All of us have friends or family members who have "whiplash" injuries from car accidents; many of us have the same symptoms from reading in bed and working over a computer all day.
Imagine what happens to a dog who lives on the end of a leash, especially if the dog is trained using what are commonly called "collar corrections". Collar corrections consist of yanking on the leash to reprimand a dog for refusing to obey. But many dog handlers use the leash and collar to prevent a dog from sniffing here or jumping there; a constant barrage of mini whiplash injuries on an often daily basis.
A choke chain is not required to injure a dog's neck. Just a yank on the leash while the dog is turning or pulling can do some damage. But choke chains may also damage the trachea and esophagus. Some folks think the prong collar will protect a dog's internal neck structures but veterinarians say the prong collar is no guarantee. The prongs do impact tissue under the skin, and even with a flat buckle collar, injury to the neck is possible any time sudden jerks are used to control a dog.
Injuries can affect other parts of the dog's body, too including muscles and nerves. In severe cases it's possible for repeated leash and collar injuries to contribute to laryngeal nerve paralysis and hind leg ataxia.
Harnesses can solve the problem but they shouldn't be left on the dog all the time and this means getting ready for a walk can be a hassle. If your dog pulls on the leash, the harness can give him more leverage so you need a harness that helps you prevent pulling. There are several options:
1. Step-in harnesses minimize the effort it takes to put the harness on at walk time. Hook the leash to the metal ring in the front of the harness or purchase the No-pull version on our stuff page.
2. Use a very long soft leather leash to create a temporary harness when you don't have one available. (Hook the leash on the flat collar as usual. Run the leash behind the dog's front legs, under the chest, and put the leash handle under the collar,then pull it through. Hold the leash handle as usual.) The leash will pull around the dog's chest instead of at his neck.
3. Train your dog to heel on command. In the event that your dog makes a mistake, add a bungie-like shock absorber to the leash.
4. Use an elastic leash attached to your waist. This requires training your dog in advance so that you don't get pulled off your feet. Here's a demonstration.
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Many trainers and veterinarians have believed for a long time that neutering decreases behaviors often labeled "dominant". The AVMA has recently published a report in which assumptions about the affect of spay/neuter on canine health and behavior are revisited. Here's a summary of those findings. The short version is that nothing affects behavior like training, and while spaying and neutering can prevent or decrease the risk of some health problems, it can increase the risk of others. Your vet should help you make an informed decision about whether and when your pet should be "fixed". |
