Going on a walk is so exciting! There are so many things to see and hear and smell, it’s often your dog’s favourite time of the day!
It’s so easy for your furry friend to get carried away in their excitement and start to pull on the lead to try and get there faster, even if they’re not sure where ‘there’ is. But pulling on the lead can be dangerous for both pet and owner, leading to health risks that could be avoided.
At Gencon our gentle control leads were designed to stop dogs from pulling, gently. Our goal is to prevent any health complications due to pulling, helping your dog to remain happy and healthy for as long as possible. But what harm can pulling actually do?
When dogs pull on a regular collar and lead they are putting a lot of pressure on their neck which can lead to a few different health risks.
The most common and obvious health risk caused by pulling is the risk of neck injury. Pulling on a collar and lead can damage the larynx or even fracture the vertebrae.
You may be tempted to pull your dog back when they’re pulling, but when they’re wearing a collar and lead this could cause bruising, headaches or whiplash.
A study has shown that there is a direct link between dog breeds that are known to pull and a higher risk of hypothyroidism. Dog collars rest right above the thyroid gland, so when dogs pull it becomes inflamed and the dog’s immune system tries to fight back.
The nerves in a dog’s neck are directly connected to its front legs, which can cause an unknown sensation for your dog. This can lead to other symptoms such as paw licking or foreleg lameness.
When pressure is applied to a dog’s neck it can increase pressure in the dog’s eyes, which can increase the risk of eye conditions such as glaucoma.
Additionally, when a dog pulls on its collar it can also affect blood flow to and from the head, causing issues with a dog’s eyes and ears.
Not only does pulling put your dog at risk, but it can also cause injury to the owner, from arm injuries to being pulled over by a strong dog.
Teaching your dog loose lead walking can sound easier said than done, but we have a few tricks up our sleeves.
When training your dog avoid relying on the old collar and lead combination. Instead, choose options like an All-in-One headcollar, this connects directly to the lead so that when your dog begins to pull the headcollar gently restricts around the nose and eyes which encourages your pet not to pull on the lead.
Alternatively, a dog harness allows you to increase your control over your dog without putting pressure on the dog’s neck. A harness can help your dog to relax and prevent unnecessary pulling.
Choosing between these options is a matter of personal preference, why not try both out on your dog to see which works best for you?
Discover dog training leads that keep your puppy safe with Gencon’s full collection of high-quality anti-pull dog leads, headcollars and harnesses.
If you are looking for dog leads to stop pulling, or tips from professional dog trainers then look no further. Get in touch with our helpful team today for more information on our range of pet-safe products.
