The sickening leash jerk: Findings from the Swedish study by Anders Hallgren
Dogs have long been our loyal companions and deserve to be treated with respect and care.
A Swedish study led by Anders Hallgren, a well-known behavioral scientist and dog trainer, has produced alarming findings about the negative effects of collar-tugging (or notorious leash pullers) on the health of dogs.
This study sheds light on the health risks associated with this widely used training method and urges dog owners to consider alternative and humane training methods .
An innovative solution that addresses the leash jerk in the context of pulling on the leash is the traindee® Leash Expander.
The study on the harmful leash jerk
In his study, Anders Hallgren examined the health effects of leash jerking, a method in which the dog is suddenly and violently pulled back on the leash in order to correct its behavior. An outdated method that is often used especially when the dog pulls on the leash . Even the sudden and jerky pulling or jumping on the leash initiated by the dog itself can take on similar dimensions to leash jerking.
The study included a large number of dogs of different breeds , ages and sizes. The aim was to document the long-term physical consequences of this training practice.
Results of the study on leash jerking
- Cervical spine injuries:
One of the most striking findings was the frequency of injuries to the dogs’ cervical spine.
Leash jerks can cause severe damage to the delicate structures in the neck area, including vertebral injuries, herniated discs, and muscle strains.
Such injuries can cause chronic pain and long-term mobility problems. - Respiratory problems:
Due to the abrupt pressure on the neck, leash jerks can trigger or worsen respiratory problems. This is especially true for dogs with pre-existing respiratory conditions or those that are anatomically more vulnerable, such as brachycephalic breeds. - Eye pressure:
The sudden pull on the collar can increase pressure in the eyes, which is especially dangerous for dogs with existing eye problems . In extreme cases, this can lead to vision problems or even blindness. - Behavioral problems:
The study also showed that leash jerks often lead to behavioral problems. Instead of encouraging the desired behavior, dogs may react fearfully, aggressively, or defensively. The leash jerk creates stress and anxiety, which can affect the trust between dog and owner.
The traindee® leash expander as an effective aid
Given the negative impact of leash jerking on dogs’ health and well-being, Hallgren emphasizes the need to switch to humane and positive training methods.
A particularly innovative solution is the traindee® Leash Expander, a stretchable dog leash that has been specially developed to eliminate the harmful effects of sudden leash jerks, which can also occur with similar intensity when pulling on the leash strongly and jerkily.
- Protects the cervical spine and airways:
The traindee® leash expander minimizes the abrupt pressure on the dog’s cervical spine and airways by dampening the jolt through a uniform increase in resistance. This can significantly reduce the risk of vertebral injuries, airway problems and eye pressure signals. - Stress-free training:
By eliminating sudden jerks, the dog’s stress level is reduced. A relaxed dog is more open to training and learns more effectively. The leash therefore promotes a calmer and more harmonious training experience for dog and owner. - Improving the human-dog relationship:
The traindee® leash expander promotes a positive training experience, which strengthens the trust between dog and owner. Without the negative effects of tugging or pulling on the leash, a closer and more trusting bond can develop.
Humane alternatives to leash jerking
In addition to using the traindee® line expander, other humane and positive training methods can be used:
- Positive reinforcement: Rewarding desired behavior with treats, praise and toys to encourage good behavior.
- Harness instead of collar: A well-fitting chest harness distributes the pressure evenly across the dog’s body and prevents injuries to the sensitive neck area.
- Clicker training: Precise and effective method to mark desired behavior and then reward it.
- Professional help: Working with a professional dog trainer who uses positive reinforcement methods.
The leash jerk in dog training – better not
The Swedish study by Anders Hallgren clearly shows that leash jerking poses significant health risks for dogs.
The traindee® leash expander offers an effective solution to minimize these risks and enable stress-free and successful dog training.
By avoiding leash jerking and using gentler methods, we can ensure the well-being and health of our four-legged friends and build a stronger, trusting bond with them.
Anders Hallgren: Back problems in dogs (research report) Own publisher 1994. (Back problems in dogs. Research report. 32 pages)