ATTENTION: Is your dog pulling on the leash? Here's what science says about what you should NEVER do

One simple tool can permanently ruin your dog's behavior - and many owners don't even suspect the danger

Are you familiar with this situation? You go out for a walk with your dog, and within minutes your arm is already pulled, your shoulder hurts, and your dog is pulling like it's in a sled race. You've tried everything - prohibitions, commands, even special collars - but nothing works.

Or maybe even worse: you're using that "comfortable" roulette leash that everyone recommends, but the problem is only getting worse?

I have to tell you the unpleasant truth: it's no coincidence. And here's why...

The Shocking Truth: Your Dog Is Biologically Incapable of Resisting

Scientists have discovered a surprising fact: dogs have an innate reflex called the "Opposition Reflex." This means that when a dog feels a pull in one direction, its brain AUTOMATICALLY tells it to pull in the opposite direction.

In other words: the more you pull back, the harder the dog pulls forward . This is not disobedience - it's biology.

But here's where it gets really dangerous...

The One Tool That Turns a Normal Dog into a Pulling Machine

A roulette leash. Sounds convenient, right? The dog has freedom, you have control, everyone is happy.

Just not quite.

Here's what a roulette leash actually does to your dog's brain:

1. Creates a "pull addiction"

Every time the dog pulls and the leash comes untied, his brain gets a dopamine rush. It's the same mechanism as gambling for humans. The dog becomes ADDICTED to pulling.

2. Never learns what is "good"

A tape measure ALWAYS maintains tension. This means that the dog never feels the difference between "good" (relaxed leash) and "bad" (tight leash). How can you teach a dog something it can't feel?

3. Dangerous not only for behavior

Real problems:

• A thin rope can cut through skin in seconds if it wraps around a leg
• The plastic handle mechanism, when released from the hands, turns into a "shooting object" that chases the dog - many dogs suffer trauma and begin to fear walks
• A long leash allows your dog to run into the street faster than you can react.

Why do dogs pull on the leash at all? A scientific perspective

To solve the problem, you first need to understand its causes:

Counterpressure reflex

This is an evolutionary mechanism that helps dogs escape dangerous situations. When the leash is tightened, the dog instinctively pulls even harder.

Different movement speeds

Dogs naturally move 1.5-2 times faster than humans. In addition, dogs explore their environment through smell, so they need to stop, sniff, and move in unpredictable routes.

The cycle of reinforced behavior

When a dog pulls on the leash and reaches a desired goal (e.g., reaches an interesting scent), this behavior is reinforced. The dog learns that pulling works.

What works? A simple 2-meter leash and one rule

Scientific research shows that the most effective method is surprisingly simple:

Golden rule: When the leash tightens = you stop. When the leash loosens = you keep moving.

Why does this work?

• The dog learns: pulling = nothing happens
• Loose leash = I go where I want
• Within 2-3 weeks this principle becomes automatic

But here's what no one told you...

The first week will be HARDER. Your walks will be shorter. You will stop a hundred times. But here's what happens after that:

• Week 1: The dog begins to notice the connection
• Week 2: Pulling is reduced by 50-70%
• Week 3: You can walk on a loose leash
• 1 month: People on the street ask how you did it

Your decision today

You have two choices:

1. Continue to use the roulette leash and combat pulling every day for the next 10-15 years
2. Invest 2-3 weeks in proper training with a simple leash and enjoy peaceful walks for the rest of your dog's life

The choice is yours. But now you know the truth.

Recommendations

The best alternative is a standard 1.5-2 meter long leash made of durable material. Such a leash allows:

• Communicate clearly with your dog
• Teaching a dog to walk on a loose leash
• Maintain better control in various situations
• Consistently apply training principles

PS If your dog already has a roulette leash "addiction", don't worry. Switching to a regular leash and consistent training still works - it just might take a little longer. But the results are worth every effort.