Leash reactivity, meaning your dog acts aggressively toward other dogs while leashed, is a somewhat common trait, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it. Certified Professional Dog Trainer and owner of Paws in Training Angel Wasserman explains the causes of leash reactivity and what to do about it.

Does your dog display aggressive behaviors when he is leashed and sights another dog in the distance?

If you’re shaking your head, “Yes” right now, you are not alone. Leash reactivity is a very common problem. Through the years, we have witnessed the extraordinary measures dog owners have taken to avoid other dogs on walks. While avoidance techniques allow you to walk your dog with less stress and embarrassment, it doesn’t get to the root of the problem. Left unattended, aggressive displays while on-leash are likely to get worse.

Virtually all aggression stems from fear.

Dogs that show aggressive displays on leash are neither bad nor hopeless dogs. In most cases, they have been traumatized by a past experience and/or have been unintentionally rewarded for displaying low-level aggressive behaviors such as barking or staring at other dogs. Many of these dogs enjoy playing with other dogs off leash but the moment they are “trapped” by the leash other dogs can be perceived as threats, thus encouraging your dog to respond accordingly. Aggressive displays are not the problem to treat. The root cause- why the dog is concerned about certain stimuli while on leash, is the problem to treat. This requires a professional who is educated and experienced in fear and anxiety disorders.

Most frequent causes of leash reactivity:

• The dog may have shown low-level aggression signals such as barking, growling, staring or pulling toward another dog and you try to soothe by petting or cooing to him. These human behaviors are viewed as praise by your dog and reinforce the behavior. On his next dog encounter, your dog will likely escalate quicker and show more aggressive behaviors, which may have also been unintentionally rewarded.
• At some time when leashed, your dog may have become frightened by another dog beyond his ability to cope. It does not take a physical fight or attack to create this situation! Often, the fear event was completely missed by the owner because the event did not stand out to the owner as dangerous or scary. It’s important to note that it’s the dog’s perception that matters, not ours. When dogs experience a fear event, they often adapt an offensive position to protect themselves. They may begin posturing with growling, barking, and lunging in an attempt to prevent “the scary thing” from coming closer.
• Your dog may have become frustrated because he’s never been allowed to meet another dog while he was on leash.
• The dog has been subjected to painful corrections from choke or pinch collars in the presence of other dogs. Because he gets hurt every time he sees another dog he may also adopt an offensive strategy…”Stay away from me; you bring me pain.”
• The dog senses the owner’s fear and tension when another dog approaches. A leash is similar to an umbilical cord. Every emotion you feel is transferred down the leash to your dog. If you tense up, get nervous or restrain the dog tightly on leash every time you see another dog, it’s a signal to your dog that “something” is wrong. The dog likely doesn’t know what’s wrong at the moment, he just knows that you’re concerned about something. Most dogs will prepare themselves for this unforeseen danger, creating the situation you were trying to avoid in the first place.

Aggression, demonstrated in any format, requires professional assistance.

There is help for leash reactive dogs. Many people, however, choose not to seek help for their dog because they are embarrassed, feel hopeless or are ashamed of their dog’s behavior. Others have tried getting help but have found that the training the dog received made the behaviors worse. Aggressive displays are the byproduct of another problem. It’s the root problem – why the dog is worried when he is on leash – that must be addressed.

For the emotional well-being of yourself and your pet, seek the guidance of a Clinical or Veterinary Behaviorist. Dog trainers typically do not have the education or skill sets required to manage this problem effectively and inappropriate training can significantly worsen this behavior.

Angel Wasserman, CCBC, CPDT

Certified Behavior Consultant-Canine
Paws in Training, Inc.
(919) 896-2859
angel@pawsintraining.com
www.pawsintraining.com 

This article was reposted from the Paws in Training website. Find Paws in Training on Facebook, Google+ and Yelp. Check out Woof It Up! A Guide To Happy Dogs and Happy Owners, available in paperback or E-Book formats.