A recent UK study has revealed a sharp increase in wrist and hand injuries among dog walkers caused by dogs pulling on their leads.
In response, Pet Insurance Australia is warning Australian pet owners about the serious health risks that poor leash training poses — not just to people, but also to dogs.
“While it's easy to dismiss pulling on the lead as a minor nuisance, the reality is that it can result in serious injury for both the owner and the pet,” says Nadia Crighton, spokesperson for Pet Insurance Australia.
“Teaching your dog how to walk safely and calmly on a lead isn’t just about convenience—it’s about long-term health and safety for everyone involved.”
A recently published UK study [1] highlights an alarming number of human injuries, including sprained wrists, broken fingers, and dislocations due to dogs pulling unexpectedly.
Being pulled by a leash with/without a fall, was the most common cause of a direct injury, accounting for over two thirds of incidents.
“We believe this could be a global issue amongst dog owners,” Crighton says. “Proving that pulling-on-the-lead is far more than just a training issue.”
Pulling on the Lead Is Also Harmful for Dogs
Beyond the risk to humans, multiple veterinary studies now show that excessive pulling on collars can lead to severe and lasting damage in dogs.
Key findings include:
✔️ Consulting a professional dog trainer for persistent behavioural issues
✔️ Being mindful of leash technique and using both hands for control when needed
2 https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2020/05/flat-collars-risk-damage-to-dogs-necks.html
MEDIA RELEASE, 26th June 2025
“We believe this could be a global issue amongst dog owners,” Crighton says. “Proving that pulling-on-the-lead is far more than just a training issue.”
Pulling on the Lead Is Also Harmful for Dogs
Beyond the risk to humans, multiple veterinary studies now show that excessive pulling on collars can lead to severe and lasting damage in dogs.
Key findings include:
- Tracheal, laryngeal, and oesophageal injuries: Research published in Veterinary Record [2] and highlighted by Companion Animal Psychology found that even mild pulling on flat collars can cause physical trauma to the throat and neck.
"If dog owners are aware that this behaviour could be hurting their pets, many would seek professional advice to prevent this from occurring,” Crighton says.
“Other studies suggest neck pressure can lead to thyroid and nerve damage, potentially leading to hypothyroidism and other health issues.”
Prevention Is the Best Protection
To prevent leash-related injuries to both pets and their people, Pet Insurance Australia recommends:
✔️ Starting lead training early, using positive reinforcement
✔️ Choosing a harness over a collar for dogs that pull
Prevention Is the Best Protection
To prevent leash-related injuries to both pets and their people, Pet Insurance Australia recommends:
✔️ Starting lead training early, using positive reinforcement
✔️ Choosing a harness over a collar for dogs that pull
✔️ Consulting a professional dog trainer for persistent behavioural issues
✔️ Being mindful of leash technique and using both hands for control when needed
One of the UK researchers also added that "avoiding retractable devices that can lead to sudden increases in tensile force at the end of their working range, may be recommended."
“Dogs that pull aren’t bad — they’re just untrained,” Crighton says.
“Early, gentle guidance can prevent years of stress, injury, and frustration. And it helps your dog walk proudly and safely in public.”
1 https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250625/Hand-and-wrist-injuries-among-dog-walkers-cost-the-UK-millions.aspx
“Dogs that pull aren’t bad — they’re just untrained,” Crighton says.
“Early, gentle guidance can prevent years of stress, injury, and frustration. And it helps your dog walk proudly and safely in public.”
1 https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250625/Hand-and-wrist-injuries-among-dog-walkers-cost-the-UK-millions.aspx
Journal reference:
Lim, B., et al. (2025). Dog walking-related injuries of the hand and wrist: a systematic review. Injury Prevention. doi.org/10.1136/ip-2025-045629
2 https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2020/05/flat-collars-risk-damage-to-dogs-necks.html
MEDIA RELEASE, 26th June 2025
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