Tethered Troublemakers: Five Solutions to Prevent Dog-Leash Injuries

What's the most common cause of injury caused by dogs? Dog bites? Claw scratches? Falling over them when they lie down in unusual places?

It's actually leash pulling. A dog walked being pulled by a leash is the most common cause of a "direct dog-related injury," according to a review recently published in the journal Injury Prevention.

Women and people over the age of 65 made up almost three quarters (74%) of the injuries, many of which impact the hand or wrist.

Far more than a nuisance, sudden leash pulling is a genuine health hazard, particularly to anyone who walks a larger dog.

Social psychologist, dog trainer and self-help author Jeanette Przygoda says it's not just the dog's fault: "I think both humans and dogs are somewhat to blame when there are problems with the leash."

"No dog can walk calmly on a leash if the owner is not calm," says Andreas Ohligschläger, a human-dog coach and self-help author. The dog, he says, might then wonder: "What are you trying to show me? You’re dissatisfied, unfulfilled and full of pent-up energy yourself!"

Different breeds with different backgrounds all have different relationships with the leash: a terrier might react quickly to stimuli, a Newfoundland might have a more laid-back nature, and a frightened rescue dog might have experienced traumatic events in the past that left it with the strong urge to flee loud noises.

Nevertheless, leash training starts the same way for every dog and owner. The first lesson is to practise calmness.

Tip 1: Start calmly – here’s how

The first step of any walk begins at the front door. "If you don’t want your dog to drag you around outside, you need to bring calmness to the situation indoors," advises Ohligschläger. In other words: calm yourself first, relax and take your time getting both yourself and your dog ready.

"If your dog is very excitable, take a break after putting on the collar until it has calmed down!" recommends dog trainer Przygoda. Only when the dog can show some restraint should you open the door.

You haven't even taken a step outside yet and you're already feeling despair? Don’t worry. You’re already in the middle of leash training.

"If it initially takes 20 minutes before you can set off, it will soon only take five," says Przygoda. And: "The perseverance pays off."

Tip 2: Take decisions away from your dog

If the dog makes decisions at home, it will gladly do so outside as well. Then it not only pulls on the leash and dictates speed and direction but also takes charge when encountering other dogs.

Consistency is therefore important. Clear rules should already be a given at home. This is because the foundation for misbehaviour on the leash is often laid during daily interactions at home.

The dog should also pay as much attention as possible to its owner. Small exercises can help here: gently cutting off the dog’s path, stopping occasionally, walking backwards, circling, changing pace or weaving in a slalom, Przygoda suggests.

Tip 3: Reflect on your own behaviour

Those who always keep their dog on a short leash in certain situations, give harsh commands or jerk the leash send the signal: "Danger is imminent, the situation can only escalate!" Leash pulling is the logical response.

"Dogs that actively seek confrontation have often learned this from humans – even if the humans are unaware of it," says trainer Ohligschläger. To avoid sending such signals in the future, it’s worth reflecting on your own behaviour.

Tip 4: Pay attention to and respond to your dog’s signals

Dogs communicate very subtly and we humans tend to miss non-verbal dialogue, which leads to stress for both dog and the walker. "Perhaps I didn’t even notice that the other dog was already staring and displaying threatening behaviour," says Przygoda.

Sometimes, a small gesture is enough. And because dogs on leashes have no way to avoid each other – as they normally would by making a wide arc or sniffing indifferently somewhere else – they go on the offensive.

They growl or lunge at the leash. "If you then continue walking while pulling on the leash, the dog has a really bad learning experience because it thinks: 'We survived because I behaved that way'," says the dog trainer.

What helps: avoid approaching another dog head-on, increase the distance and make a slight arc instead.

Tip 5: Work on your own body language

Dogs orient themselves using human contact. In tense encounters with other dogs, therefore, be open and communicative. "I’m always very friendly to other dog owners," says Ohligschläger.

There’s nothing better, he says, than trying to counteract your dog's aggression with outward friendliness – meaning not engaging with the dog’s energy but instead approaching the other person positively.

The dog expert and animal welfare advocate knows this can be difficult at first. Dog owners aren’t always likeable, after all. You might have to step out of your comfort zone, Ohligschläger says. But once you see the effect on your own dog, it will become easier each time.