Co-sponsors of the 2023 Winning Out Certificates

Formerly Gentle Controller

Manufacturer: G.& C. Natural Dog Food Ltd
Reviewed by Heidi Totesaut

Description: An all-in-one dog collar and lead which allows even the most excitable, strong dogs to be walked with ease.

Features include:-

• One size fits all
• Very gentle on dogs
• Does not pull up into dog's eyes
• Thicker than standard Polyprop lead for more comfortable grip
• Soft and flexible

Best features:- I was delighted when I was asked if I would write a review of this product as, at the time, I had a very young black Belgian Sheepdog Groenendael pup with a on-going shoulder problem. Nina was (and still is) very excitable and was always pulling on the lead, thus putting pressure on her shoulder. The vet advised that she would need months of lead walking if she was not to be permanently damaged.

She took to the Gencom All-in-One very quickly and was soon walking by my side. She could not pull me because her head was under control, and I could keep her at my side. She no longer surged ahead.  I did not need to jerk the lead and it did not pull up into her eyes.

I used the Gencom All-in-One on her for five months and still use it on occasion for roadwork. Being a BSD Nina still has a lot of energy but once she has calmed down, I slip the nose part off and use it as a 'normal' lead. I also like it because it can be used for left and right hand walking.

Personally I preferred the soft, pliable and hardwearing Polyprop material to leather which can be hard to hold and can leave marks across the dog' nose.

At agility shows it is great because you do not need a collar, and therefore, you cannot forget to take it off in the ring!

Worst features:- None that I can think of. At the time I tried out the Gencom All-in-One, I would have liked a choice of colours. It came in only one colour - turquoise and blue, but I am told that Irene and Bernard have responded to demand and have added two more colour combinations - navy with jade tramlines, navy with red tramlines and a third is on the way, navy with blue tramlines. In addition, I would have liked one or two different lengths for different sized dogs as I have Mini dogs as well as Standards. Now it comes in any length you need.

Instructions: The one piece lead/collar came with good instructions which were easy to follow. It took just a short time to learn how to put it on the dog, and she adjusted to it quickly and, more importantly, without stress.

Prices: All prices plus postage and packing - £1.40 for first item and 30p for each additional one.

Value for Money: Compared to other collars and leads that you can buy in the shops, it seems expensive but when I think of the permanent damage that could have been caused to my dog, I think it was well worth it - and I would recommend it highly to other handlers with dogs in similar situations.

Delivery: Postage & packing £1.50 each. For each additional item add another 0.30p. 10 or more items postage FREE in the UK.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the company...
G. C. & Natural Dog Food Ltd, manufacturers of the Gentle Controller and Gencon Headcollars and leads, was started by business partners Bernard Baron and Irene Holbrook who have been involved with dogs for more years than they like to mention.  Irene has spent over 30 years in Obedience and Agility, both competing and teaching, also breeding Naturally Reared GSDs and Border Collies. 

Bernard has had dogs as pets from childhood. He is now convinced of the benefits of naturally rearing, having been converted to the cause after a lot of ear bashing from Irene, and having seen the results for himself on his own dog. Both Irene and Bernard are in the process of obtaining puppies. Bernard is still looking for a Golden Retriever pup, but Irene has purchased a red merle and tan bitch puppy from Caernarfon. She is coming on very well, nearly 8 months old, and naturally reared on the products the Company sells and causing in havoc in the office!  

G. C. & Natural Dog also has a patent on the Gencom Headcollar, a similar product to the Gentle Controller without the lead attachment. They have the fabric manufactured to their own specifications to make it thicker with a rounded edge. Being friendly and flexible company, they can make their own products smaller or larger to your requirements. 

About the Reviewer
Heidi Totesaut has been doing agility for 5-6 years now. She is a member of Sheltie Club and does the occasional breed show.

She lives in North London with her family, eight dogs and four cats.

[bottom.htm]

© Copyright Agilitynet