In most communities, you are legally required to place a leash on your dog whenever he is in public. This includes times when you take him for walks. The laws are there to protect you, your pet, and other owners and their pets. Unfortunately, a leash impedes the process canines go through when they greet each other. This can lead to aggression.
A lot of owners are stunned when their otherwise friendly dogs become aggressive on-leash. They don’t understand what triggers the barking, growling, and even lunging. Worse, many owners address the issue by refusing to take their canines for walks. This prevents their pets from receiving the exercise they need, which can lead to other behavioral problems.
We’ll take a closer look at this issue below. You’ll learn some of the reasons your pooch may display signs of aggression when he is on his leash. We’ll also offer a few tips for managing the problem, and a strategy for curbing the behavior.
Why Your Canine Becomes Aggressive On-Leash
First, consider how dogs interact when they meet for the first time (off-leash). They do not approach each other face-to-face. Doing so is unnatural for them. Instead, they loop around so they are able to sniff each other’s backside. During this exchange, they remain friendly. Once they have had the opportunity to “investigate” each other, they decide whether the other canine interests them.
Now, consider how pets are forced to interact when they are on-leash. They approach each other directly, making eye contact in the process. For canines, an unfamiliar pet making eye contact with them may seem hostile. Consequently, both dogs are on their guard.
As the tension builds between both animals, their respective leashes restrain them. Their owners, sensing the tension, pull on their leads, sending - and reinforcing - the message that the situation is dangerous. This further heightens the pets’ anxiety. As a result, one or both growl, bark, and lunge at each other.
Tips For Walking A Leash-Aggressive Dog
Because you still need to walk your dog, it’s important to take a few immediate steps to address his leash aggression. Many owners choose to walk their pets late in the evening, a time when other owners are unlikely to be walking their own canines. If you’re forced to walk your dog when other pets are present, the following tips will help prevent a confrontation.
Smaller breeds can be picked up. If your dog is small, and you encounter another pet, quickly scoop him up. Then, place a small cloth over his face to obscure his sight. Your canine will likely resist the cloth, but it is temporary. On the other hand, if your pet is larger, try to maneuver him between, or behind, vehicles. This, too, will obscure his sight.
Also, consider purchasing a halter collar. It will give you more control over your canine’s head. If you notice another dog nearby, gently guide your pet’s line of sight toward the opposite direction.
Realize these tips only represent a temporary solution. They will not curb your dog’s on-leash aggression. To accomplish that goal, you’ll need to take a more direct and disciplined approach.
Changing Your Pet’s On-Leash Aggressiveness
Modifying leash aggression usually requires desensitization training. You want to give your dog limited, but increasing, amounts of exposure to the stimulus that prompts his aggressive reaction. One of the most effective ways to do this is by asking another pet owner to help (preferably one with a friendly canine).
First, identify the distance at which your canine becomes agitated by the presence of another pet while on leash. Then, slowly close the gap. Do so a small bit at a time, and provide your canine with a treat if he remains calm. By doing so, you’ll gradually condition him to associate the presence of another dog with something he enjoys (the treat).
This is a long process that can require a week, or more. It also requires patience. The benefit, however, is being able to keep your canine on-leash without his becoming aggressive toward other dogs.
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