The Leash Effect: DOG edition
How unexpected pulling on leash affects the health of dogs.
Sometimes you are walking down the street and suddenly you see a squirrel, there is nothing to be done but chase after it! In the moment it's always a good idea, but the after effects are not so nice, a sore neck, shoulder, and back leave me hating squirrels even more than before. The solution is simple, our handlers should let us chase after the squirrels.
This article is for DOGS, if you are a person you may be interested in The Leash Effect: PEOPLE edition.
All jokes aside, being caught on leash mid chase affects your dog just as much as it affects you. In this article we will look at how your pup might feel after an unfulfilled squirrel chase.
Biomechanics of Leash Pulling
So what’s going on when your dog pulls on leash? For this we need to know how your dog is attached to the leash.
Are they wearing a collar?
Or a harness?
And what type of harness?
These questions are important because the force of motion will affect a dog differently based on each different attachment style.
In my household we use an H style (or a Y style) harness, this protects our pup’s shoulders from excessive pressure, and wear and tear. I like these harnesses because they follow strong bony structures which reduce injuries. Other harnesses and collars have a greater impact on soft tissues and can lead to throat, neck, and shoulder injuries. I will be writing as if your pup is wearing an H or Y style harness.
With an H style harness:
The impact will first hit the dogs sternum as the dog continues to run forward and the harness is pulled back on their body. This will cause the pectoral and serratus anterior muscles to shorten, which in turn affects forelimb mobility.
The force will be transmitted to the spine through the upper ribs which will cause the ribs to exhale. With the ribs stuck in this position the scalenes and sternocephalic muscles will impact the neck .
At the same time the lower strap will impact the dog’s lower ribs again forcing the ribs to exhale and the intercostals and the diaphragm to shorten. These muscles are responsible for breathing.
The muscles are impacted because they contract in an attempt to prevent further damage. But once the threat is over they stay contracted which can lead to secondary irritation and pain.
Let’s take a deeper look at some of these muscles
Pectoral muscles (Superficial and Deep):
In dogs, the superficial and deep pectorals span the full length of sternum and attach to the humerus. It is responsible for forward and backward movement of the forelimb, so it’s super important in walking, running, and climbing up logs (or stairs) for our pups!
Sternocephalic muscle:
This muscle is similar to our Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle, it attaches from the sternum to the head, behind our dogs ears. It stabilizes the head when dogs swallow, or it draws the head down (AKA great for sniffing).
Serratus anterior:
This muscle is one of the most important muscles in a dogs upper body. It holds the chest between the forelimbs. It is a wide fan shaped muscle attaching from the scapula to 7 ribs. It also helps move the scapula during walking, running, and digging.
Diaphragm:
Is a beautiful dome shaped muscle, with the central part being tendinous, and the peripheral part being muscular. It is our main (but not only) breathing muscle. It attaches from the sternum, around the bottom 4 ribs, and anchors into the lumbar spine.
Whether the pull comes from your dog chasing after a squirrel or from you protecting your pup from oncoming traffic, I want you to know that injuries happen all the time and that dogs are great at recovering! Especially when they get time to rest, and when they see their osteo 😉.
We love our dogs for being curious and playful, not for being robots. That being said if they pull on the leash consistently or in bursts, this is where problems can arise.
At Home Tips
I cannot stress this enough, try to find a harness that works with your dog’s anatomy, not against it! It will prevent a lot of pain for your dog down the road.
Work on positive leash training techniques that encourage your dog to walk calmly by your side. Positive reinforcement, like treats and praise, can make a big difference.
If your dog is always pulling you might try mentally stimulating them before walks with puzzles. Or try going on a sniffari walk to work their favourite sense.
If your dog has been injured by tugging on leash, consider osteopathic treatment for your dog. Osteopathic manual therapy can help address any imbalances or discomfort caused by leash pulling. A professional can work with your dog to release muscle tension, improve mobility, and promote overall well-being.
Remember, every walk with your dog is an opportunity for connection and joy. While managing leash pulling can be challenging, with patience and consistency, you can create a more enjoyable experience for both you and your furry friend. And don’t forget, your dog’s enthusiasm for the world is part of what makes them so special.
Have questions about an injury your dog received?
Shoot me an email or book an appointment!
