Leash aggression is solved by a strategy called desensitization and counter-conditioning, which is trainer-speak for reducing your dog's reaction to the offending trigger (other dog, bike or cat), gaining your dog's attention and training a new behavior instead.
It is important to work on your dog's leash reactivity. Dogs do not grow out of reactivity and this behavior pattern will only get worse and worse unless it is addressed in training. The first step towards working with a leash-reactive dog is to keep the dog from crossing his threshold.
For any dog behavior, once it has been learned it won't be unlearned without intervention. To that end, careful and consistent training is the only reliable means to stop a dog's leash reactivity.
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.
Reactivity on a leash is a common canine behavior problem and is often stressful for owners. It can be caused by a variety of underlying problems, including aggression, fear, unruliness, play-soliciting behavior, or inadequate training.
A combination of frustration and tension, leash aggression is a common problem. Many dogs that show these traits crave interaction with other dogs, but most have less-than-stellar canine social skills for creating a successful meet and greet.
Practice giving them space on walks
Practice walking off the path and asking your dog to “wait” when no one is approaching. This practice will make it easier for your dog to remember what to do when they are feeling anxious. You want to be able to get your dog's attention regardless of what's going on around you.
"Many times reactive dogs can [improve] with very consistent training and work," Hoover says. "However, when a fear-based behavior becomes ingrained in a dog, it may never entirely go away.
This kind of work can take anywhere from two to 12 months, as that's how long it takes for a dog to learn a new behavior. After that time period, you should be able to substitute negative reactions with positive thoughts.
Increased exercise and regular obedience training may also be effective in reducing aggressively dominant dogs, and some forms of training may be used as distractions, focusing the dog's attention off of negative stimuli in a training technique known as a counter-conditioning treatment.
Offering Alternative Behaviors
For these dogs, a simple way to shift your dog from trying to bite their leash is to give the dog something to hold while walking like a ball or other toy. For dogs who love to tug, carrying a tug toy can be an effective way to eliminate leash biting.
Many reactive dogs may be managed through training and behavioral conditioning, however, some dogs may need additional help such as anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications to control their actions and reach their full potential.
Many older dogs show increased aggression, anxiety, or compulsive behaviors. These behaviors are aggravated by body inflammation, sensory changes, and cognitive decline.
Reactive behaviors usually crop up in adolescence around 6 to 18 months of age and tend to get worse as the dog reaches social maturity around 2 or 3 years of age. Your pup will not “grow out of” this behavior.
Do not punish. Punishment won't help and, in fact, will make the problem worse. If the reactivity is motivated by fear, punishment will make your dog more fearful, and could lead to aggression.
A reactive dog is usually a fearful dog. Causes can be genetic, but they are more likely due to a lack of socialization, prior bad experiences or a lack of training. Aggressive dogs show similar signs but are determined to cause harm and destruction.
Introduce a leash to your dog slowly. Leave it near his bed or in his crate or even near you so he can explore it without you at the other end. Leave this leash around in various places for a few days, letting your dog sniff it so he is used to seeing it around the house.
There are a variety of specific reasons your dog may act aggressive to other canines while you're out on a walk. The most common reasons include your dog being defensive and/or scared, as well as being protective of its territory or owner. Dogs that are not well socialized may also have poor communication skills.
The gentle leader is an extremely beneficial tool that can reduce excessive leash pulling, barking, lunging, and/or jumping. We use the word tool, because it is not a training device we need to use for the rest of eternity with our dog.
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.
But anti-anxiety drugs are generally well-tolerated by dogs and can provide much-needed relief and support in certain situations, especially when the separation anxiety is chronic or severe. Also, keep in mind that drugs are not necessarily the last resort when all other treatment options have failed.
The most effective way to help a fearful or aggressive dog is to change the way the dog feels and responds to whatever he is scared of. This is done through a process called “desensitization and counterconditioning”.