Dog owners have been warned to avoid long, retractable leads, after a US study found a link between brain injuries and walking the dog.

The study found finger fractures, traumatic brain injuries and shoulder sprains were the most common dog walking injuries, and the risk of injury is higher with longer leads which can become tangled, or become a tripping hazard.

Dog trainer Steve Austin says most dogs could use additional training. He estimated only two per cent of pooches at off-leash dog parks are well-trained enough to be off-leash.

Press PLAY below to hear Steve Austin’s advice for dog owners

“A well-trained dog will learn to walk beside you,” he told Ross and Russel.