a great accomplishment for such a young pup. I am extremely pleased with my experiences at Shady Mountain Pet Treat.
The facility is great and is always in tip-top shape. Chase obviously likes the suites and always greats Miriam with his “boy I haven’t seen you in a while” talk. I look forward to continuing our weekly training with Miriam and to see Chase’s future progress (and mine too)!
Heather Hudson
Lynchburg, VA
Leigh C. - Dog Owner
Hi Miriam,
Awhile back, I bought a Comfort Trainer from you, and you had asked for a testimonial and a picture. I have started a blog, basically about my dog's antics, and I would like to feature the Comfort Trainer for the second installment of "Finn's Faves Friday". I can't claim a huge readership at this point, but I was hoping this would be okay with you. The post is scheduled to publish on Friday morning. I'd like to link directly to your site. You're more than welcome to use any of my write-up or pictures below. Your product has made a HUGE difference in my dog!
Thank you!
--
Leigh C.
FiNNDiNi.blogspot.com
Happy Friday! I'm planning on spending as much of the weekend as possible outside and taking some long walks! Walking Finn used to be a pain in the butt. He is so smart about a lot of things, but I have really struggled to teach him good leash walking manners. He wants to pull past the end of anything, be it a standard 6 foot leash, a retractable leash, whatever. Until a few months ago, he was not fun to walk, because frankly, it hurt to be dragged around by a growing dog. I was getting very frustrated with him in puppy class because it was hard to keep his attention, and he wanted to play lunge at any dog that came his direction.
A friend of mine, who is a professional dog trainer, recommended the Comfort Trainer. It is a head collar that is similar to a Premier Pet Gentle Leader Headcollar but she recommended it over the Gentle Leader. (The idea with both of these products is similar to a horse halter. Pressure is applied on the nose when the dog/horse pulls on the lead, and since that is uncomfortable it discourages them from pulling. They're also safer for dogs that tend to pull, because pulling on standard collars can cause neck injuries.)
I checked out the Comfort Trainer website, which showed how it worked, and it also made it really easy to figure out what size I needed for Finn. (They have a size to fit any dog, from 5 pounds to 150+.) I ordered a size 3 Comfort Trainer in blue. When it arrived, I could tell that the design was great. It has a regular buckle and a quick release buckle, (they call it the EZ Clip). You use the regular buckle to initially adjust the fit the head collar to your dog's head, and then you use the quick release buckle for quick on's and off's. I will tell you, it took a little while for Finn to get used to this. He had never used a head collar before, and he resisted at first.
Should you decide to get a Comfort Trainer for your dog, don't expect to be able to put it right on and go for a walk. The Comfort Trainer comes with directions for acclimating your dog -- follow them. Start with just putting it on and taking it off, and give plenty of treats! Then, maybe even the next day, depending on your dog, take a few steps, then take a lap around the room. They key with Finn was starting with really short sessions with it on, and giving lots of rewards.
Here's a tip: I initially attached a 1" wide leather leash to the Comfort Trainer, because that's what I typically use. I found that the weight of that collar irritated him. I stopped by the pet store and bought a three dollar nylon leash for toy-sized dogs, and that works like a charm!
Today, Finn is a joy to walk (or even run) in the Comfort Trainer. He performs SO much better when I'm training him. His attention stays on me, and he's definitely more sensitive to changes in speed and direction he doesn't play lunge at dogs, and he is better about not jumping on people who want to say hello.
Just the other day, I took him to watch a dog agility class. He tends to get really excited in that type of setting, so I put him in the Comfort Trainer. He chilled out comfortably beside me for the whole two hours and was never bothered by the head collar.
This is definitely a Finn's Faves product! Whether your dog is an overly exuberant puppy, or could just pay a little more attention, this product is a good bet!
Leigh C.
FiNNDiNi.blogspot.com
Awhile back, I bought a Comfort Trainer from you, and you had asked for a testimonial and a picture. I have started a blog, basically about my dog's antics, and I would like to feature the Comfort Trainer for the second installment of "Finn's Faves Friday". I can't claim a huge readership at this point, but I was hoping this would be okay with you. The post is scheduled to publish on Friday morning. I'd like to link directly to your site. You're more than welcome to use any of my write-up or pictures below. Your product has made a HUGE difference in my dog!
Thank you!
--
Leigh C.
