Leash Aggression

Why do dogs become leash aggressive?

There are many reasons why dogs may become leash aggressive towards other dogs.  They certainly feel more trapped on leash because they are unable to flee a situation that they may feel uncomfortable in.  If they cannot flee many dogs feel that they need to go on the offense instead and become aggressive.  They may have not been properly socialized to greet other dogs therefore they feel uncomfortable around them.  They could have had a bad experience with another dog before.  Some dogs may not actually fear strange dogs but just have not been taught to appropriately greet them or be around them. These are the dogs that seem to go unruly and get so excited when they see another dog and if they cannot interact with them they just get more and more out of control to the point that they may seem aggressive or actually become aggressive. A human reaction of pulling back on the leash also sends a non intentional message to the dog that something really is wrong so they tend to start reacting worse.  Leash pulling or correcting a dog by popping the leash and collar can make the dog associate pain with dog interactions thus making them more reactive.

Helpful hints for the leash aggressive dog.

• Establish a good relationship with your dog by becoming a good leader to them.
• Try to keep your dog’s leash slack all of the time which means they should learn to not pull on the leash.  Never use a retractable leash which teaches them to pull and makes it virtually impossible to not have tension on the leash.
• Teach your dog an alternative behavior such as watch, sits, down or turn.
• The most important command you can teach them is the WATCH command.  This command teaches your dog that when you say “watch” they will focus on you rather than the distraction of another dog.  You diligently need to practice this cue before you can start adding the distraction of other dogs.  When you practice this command you will use a treat to lure them to look up at your face.  Guide your hand full of treats up to your face and when the dog looks at you say “watch” and reward them with the treat.  The more practice the more likely they will respond when distracted.
• Teach your dog a U-TURN game or turn command.  This one can be used when the watch really is not working in a heated situation.  This command, like the watch command needs to be practiced so the dog is comfortable with it and knows it.  This command has to be pre taught because if you turn and your dog does not know the command there will end up being tension on the leash which is exactly what you are trying to avoid.  When your dog is beside you and you are moving briskly forward say “Turn” in an excited voice and make a 180 degree turn encouraging your dog to move with you by using treats, toys, praise and an excited voice, not by pulling or having tension on the leash.  With lots of practice they will eventually understand that when you say “turn” they will want to turn very fast with you.
• You can try using equipment such as Halti’s, Gentle Leaders, Easy Walk Harnesses etc…  as an aid to help make the training exercises more manageable.  Always have a professional help you when using these kinds of tools.

If your dog has a good foundation of these cues you will eventually be able to have your dog approach another dog much more appropriately.  Remember to try to stay calm yourself and never approach another dog head on.  Make sure you curve towards the other dog.  Never try to approach another unruly dog.  This will not help your training.