It's a Dog's LIfe

by Shelah Barr

The Courier is starting a new monthly column with advice for dog owners from local pet professionals.

Question: “My dog pulls on her leash so hard it seems she’s gasping for air.. . Is she hurting herself?”

Dogs rarely care about pain or discomfort if fun is calling so yes, she could be hurting herself.
Dogs, like us, have important and delicate structures in their necks. The pressure a collar puts on those structures can cause damage to her eyes and fracture the trachea, for example. Muscle strains are common among leash-pullers and I am always treating them for neck and shoulder issues.

There are two easy things you can do to keep your pet safe on a leash. The first is to attach the leash to a harness instead of a collar, especially while she’s learning to behave on leash. The harness should be wide enough in the chest to allow full deep breaths and long enough so the neck piece lays above the shoulder. The strapping should not be restrictive so be sure her arms and shoulders can move well.

Next, teach her to walk without pulling. As soon as she pulls then you stop walking and refuse to move until she stops pulling, then reward her right away. She’ll soon learn that pulling doesn’t get her anywhere, but slack on the leash is good. Remember though, it’s important you do this every time she pulls. For more detailed instructions see www.siriuspup.com and go to the “Behavior Problems” link.

If you suspect your pup has muscle strain from pulling on the leash try giving a gentle massage along the sides and back of her neck. Long slow stokes and gentle gliding circles can help relax the muscles and speed healing. It also gives you and your best friend some extra quality time together!

Shelah Barr specializes in animal massage. For more information visit
HappyHoundsMassage.com or call 415-864-6756.

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