FiNNDiNi.blogspot.com
Happy Friday! I'm planning on spending as much of the weekend as possible outside and taking some long walks! Walking Finn used to be a pain in the butt. He is so smart about a lot of things, but I have really struggled to teach him good leash walking manners. He wants to pull past the end of anything, be it a standard 6 foot leash, a retractable leash, whatever. Until a few months ago, he was not fun to walk, because frankly, it hurt to be dragged around by a growing dog. I was getting very frustrated with him in puppy class because it was hard to keep his attention, and he wanted to play lunge at any dog that came his direction.
A friend of mine, who is a professional dog trainer, recommended the Comfort Trainer. It is a head collar that is similar to a Premier Pet Gentle Leader Headcollar but she recommended it over the Gentle Leader. (The idea with both of these products is similar to a horse halter. Pressure is applied on the nose when the dog/horse pulls on the lead, and since that is uncomfortable it discourages them from pulling. They're also safer for dogs that tend to pull, because pulling on standard collars can cause neck injuries.)
I checked out the Comfort Trainer website, which showed how it worked, and it also made it really easy to figure out what size I needed for Finn. (They have a size to fit any dog, from 5 pounds to 150+.) I ordered a size 3 Comfort Trainer in blue. When it arrived, I could tell that the design was great. It has a regular buckle and a quick release buckle, (they call it the EZ Clip). You use the regular buckle to initially adjust the fit the head collar to your dog's head, and then you use the quick release buckle for quick on's and off's. I will tell you, it took a little while for Finn to get used to this. He had never used a head collar before, and he resisted at first.
Should you decide to get a Comfort Trainer for your dog, don't expect to be able to put it right on and go for a walk. The Comfort Trainer comes with directions for acclimating your dog -- follow them. Start with just putting it on and taking it off, and give plenty of treats! Then, maybe even the next day, depending on your dog, take a few steps, then take a lap around the room. They key with Finn was starting with really short sessions with it on, and giving lots of rewards.
Here's a tip: I initially attached a 1" wide leather leash to the Comfort Trainer, because that's what I typically use. I found that the weight of that collar irritated him. I stopped by the pet store and bought a three dollar nylon leash for toy-sized dogs, and that works like a charm!
Today, Finn is a joy to walk (or even run) in the Comfort Trainer. He performs SO much better when I'm training him. His attention stays on me, and he's definitely more sensitive to changes in speed and direction he doesn't play lunge at dogs, and he is better about not jumping on people who want to say hello.
Just the other day, I took him to watch a dog agility class. He tends to get really excited in that type of setting, so I put him in the Comfort Trainer. He chilled out comfortably beside me for the whole two hours and was never bothered by the head collar.
This is definitely a Finn's Faves product! Whether your dog is an overly exuberant puppy, or could just pay a little more attention, this product is a good bet!
Leigh C.
FiNNDiNi.blogspot.com
Candace Gartland human companion of Hero a Rhodesian Ridgeback
On Friday I took Hero in to my vet, Earlysville Animal Hospital. They were so impressed that Hero didn't bark at any dogs while he was there that she bragged about Hero to the behavior vet. Today they asked me for your information so I gave her your business card. Earlysville Animal Hospital has been Hero's vet since he was 9 weeks old and they adore him. Hero has spent a lot of time with the people at the vet clinic because of the cancer on his leg and the problems he had after the first surgery.
Candace Gartland
Louisa, VA
Candace Gartland
Louisa, VA
Sara Swagger human companion of Ruby, a mixed breed.
Just a quick note about Ruby. She's doing great! We did two 4-mile walks Saturday and Sunday on the Blackwater Creek trail and she did a consistent and pleasant heel the whole way both days! She's truly a good girl. She still has the impulse to lunge after bike tires, baby carriages and rollerblades, but most of the time she is great on a loose leash.
Thanks! Sarah.
Thanks! Sarah.
Julie Passmore companion of Daisy Mae, a Brittany Spaniel
I left my 9 month old Brittany, Daisy Mae with Miriam for a few days. I'm going to have to go all the way back to Amherst this weekend because clearly, the dog she sent me home with isn't my dog although she does look like her and is wearing her collar and tags. My dog planted a big muddy paw print on my chest the morning I took her to Miriam. This dog ran out of her suite to me and sat politely to be greeted. My dog pushed past people to get out of the door - this dog sits politely and waits for an OK to pass. My dog had to be physically restrained to have a leash attached. This dog sits nicely for the process. My dog literally pulled me off my feet a couple of times when on the leash, this dog walks to heal nicely .
