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NEED-TO-KNOW KNOWLEDGE OF THE NECK!

Updated: Apr 14


DID YOU KNOW?


The canine neck contains very delicate structures, including the thyroid gland, mandibular gland, trachea, oesophagus, lymph nodes, veins, arteries and nerves. Contrary to popular belief, their skin is significantly thinner than our own, so we need to carefully consider the equipment we use and how we use it, because it will impact our dogs both physically and emotionally.



Image with kind permission from Dog Games Shop



A couple of quotes for you:


“Canine skin has several layers, including an outer epidermis that is constantly being replaced, and an inner dermis that contains nerves and blood vessels. Canine skin is thinner and much more sensitive than human skin”.



“The epidermis of a dog is 3-5 cells thick, however, in humans, it is at least 10-15 cells thick”.




While there might be circumstances which prevent the use of a harness, for example, an injury site where the harness sits, soreness or irritation to the skin, lumps and bumps, body sensitivity etc, we need to do our best to protect the neck whenever possible.


If you are experiencing pulling and difficulties with training loose lead walking, instead of looking for a piece of equipment to fix it, we need to look at why the dog is struggling, and address this. Some points to consider:


*Has loose lead walking been thoroughly taught at home first, with distractions systematically introduced?


*Is the dog comfortable in what he wears for walks?


*Has it been properly conditioned?


* Is he feeling overwhelmed?


* Is he being exposed to too much too soon?


* Is he less able to cope in certain environments?



You can find more information on walking equipment and what the science says here:





For help with training, this is a fantastic free workshop from Canine Principles on loose lead walking:





Although dogs were once traditionally walked and trained on a collar and lead, science has since moved on, and there is a good deal of evidence now which supports the use of a well-fitting harness to protect the neck and throat, while lowering the risk of damage to other parts of the body. A study examining the pressure exerted on the canine neck wearing different types of collar was published in April 2020, and the following quote includes some of their findings:


*"A study led by a canine scientist at Nottingham Trent University looked at the potential impact of pulling on the lead and the related pressure on the neck, using a variety of collar-types and styles.


*The collars and a slip lead were tested on a canine cylinder neck model with a pressure sensor. A range of forces were applied to the lead representing different interactions – a firm pull (40 Newtons) strong pull (70N) and a jerk (141N) – with the contact area of the collar and the pressure on the neck being recorded.


*The study, which also involved the University of Nottingham, found that with all the collar types and styles tested – even those that were padded or had a wide fitting – the pressure exerted on the model neck would be sufficient to risk injury to the dog.


*No single collar tested provided a pressure considered low enough to reduce the risk of injury when pulling on the lead.


*Lead jerks on the collar may occur when dogs on extendable leads abruptly come to a stop, when a dog lunges on a lead, or is ‘corrected’ by the handler.


*The researchers argue that as all collar types will pose some risk, dogs should be trained to walk on a loose lead without pulling, or walked using a harness which applies no pressure to the neck."


**Note that slip leads are listed as having been tested amongst the different collar types.


You can read more regarding this study here:







A study was carried out to assess the effect on intraocular pressure from dogs pulling against a collar or a harness. This was evaluated in 51 eyes of 26 dogs, with the force each dog generated while pulling against a collar or a harness being measured. They found that intraocular pressure increased significantly when pressure was applied via a collar, but not via a harness. Based on the results of the study, it is advised that dogs with weak or thin corneas, glaucoma, or conditions for which an increase in intraocular pressure could be harmful, should wear a harness instead of a collar, especially during exercise or activity.



There is evidence to suggest that pulling into a collar can contribute to hypothyroidism due to trauma to the thyroid gland:


"The harder the pressure of the collar on the thyroid gland and the stronger the dog is, the greater the risk of thyroid injury. When the thyroid gland is injured, inflammation follows which triggers the immune system to produce antibodies to the inflamed tissue of the thyroid gland. These antibodies attack and the immune system removes thyroid gland cells which results in lack of production of thyroid hormone."



There is also a potential risk of nerve damage, a reduction in blood flow, as well as constriction of the airways, with risk increasing the higher the collar is positioned:


"Canine welfare comes into question when selecting the type and size of collar chosen for an animal, as well as how it is used. Due to the natural instinct of the dog to pull against the pressure exerted from a neck restraint (Ogburn, Crouse, Martin & Houpt, 1998) inappropriate choice and use can have welfare consequences for the animal with the potential to cause nerve damage or temporary upper airway obstruction (AVSAB, 2007a, 2007b). Pressure exerted on the neck may also aggravate certain conditions of the eyes or be detrimental to certain breeds such as brachiocephalic breeds. The higher the collar sits on the neck, the greater the risk of damage (AVSAB, 2007a, 2007b)."








For those who are not convinced of the need to protect the neck, I've linked a post which details the biomechanics of the slip lead, written by Celia Cohen, MCSP, MSc vet Phys, Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist ACPAT(A).


Please do have a read:



 

Despite some studies emerging which suggest that certain harness styles impede movement and may impact gait, I think the evidence speaks for itself that the potential for causing damage to the delicate neck and throat structures is extremely serious. Opt for a decent, well-fitting Y-shaped harness and protect the neck.



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