Leash Aggression: How to Stop Leash Aggression

Leash aggression, also known as leash reactivity, is when a dog acts aggressive while tethered to a leash, often in response to something in their environment. Dogs with leash aggression may lunge, bark, or snap their jaw. It can happen suddenly, but dog owners may see warning signs leading up to the leash aggression. Dogs may act anxious or fearful right before they lunge or bark.

It’s important to solve this type of behavior as it can cause problems. Dogs may injure themselves trying to get off their leash. And others may brand your dog as aggressive, which means that people and other animals may not spend time with your pet, causing loneliness. In worst-case scenarios, reactive dogs may attack another animal or person, which leads to legal consequences.

Even normally well-behaved dogs can become reactive when tethered to a leash. There are three main causes of leash aggression:

1. 1. Fear: Dogs may choose to lunge or bark because they feel afraid of something going on around them. Sometimes dogs fear bicycles, skateboards, or scooters moving quickly past them. They may feel scared of cars zooming by them. In fact, if you feel anxious, it could cause your dog to feel more anxious as well. Your anxiety will travel down the leash to your dog, causing them to be more on edge.
2. 2. Frustration: Seeing dogs across the street may excite your pooch, only to become frustrated when you physically hold them back from saying “hello.” Dogs may feel physical pain from the leash holding them back, which will make them associate the leash with pain.
3. 3. Prey drive: The sight of an animal—like a rabbit, squirrel, or cat—may activate their prey drive. Dogs may begin to pull or lunge on their leashes when they spy an animal they’d like to chase. This is a natural biological instinct, and it’s seen most often in dogs with a high prey drive.

A combination of dog training and an awareness of what’s causing the reactive behavior can help solve this dog behavior. Here ae few other tips you can try:

1. 1. Consistently work on leash aggression. The solution to leash aggression is honestly a lifelong commitment to working with your dog on their behavior. You will have to be vigilant as you walk and look for what triggers your dog. You will have to continue positively reinforcing good behavior.
2. 2. Create distance between the dog and their triggers. If you know cars cause your dog to react, choose a walking path farther away from cars. If you see a dog down the sidewalk and you know your dog will react to them, cross the street or turn around. Whenever possible, create distance between your dog and the thing you know they will react to.
3. 3. Distract dogs with high-value treats. A high-value treat might be enough to distract your canine companion from an approaching dog. Carry dog treats on you as you work through training sessions and go on walks.
4. 4. Desensitize your dog to their triggers. A popular training method is desensitization, which is when you teach fearful dogs to not be afraid. Try playing videos at home of dogs barking or of loud traffic. If your dog reacts to a specific sound, like the doorbell, record the sound and play it for them. This is a great way to start desensitizing dogs at home. At some point, you’ll be able to go to the dog park, but don’t rush face-to-face, head-on confrontation.
5. 5. Observe your dog’s body language. The first thing you want to do as a responsible pet owner is to observe your dog’s body language and figure out what’s triggering their aggression. Look to see if your dog shows any signs of reactivity like a stiff body, bared teeth, a lowered tail, and growling or barking. When your dog acts like this, take a look around as well to determine what they’re reacting to.
6. 6. Use positive reinforcement techniques. Punishing your pup with shouts can increase leash aggression, as it makes dogs insecure and fearful. Instead, use positive reinforcement and reward dogs for good behavior with treats, toys, pets, and playtime.
7. 7. Visit a veterinarian. Sometimes, the cause of leash aggression is a medical condition. If your dog is sick or has an injury, they may feel vulnerable. This feeling of vulnerability can cause more anxiety and lead to more aggressive behavior.
8. 8. Work with a professional dog trainer. You can work on training at home on your own, but a dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist can provide professional guidance. Many dog trainers have specific training for aggression in dogs, and know how to guide dog owners through it. Training will typically involve desensitization, counterconditioning, positive reinforcement, and leash training. Keep training sessions short.
9. 9. Consider introducing medications. In some cases, dogs may need to take medication. Medication alone won’t end leash aggression, but it can help your canine companion behave better. Ask your veterinarian about any medications that could work for your canine, and never give your dog medication meant for people.

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