Lead aggression can be a challenging behaviour for many dog owners. It happens when an otherwise calm and loving dog becomes reactive and starts barking or growling when on a lead and encountering another dog or person. If this sounds familiar, rest assured you’re not alone, and there are effective ways to address and manage it.
Why Does It Happen?
There are a few reasons why lead aggression happens:
Frustration
Dogs love to explore. Being on a lead limits their freedom. When they see another dog, they might just want to say hello, but the lead holds them back. That frustration can turn into aggression.
Fear or Anxiety
Some dogs feel trapped on a lead. If they’re scared or nervous about other dogs, they can’t run away when leashed. Instead, they might bark or lunge to keep the other dog away.
Protectiveness
Some dogs feel the need to protect their owner. When another dog comes close, they react to “guard” you. While their intention may be good, it is not desirable.
Lack of Socialisation
If a dog hasn’t been around many other dogs, they might not know how to behave. The lead just makes things worse. Again if the owner tightens the lead their dog may feel trapped.
Signs to Watch For
Before your dog becomes reactive or aggressive on a walk, there are usually warning signs. Look out for:
- Stiff body posture
- Ears pinned back or standing alert
- Intense staring at the other dog
- Low growling before barking
If you notice these signs, it’s time to step in before things escalate.
How to Handle Reactivity on Walks
Dealing with reactivity while your dog is on a lead takes patience and consistency. Here are some tips to get you started:
Stay Calm
Dogs feed off your energy. If you’re tense, your dog will pick up on it. Take deep breaths and stay as relaxed as possible.
Create Distance
If you see another dog coming, give your dog more space. Calmly cross the street or turn around if needed. The farther away you are, the less likely your dog will react. Avoid jerking or tightening the lead as your anxiety is passing to your dog.
Reward Good Behaviour
When your dog stays calm around another dog, reward them with praise. A calm ‘good boy/girl is all that’s needed. When your dog is anxious, it is not a good idea to use a soft calming voice as you would with a child. Your dog only responds to your voice tone and a soft voice constantly reassuring your dog in many cases ends up agitating your pet more than reassuring them.
You can redirect them with a gentle tug on the lead and a ‘this way’ command or redirect them with a ‘sit and stay’ and ‘watch me’ command.
Treats should be used in moderation as you really want your dog to listen to your instructions.
Avoid Tight or too Short Leads
A tight lead can make your dog feel trapped and send signals that something is wrong. Keep the lead loose (but still controlled) to help your dog feel more relaxed.
Your lead should ideally be 2 metres or 6 ft long-held across your body in 2 hands
Many owners use far too short a lead and this just results in the dog and owner pulling on the lead.
Practice in Controlled Settings
Work on lead manners in a quiet area first. Then gradually introduce more distractions, like other dogs at a distance. Controlled practice helps build your dog’s confidence.
What Not to Do
There are a few common mistakes dog owners make when handling reactivity during walks. Avoid these:
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Don’t Punish Your Dog
Yelling or pulling harshly on the lead can make things worse. It adds to your dog’s stress and doesn’t teach them what to do instead.
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Don’t Force Interactions
If your dog is scared of other dogs, don’t force them to “say hello.” This can backfire and make them even more reactive.
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Don’t Ignore the Problem
Reactivity on a lead won’t fix itself. The longer it goes on, the harder it is to change the behaviour.
Prevention
If your dog is still young or hasn’t shown signs of lead reactivity yet, now’s the time to work on prevention:
- Socialise Early: Expose your dog to different environments, people, and dogs in a positive way.
- Use Positive Training: Teach basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “leave it.” These will come in handy on walks.
- Keep Walks Fun: Make walking on a lead a positive experience. Use praise to reinforce good behaviour.
In Conclusion
Lead aggression seems scary, but you can fix it. With regular practice and the right methods, you can teach your dog to feel safe and relaxed on walks.
Remember, every dog is different. What works for one does not always work for another. Take your time and celebrate small wins.
