Dogs that are properly trained for loose lead walking are less likely to develop aggression when walking on the leash. If the dog is afraid of other dogs or of people, the inability to utilize the option of flight may cause them to choose fight instead, leading to aggression towards the object of fear.
Being off leash allows a dog to move more freely and at their natural pace. A dog can develop more confidence when they feel they have more choice in how they explore. Plus, they tend to burn more energy when off leash than on leash as they run this way, that way, and back to you.
For dogs that are dog-aggressive whether they are on or off-leash, the most common reason is fear. When dogs are fearful of something, they act in ways that will cause the scary thing to move further away. Barking, growling and showing their teeth usually accomplishes this goal.
On a leash, dogs are restricted to a small area surrounding their handler, which the dog's nature dictates it must protect. If another dog enters that space, it's a threat. Off-leash, dogs are free to encounter each other and interact in neutral areas.
What Causes Leash Reactivity? Dogs who miss the opportunity to explore the world, meet new people and animals, and have a variety of positive experiences during puppyhood might be more likely to exhibit leash reactivity. This is because they're unsure of how to process new situations.
Leash aggression in dogs is very common, but fortunately, you can teach your dog a better way. Nothing can ruin an otherwise pleasurable walk with your dog like their sudden, often unpredictable fear and aggression, especially when meeting other dogs along the way.
Keep Calm and Walk On
Don't run. Running can provoke the approaching dog to charge and will increase the anxiety of the situation for all parties involved. Walk away casually, as to not startle your dog or the approaching animal. This is typically effective for territorial behaviors.
Greetings are most likely to go well when dogs do not feel trapped, so if possible, introduce the dogs off-leash. When dogs are on-leash, the greeting is not on their terms because they are being forced to be close to each other and lack the freedom to move away.
Letting your dog off leash is a great way for them to expel excess energy, give them a sense of freedom, and allow them to explore their surroundings. However, even in quiet and seemingly safe environments, it's not always a good idea to do so.
Being overjoyed about going for a walk is almost universal among dogs. If you reach for their leash, lace up your shoes or do anything that suggests even the remote possibility that you are going for a walk, your dog is probably thrilled.
You lose control of potentially dangerous situations with other dogs, animals, wildlife, etc. and you really never know how other dogs/animals will react to your dog. This can potentially lead to fights and other unfortunate situations.
Head halters like the Gentle Leader or Halti are also good options for working with a reactive dog. These harnesses slide over a dog's nose and clip behind their ears the same way a halter fits on a horse and require less strength for more control.
Turn to Treats to Distract. In the meantime, start decreasing your dog's frustration when he's on leash and spies another dog by removing the tension from your leash. To do that, you're going to teach your dog that when he sees another dog, he'll be rewarded for looking at you.
They should learn stay on leash and then progress to long-leash and off-leash recall at 4 to 12 months. By 6 months old your puppy should reliably respond to come on leash and long leash. By 12 months your puppy should respond to come in any on- or off-leash situation.
Dogs who may normally be friendly with other dogs can sometimes become reactive and aggressive when attached to a leash. This behavioral trait, known as leash aggression or leash reactivity, is most frequently triggered by fear or frustration, although a high prey drive can lead to aggression when leashed as well.
Try letting them off on a walk
Once your dog is reacting to your voice, and is fine with basic commands and recall, it's time to let them off the lead. If you're still apprehensive, try letting them off on a walk which is particularly enclosed at first.
You need an incentive to encourage your dog to come back - a really tasty treat or a fun game with a toy. Show your dog the toy or food. Run away a couple of paces then call your dog's name and say "come" in a friendly, exciting tone - getting down low can also encourage them to come back.
1) First get the "OK" from the owner! 2) Hold out your hand, fingers closed, palm down, slowly toward the dog. Allow the dog to approach your hand and sniff it. 3) Wait for the dog's "OK." If he wants your affection, he will lower his head, perk ears, or even come closer to you.
When dogs don't feel able to move away – which they may not when in physical contact with us – they may resort to telling us to back off in less desirable ways. Give dogs a way of “opting in” to social contact by using the “3-second rule” of petting. Pet for no more than three seconds, then stop.
One of the common ways your dog will try to say sorry is by making “puppy eyes” or tucking its tail between its legs. Avoiding eye contact and lowering their ears are also common ways for dogs to apologize.
Leash aggression, also known as leash reactivity, is an undesirable behavioral problem in dogs that causes aggressive, excitable behavior in leashed dogs, including barking, lunging, growling, snarling, pulling and jumping.