Does walking your dog make you both anxious? Are you constantly worried that you’ll run into someone or something that will set your dog’s bad behavior in motion? Leash-reactive dogs aren’t bad dogs, but they do need special training. Read on to learn the signs of leash reactivity and what to do about them.
Your Dog’s Behaviors Shifts While Leash Walking
A reactive dog is one that experiences fear or anxiety in the face of certain situations or stimuli and, in turn, has a noticeable (and unwanted) reaction: barking, growling, cowering, trying to escape, and so forth. A leash reactive dog only displays this kind of behavior when they’re on the leash or otherwise restrained (e.g., closed in their kennel, gated in a yard, or confined to a single room). Regardless of the specific triggers and behaviors, leash reactivity stems from the fear or discomfort of not being able to move freely.
Specific Stimuli Sets Your Dog Off
Dogs who are leash reactive tend to display unwanted behaviors in response to specific stimuli, like other dogs, people, bikes, and cars. Unfortunately, these behaviors can put your dog and others at risk. A panicked dog is an unpredictable dog. While her first instinct might be to run or escape when confronted with her triggers, she may resort to growling or biting when escaping isn’t an option.
Your Dog Won’t Walk Nicely on a Leash
It’s helpful to differentiate between dogs who don’t understand what’s expected of them on a leash and dogs who are leash reactive. For example, dogs that play tug-of-war with their leash, don’t want to follow their owners’ cues while leash walking, or refuse to walk altogether once the leash is on may just need more training. However, if these behaviors are accompanied by the unwanted behaviors we’ve already described or don’t dissipate after weeks of consistent training, they may be signs of leash reactivity.
Things That Don’t Fix Leash Reactivity
Your first instinct may be to avoid your dog’s triggers as much as possible, crossing the street or turning around to create distance. This is an important preventative measure in the early stages of training, but it isn’t a long-term solution. In fact, this repeated avoidance confirms to your dog that her reactions are appropriate and yield a desired outcome.
Because your dog already associates the leash with fear and loss of control, we do not recommend the use of “corrective” tools like shock or choke collars.
Solutions That Do Improve Leash Reactivity
Leash reactivity is learned behavior, which means that it won’t be unlearned without intervention. Consistent training is a must to desensitize your dog to her current triggers and reinforce calm leash behavior. The goal is to be able to walk your dog in different environments without having to reroute to avoid other dogs, people, or stimuli.
All Dogs Unleashed dog trainers have seen hundreds of leash-reactive dogs become polite, pleasant walking companions. Learn about our training programs and get the support you need.
