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Many dog owners struggle with dogs that excessively pull on the leash during walks. While it can be frustrating at the moment to have a dog constantly straining at the end of the leash, what owners may not realize is that this behavior can seriously injure their dog both physically and psychologically if left unchecked. Pulling on the leash subjects the dog’s body to harmful forces that can cause injuries over time. It can also increase stress levels and undermine the human-canine relationship. With some training modifications and leash adjustments, however, owners can teach their dogs to walk politely without pulling.

Physical Damage From Pulling

Neck Issues

The neck area is particularly vulnerable when dogs pull strongly on collars or flat buckle collars. The sudden jerks and strains of a dog lunging forward can wrench the cervical vertebrae in the neck. Over time, this pull-induced neck trauma can lead to degenerative joint disease or disk issues resembling canine cervical spondylomyelopathy. The delicate tissues of the throat are also at risk of injury from constriction if the dog is choked by an overly tight collar during pulling episodes.

Related Blog: How Bad Am I If I Let My Dog Walk Without A Leash?

Musculoskeletal Issue

Musculoskeletal problems extending from the neck down the spine and into the limbs are another physical risk of leash pulling. The powerful thrusts exerted through the leash transmit high forces to the dog’s joints, muscles, and connective tissues. Repeated stress injuries can manifest as strains, tears, or even fractures in the back, shoulders, elbows, or hind legs, depending on the angle and direction of pulling. Older dogs or those predisposed to orthopedic conditions face an elevated risk of physical harm.

Asphyxistion

In some tragic cases, the act of a dog getting yanked forcefully on the leash can result in partial or complete asphyxiation. The windpipe can get compressed if the collar slides up towards the throat during a strong jerk backward. Breathing is obstructed, potentially causing hypoxia and even death by strangulation in under a minute if the dog cannot break free.

Psychological Damage From Pulling

Aside from physical injuries, the mental stress of constant leash pulling also takes its toll. Dogs dragged around by their neck develop feelings of fear, anxiety, and a lack of control in their environment. They come to associate walks with an aversive experience, undermining opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation. Some dogs may redirect these unpleasant emotions into aggression towards people, other animals, or objects as a defense mechanism.

Conflict In The Human-Canine Relationship

The power struggle of leash pulling escalates conflict in the human-canine relationship. It challenges the natural social hierarchy and confuses communication between owner and dog. Prolonged periods of leash tension eventually cause some dogs to succumb to a state of learned helplessness, where they stop resisting but also lose interest in normal canine behaviors and interactions. Their quality of life diminishes as stress levels rise.

Related Blog: Can You Walk A Dog Without A Leash?

Why do Dogs Pull On The Leash?

Understanding why certain dogs are inclined to pull can help address the root of the problem rather than just the symptoms. Some of the common triggers for leash pulling include:

  1. Excitement or Impatience: Sights, sounds, and smells in their environment overstimulate working breeds in particular, making them pull in eagerness.
  2. Fear or Reactivity: Some dogs pull out of fear towards other people, animals, or objects they perceive as threats.
  3. Underlying Medical Issues: Arthritis, injuries, or general pain can cause dogs to resist or pull on walks as a means to avoid discomfort.
  4. Lack of Training: Puppies and untrained adult dogs have not learned polite leash manners, so they follow their natural impulses to pull or sprint ahead.

Preventing Harm From Pulling

With proactive training using positive reinforcement methods, owners can shape their dog’s walking behavior to become loose-leash compliant over time. The following techniques help curb pulling without risking injury:

  • Reward loose leash walking with treats and praise, gently redirecting when they start to pull. Be consistent.
  • Head halters redirect the dog’s pulling forward force to the side, giving the handler better control.
  • Front-clip harnesses gently discourage pulling by redistributing pressure across the dog’s chest rather than their neck.
  • Longer retractable leashes provide distance and freedom with less slack for yanking.
  • Desensitization helps with reactive triggers through controlled exposure at a distance.
  • Reducing environmental overstimulation and practicing calm walking keeps excitement in check.
  • Consult a vet to rule out any underlying orthopedic issues exacerbating pulling pain.

Good leash walking protects dogs’ physical well-being and mental health for many happy years together.

Conclusion

Leash pulling poses serious risks of injury to a dog’s neck, spine, joints and respiratory system if allowed to continue unchecked. With positive training methods and proper equipment, owners can teach their dogs to walk politely on a loose leash. This improves the human-canine bond and provides a comfortable walking experience that protects dogs from potential harm. With consistency and patience, owners can curb excessive pulling for the overall health and safety of their canine companions.

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