The Real Reasons Behind Your Dog’s Leash Behavior

Have you ever noticed your dog hesitating on walks or shuffling their shoulders when putting on their leash? These subtle cues might be telling you more than you realize. Dogs communicate through behavior, and understanding what their body language reveals can improve their well-being and deepen your bond. From thoracic mobility to emotional anticipation, let’s take a closer look.

Thoracic Mobility: Why It Matters

Thoracic mobility refers to the flexibility and movement of the upper spine, shoulders, and ribcage. Limited movement in these areas can make your dog uncomfortable when walking or wearing a harness. Signs of restricted thoracic mobility may include:

• Shoulder shuffling or stiffness when starting a walk
• Reluctance to move forward when leashed
• Uneven gait or short strides

Incorporating gentle stretches or consulting a canine physical therapist can help improve mobility and ease discomfort.

Getting the Harness Fit Just Right

A poorly fitting harness can restrict movement and add pressure to already sensitive areas, especially around the chest and shoulders. Look out for these red flags:

• Excessive rubbing or hair loss near harness straps
• Leaning to one side while walking
• Pulling back or resisting the harness

When choosing a harness, ensure that it distributes pressure evenly and stabilizes the chest without limiting shoulder motion.

Emotional Anticipation and Walk Readiness

Dogs are creatures of habit and pick up easily on pre-walk cues like grabbing the leash or reaching for keys. Emotional signals such as tail tucks or heavy sighs might indicate:

• Overstimulation due to irregular walks
• Negative associations with a certain harness or route
• Physical discomfort from prior walks

Creating a positive walking routine that includes gentle praise and consistent paths can reduce hesitation and increase eagerness to get out the door.

Your Dog's Health Relies on Movement

Regular physical activity supports joint flexibility, mental stimulation, and improves your dog’s quality of life. At Queva Pets, we help you stay on top of your dog’s health with our smart tracking device that offers:

• Activity tracking: Monitor walking, running, and all activity levels from light to intense
• GPS tracking: Keep your dog safe and spotted during walks and play
• Health score insights: Understand your dog’s wellness trends over time

Learn more about the Queva™ smart tracker to keep your dog active and thriving.