Aggressive Behavior on the Leash:
An Owner’s Guide
Does your otherwise well-tempered pooch turn into Cujo when he is leashed and spies another dog? If you’re shaking your head, “Yes” right now, you are not alone. Leash reactivity is a very common problem. Through the years, our Raleigh dog trainers have witnessed the extraordinary measures dog owners have taken to avoid other dogs during the walk. 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 on-leash behaviors may transition to off-leash environments.
Virtually all aggression stems from fear. Dogs that show leash aggression tendencies are neither bad nor hopeless dogs. In most cases, they have been traumatized by a past experience or have been unintentionally rewarded for displaying low-level aggressive behaviors such as barking or staring at other dogs.
Most frequent Causes
- The dog shows low-level aggression signals such as barking, growling, staring or pulling toward another dog and the owner tries to soothe by petting or cooing to him. These human behaviors are viewed as praise by the dog and reinforces the behavior. On his next dog encounter, the dog will probably escalate quicker and show more aggressive behaviors, which are also unintentionally rewarded.
- The dog has learned that he can get his way, or go in the direction of his choice if he pulls, barks or growls.
- The dog becomes frustrated because he’s never been allowed to meet another dog while on leash.
- At some time when leashed, another dog attacked him or scared him beyond his ability to cope. When dogs have a negative experience like this, they often adapt an offensive position to protect themselves. They often begin posturing with growling, barking, and lunging in an attempt to prevent “the scary thing” from coming closer.
- 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, but this time in anger, as every time he sees another dog, he gets hurt.
- The dog senses the owner’s fear and tension. A leash is similar to an umbilical cord. Every emotion you feel is transferred right down the leash to the dog. If you tense up or get nervous every time you see another dog, your dog will do the same.
Aggression, demonstrated in any format, requires professional assistance. The good news is the success rate for rehabilitating leash reactivity is high. Many people however, don’t seek help for their dog because they are embarrassed, feel hopeless or are ashamed of their pet’s behavior. Education is critical on this point. Aggression is not a disease…it’s the byproduct of another problem. For the emotional well being of yourself and your pet, seek the guidance of a professional behaviorist or dog trainer who is experienced in aggression and you will never be embarrassed to share a walk with your furry friend.
To read more articles by veterinary and other behaviorists on aggression, punishment and other topics, please visit our educational blog at http://www.pawsintraining.com/blog/
The goal of all dog training is to find peaceable solutions to everyday problems so that pets and their owners live harmoniously. Paws in Training offers dog training, dog behavior evaluations, consultations and educational services in Raleigh NC.
© Paws in Training, Inc. 2011