What Are the Dangers of a Dog Pulling the Leash?

Dogs are powerful animals that possess a much lower center of gravity than their owners. Leashes, the most common tools used to keep them in check, are only effective when our dogs pay attention to them. Dogs that pull on the leash are dangerous, both to their owners and to themselves.

  1. Dragging the Owner

    • The dog that pulls on its leash is not paying attention to the owner. For all it knows, the owner is not even there. When such a dog gets excited by a passing animal or object, it will give chase, often pulling the owner right behind it.

    Breaking the Leash

    • Leashes are supposed to be tethers; they are not intended to support great weight or pressure for any length of time. While leather leashes might hold up well, leashes made of cotton webbing fray under constant pressure. In addition, leash clasps may bend or break, releasing your dog. Many dogs run away from their owners if they are suddenly free, making them potentially dangerous to small animals, people or to passing motorists.

    Damaging the Trachea

    • A dog that pulls on its leash often damages its trachea (windpipe). Temporary compression of the trachea causes the dog to gag or wheeze. Continued compression of the trachea may lead to scarring or, in very small toy dogs, to trachea collapse. This damage may result in permanent difficulty breathing.

    Poor Training

    • Dogs learn by experience. If you are firm with your dog and keep it in control whenever you interact, your dog will understand that you are in charge. If you let your dog pull you when attempting to walk it on a leash, your dog comes to understand that it is in charge. Once your dog feels in charge, its disobedience extends to other aspects of your relationship, leading to difficulty in the home as well as when you are out on a walk.