Having spent a few weeks in obedience training with Miriam and seeing such progress, it made perfect sense to leave Daisy with her when we went away for a few days. She accomplished more in those few days than I've accomplished in several weeks (actually, let's be honest, about 7 months!)
Daisy will be returning to Shady Mountain for a 12 day stay in a couple of weeks. I'm hoping she'll be able to help with the housework when she gets home. Perhaps fold laundry? mow the lawn?
Seriously, Miriam - you are awesome and I'm so glad that Daisy and I found you. You have helped us tremendously and helped me make peace with the fact that I'd forgotten how much WORK a puppy is but that it WILL get better and Daisy will be a full member of this family!
I've attached a picture that's a little more attractive than the soggy dog one you have. That was the old Daisy - this new Daisy is much nicer to be around. I think I'll keep her!
Julie Passmore
Lynchburg, VA
Having spent a few weeks in obedience training with Miriam and seeing such progress, it made perfect sense to leave Daisy with her when we went away for a few days. She accomplished more in those few days than I've accomplished in several weeks (actually, let's be honest, about 7 months!)
Daisy will be returning to Shady Mountain for a 12 day stay in a couple of weeks. I'm hoping she'll be able to help with the housework when she gets home. Perhaps fold laundry? mow the lawn?
Seriously, Miriam - you are awesome and I'm so glad that Daisy and I found you. You have helped us tremendously and helped me make peace with the fact that I'd forgotten how much WORK a puppy is but that it WILL get better and Daisy will be a full member of this family!
I've attached a picture that's a little more attractive than the soggy dog one you have. That was the old Daisy - this new Daisy is much nicer to be around. I think I'll keep her!
Julie Passmore
Lynchburg, VA
Michelle Reinhardt
Wow! Is all I have to say. I order the Comfort trainer on the advice of my daughters Service Dog Trainer. My daughter was having some pretty major problems with her Service Dog pulling her, and not walking with her, very embarrassing out in public. We have invested in the other head halters, and other no pull harness, some of them made things worse......nothing worked! After the trainer suggested that we try the Comfort Trainer, I went a head and bought it with some reservations. My daughter followed the video that was on Training Unlimited website, and it worked out beautifully!! My daughters Service Dog no longer pulls, my daughter is not embarrassed to take her out in public any more. What made me please was the fast shipping!! I ordered on a Friday morning, received the Comfort Trainers on the follow Monday! Thank you so much!
Sincerely, Michelle Reinhardt Chell Reinhardt & her service dog Emma
Pixie too! (she's our household pet)
Sincerely, Michelle Reinhardt Chell Reinhardt & her service dog Emma
Pixie too! (she's our household pet)
Patricia Highley and her Poodles Choo Choo and Sassy
I was married to a Veterinarian for 15 years and did a lot of animal handling and training, but some of my methods are outdated and it has been quite a few years. I thoroughly enjoyed our session today and I know Bob did as well, because we are on a fixed income and he readily spent the money that was needed and he was most impressed with your methods. We are already thinking about future dog events now that the training is fun. We felt like proud parents today.
Sian Harmon, dog owner, Australia
We tried it out for this morning's walk, and I'm very pleased with it. We've used the Gentle Leader for nearly a year, but this EZ Comfort Trainer is better in two ways.
First thing that struck me was how lovely and soft it is. In fact, Very soft, which I'm sure my Rocky appreciates. We live in Australia and go to the beach down the road every day. The Gentle leader always gets stiffened with sand and salt, so I'm constantly washing it.
Secondly, the nose loop is larger/longer than the GL, so when there's no pressure on the lead it just hangs nicely.
I will be buying one of these for any dogs I have in future.
Sian Harman
First thing that struck me was how lovely and soft it is. In fact, Very soft, which I'm sure my Rocky appreciates. We live in Australia and go to the beach down the road every day. The Gentle leader always gets stiffened with sand and salt, so I'm constantly washing it.
Secondly, the nose loop is larger/longer than the GL, so when there's no pressure on the lead it just hangs nicely.
I will be buying one of these for any dogs I have in future.
Sian Harman