Is Your Dog Walking You? The Hidden Danger of Lead Pulling—and How to Fix It

Walking your dog should be a joy. Fresh air, wagging tails, a chance to bond. But for thousands of UK dog owners, those daily strolls come with an unexpected hazard: hand and wrist injuries from dogs pulling too hard on the lead.

According to a recent Guardian article, dog-related hand injuries are on the rise, with one clinic in Leeds seeing an 8% jump in wrist injuries from owners being yanked unexpectedly. From sprained thumbs to broken wrists, it's a problem that’s more common—and more painful—than you might think.

So what’s going wrong? And more importantly, how can we fix it?

Why Dogs Pull on the Lead

Most dogs don’t pull out of bad behaviour. They pull because they’re excited, overstimulated, undertrained—or simply never taught that there’s another way. For some dogs, every walk is a “tug-of-war” with squirrels, smells, and sounds. For owners, it’s a frustrating and sometimes painful experience.

What starts as a minor nuisance can lead to serious injury—especially for older adults or people with mobility issues.

The Human Toll of "Lead Rage"

Physiotherapists and orthopaedic specialists are reporting a noticeable trend. Dog lead injuries now account for more hand and wrist problems than many sports! Common injuries include:

• Thumb sprains (often from wraparound leads)

• Dislocated fingers

• Fractures from sudden pulls or falls

• Repetitive strain from strong dogs over time

Dr Anne McCarthy, a physiotherapist quoted in the Guardian, recommends swapping retractable leads for fixed ones—and making training a top priority.

The Good News? This Can Be Fixed

With the right lead, a good harness, and consistent training, any dog can learn to walk politely. Whether your dog is a young puller, a strong rescue, or just a bundle of energy, loose-lead walking is a skill they can master.

You don’t need a choke chain or harsh corrections. You need:

✅ The right tools ✅ The right technique ✅ A little patience (and sometimes a bit of professional help)

Quick Training Tips to Get You Started

We won’t give away all the secrets here—but here are a few easy changes that make a big difference:

• 🐕 Use a front-clip harness to reduce pulling without pressure on the neck

• 🚫 Avoid retractable leads, which reward pulling and can injure your hands

• 🛑 Stop when they pull – forward movement is the reward, not the struggle

• 🎓 Practice in low-distraction areas first before hitting busy parks

• 🍗 Reward with treats and praise when they walk calmly beside you
  

Want the full plan? We’ve got your back.

Let’s Walk Together (The Right Way)

At MyPetmondo, we offer personalised lead training sessions tailored to your dog’s age, size, and personality. Whether it’s a stubborn puller or a dog who lunges at other pets, we’ll help transform your walks from a battle to a breeze.

💬 One-to-one coaching 🎥 Virtual sessions available 🐾 Positive, force-free methods only 📍 Local meet-ups in select UK areas

👉 Book a free consultation and let’s get your lead journey back on track.

Remember: You shouldn’t have to choose between your dog’s excitement and your own safety. Let’s teach them how to walk kindly—so your wrist doesn’t pay the price.