Leash reactivity in dogs: How to manage and prevent it

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Leash reactivity in dogs is a common complaint among pet owners during walks. Leash-reactive behavior is more than just negative or aggressive behavior in response to other dogs, cars, cyclists, or people while on a leash. It also applies to an overly enthusiastic pooch who gets frustrated on a leash because they cannot control their impulses to run and greet every dog or person they see. Read on to learn:

• How to understand the warning signs of leash reactivity
• How to stop leash reactivity in your dog
• Steps you can take to help your dog feel better on a leash

Managing leash reactivity with dogs on a walk can be frustrating for many owners. By understanding how dogs naturally greet each other in unleashed areas and utilizing reward-based training, you can minimize leash-reactive behavior and make a walk with your dog more enjoyable.

Leash reactivity in dogs is not the same as aggression. If your dog plays well with other dogs while off-leash but acts up while on-leash, they are likely leash reactive rather than aggressive. Inappropriate behaviors on a leash can have many triggers such as:

• Approaching other dogs or people head-on
• Passing by other dogs while on a leashed walk
• Owners reacting to other dogs by tightening the leash
• Owners using punishment rather than rewards in training
• Increasing demands or expectations of leash training as your dog matures

Owners can help manage and prevent leash reactivity by:

• Avoiding other dogs while on leashed walks
• Not reacting to other dogs
• Not approaching other people or leashed dogs while on a walk
• Using reward-based training instead of punishments
• Providing early and appropriate socialization for puppies

Understanding the triggers and warning signs of reactive behavior in your dog will help with training. When possible, avoid these triggers and redirect your dog’s attention before they become reactive. Understanding how dogs naturally greet each other will also help keep walks stress-free.

How do dogs greet each other?

It’s important to understand how dogs naturally greet each other. In an unleashed setting, dogs will approach each other from the side, often moving in an arch and avoiding eye contact. This shows that the dogs are friendly to each other and allows them to decide if they want to play or continue contact with each other. While on a leash, dogs are forced to approach each other head-on, resulting in direct eye contact. In dog language, this can mean a potential threat. When this is combined with the inability to escape due to being leashed, it’s easy to see why some dogs become afraid and react negatively. When introducing dogs to each other, it’s best to do it off-leash to allow them to show each other they are not a threat and are open to being friends.

Understanding your dog’s body language is key to training and preventing leash reactivity. Recognize your dog’s signs of stress and know when your dog is about to react. Your dog may become leash reactive when they are:

• Feeling trapped by a leash
• Forced to have interactions with other dogs and people
• Prevented from having natural greetings between dogs while on a leash
• Punished for barking, lunging, or otherwise carrying on after being triggered

In any of these situations, you can redirect attention using positive training methods or avoiding the situation entirely.

How to train a leash-reactive dog

So how do you stop your dog from being leash reactive? Instead of trying to change the reaction, the easiest way to avoid leash reactivity is to avoid other dogs and other triggers altogether.

Triggers cannot always be avoided, so training is also important. Reward-based training works best long-term and will help your dog associate other dogs with a tasty treat rather than punishment. If you are having difficulty training your leash reactive dog, you may want to work with a canine behaviorist for the best results. Some basic tips for training a leash reactive dog include:

• Practice commands like “heel” and “look” to redirect your dog’s attention
• Keep your tone of voice happy so your dog learns having other dogs approach is a good thing
• Reward them with a high-value treat when they don’t react
• Consider using a head halter to help redirect your dog’s gaze
• Use consistent commands and rewards
• Practice with a dog you know in a controlled environment

Over time, your dog will begin to positively associate other dogs with tasty treats and rewards rather than punishment. Utilizing this training consistently and early can help prevent leash reactivity later in life and create positive experiences with other dogs on walks.

Leash reactivity training methods you should avoid

Punishment rarely works and can make reactivity worse. Avoid:

• Using strong commands like “sit” or “lie down” in scolding tone of voice
• Waiting for your dog to react: proactive redirection and rewards are key
• Approaching other dogs head-on
• Rushing your dog’s training
• Reacting to approaching dogs
• Forcing your dog to “play nice” or otherwise interact with dogs

These methods can cause reactivity to worsen as your dog develops negative associations with others through the resulting punishment or threatening behavior.

Using consistent reward-based training will help your dog feel more comfortable over time. If the reactivity is severe, consider consulting a veterinary behaviorist or registered veterinary technician (RVT) about a tailored training regimen and ruling out any other underlying causes of the reactivity, such as an anxiety disorder. You can always book an online virtual care appointment at Vetster to ask questions about how to best address your dog’s leash reactivity.

Why is my dog barking at other dogs on walks?

Your dog may feel threatened by approaching other dogs head-on while on a leash. They may also be frustrated because they are eager to run up to other dogs to greet them. Try walking in areas away from other dogs or going around approaching dogs on the sidewalk.

How do I know if my dog is leash reactive or aggressive?

If your dog is friendly and playful with other dogs when off-leash, they are likely leash reactive if aggressive while on-leash. Avoid other dogs on leashed walks when possible and use reward-based training to help reduce reactivity.

Can you cure leash reactivity?

Leash reactivity is not a disease so it cannot truly be “cured.” Reward-based training combined with understanding canine behavior, as well as understanding your dog’s signs of stress, can help limit and manage leash reactivity in dogs. It’s best to prevent it with a foundation of appropriate training and socialization.

Why is my dog’s leash reactivity getting worse?

Continuing to approach other dogs head-on while on a leash or using punishment-based training can make leash reactivity worse over time. Avoid other dogs on walks and use reward-based training to manage leash reactivity. If the reactivity is severe, consider consulting with a veterinarian or certified veterinary behaviorist.