Obvious injuries caused by pulling and jerking are to the trachea and neck. Less obvious are the injuries to nerves and vertebrae which can cause permanent damage as well as lead to other medical issues such as organ damage, paralysis, or neurological issues.
Neck Injuries- Just one incident of pulling or running fast to the end of the leash could possibly cause serious neck damage. Neck injuries could include bruising, whiplash, headaches, crushed trachea, damage to larynx, and fractured vertebrae. A neck and spinal cord injury can cause paralysis or neurological problems.
If a harness doesn't fit well and a dog pulls hard on his leash, there is some potential for a chest injury, says Dr. Susan C. Nelson, clinical professor at the Veterinary Health Center at Kansas State University.
Stand still, keep quiet and don't move forward again until the lead is slack. Don't jerk the lead back or tell your dog off – just stand and wait calmly and quietly. If your dog does not turn back to you, try walking a couple of steps in the opposite direction to get their focus back.
Dogs who are yanked suffer from problems including frustration, anxiety, stress; elevated heart rate, blood pressure, corticosteroids; damage to the neck, thyroid and salivary glands, and possibly their eyes.
Pulling and dragging a pup can not only injure their necks and dislocate knees and elbows that are still rubbery (and with growth plates still not closed), but also give them a highly negative, unhappy association with you, the leash, and going on walks. Dragging and using force can only make matters worse!
Obvious injuries caused by pulling and jerking are to the trachea and neck. Less obvious are the injuries to nerves and vertebrae which can cause permanent damage as well as lead to other medical issues such as organ damage, paralysis, or neurological issues.
Why do dogs pull on the leash? Dogs pull to get where they are going. Dogs want to engage with the environment, and humans, to a dog, can be slow. Wearing a leash and being tethered to a human is not a “natural” behavior for dogs.
The time it takes for your dog to be trained not pull on the leash will vary. However, for most dog parents, working 5-10 minutes a day for 5-7 days will get them results. Remember, start inside. Once your dog is walking calmly next to you inside, start to take them outside.
Cons of dog harnesses:
May require more physical strength than walking your dog on a traditional dog collar, depending on the size of the dog. If a harness is too big, your dog may be able to wiggle out and escape. Dog harnesses that are too tight can be painful for dogs.
Harnesses don't cause pulling.
Proper leash manner does not mean that the dog can only walk in a prong or with a no-pull harness, but as soon as it comes off, they pull like a freight train. These tools can be used as part of different training methods to discourage pulling AND encourage good behavior.
Harnesses bring fewer health risks
In general, harnesses are easier on dogs than collars. For example, a good harness can alleviate back pain. They're also far less likely to pull on your dog's throat, causing injury. If you have a dog that loves to pull hard while walking, you'll want to consider a harness.
If your dog pulls firmly on the leash, the collar will tighten around its throat, leading to potential trachea collapse or injury.
One of the best ways to avoid lower back pain is to bend your knees while walking. This way, your knees and not your back will absorb the force of your dog tugging. Use your core to stand straight and walk at a steady pace, using your body to turn the dog.
Being overjoyed about going for a walk is almost universal among dogs. If you reach for their leash, lace up your shoes or do anything that suggests even the remote possibility that you are going for a walk, your dog is probably thrilled.
"Dogs have an innate desire to move their body and to investigate their world while doing it," she says. "Sniff walks allow for both of these, as they get a chance to follow their nose and learn, leading to a happier, more content, and fulfilled dog."
Yelling or screaming should never be used as it can cause the animal to become more fearful or aggressive. Leash: The most common tool used to handle animals in the clinic is the leash. Placed around a dog's neck it normally controls even the largest dog.
Although doggie moms carry their pups by the scruff, it is not recommended to carry dogs in this way. Since we humans don't have the natural instincts on how to correctly carry dogs by their scruff, we can end up easily causing pain or damage.
This technique makes you more stable, and lets your dog know where you are. Put knots in your leash or use a thumb- or finger-lock hold, so the leash doesn't slip through your hands. Consider having your dog fitted for a “no-pull” harness.
Never grab your puppy or dog by the muzzle to try to stop it from mouthing or biting. Grabbing at muzzles will only teach your pup to fear your hand. This also goes for hitting on the nose, tapping with a newspaper or yelling or growling.
Lift up with your legs. What not to do: Don't pick up a dog by the scruff of the neck. Don't pick them up by the front legs (or “underarms”) like a baby—it can strain their ligaments.
Harnesses tend to be more secure: Harnesses are generally better at preventing accidents because they fasten more securely around your dog's body. While dogs can easily slip out of their collars and potentially run into traffic or another person's yard, harnesses offer much more security and safety, says Fox.