Leash lunging, leash reactivity and leash aggression are all behaviors that are caused by a dog feeling restrained, frustrated and uncomfortable in a social situation while attached to a leash. In normal circumstances, an unleashed dog would be able to put sufficient distance between himself and a fear source.
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.
So the answer to the question “can reactive dogs be helped?” is that yes, they can be helped, they can live a normal life and they are definitely worth the time and effort that goes into it.
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.
Leash biting can be caused by a number of unmet needs. These include: Anxiety: Dogs with a nervous disposition may chew their leash in response to unfamiliar, new or overwhelming experiences. Excitement: If a dog is excited about the walk and may chew the leash to express this excitement.
Of course, it is not your dog's fault. They are acting in response to an emotion – that might be fear, anxiety or frustration – and, when they react, that can make them feel better in the moment so they keep doing it. But we can teach them a better way to respond that also feels good.
If the dog has a reactive behavior, it means you moved too close too fast. Don't punish; simply turn around and calmly walk back to the beginning to start the process again. Continue to reward them when they look at you instead of at the stimulus. Reacting anxiously or punishing your dog will undo your hard work.
Encouraging the Behavior
As a dog owner, you should always encourage your dog to not to bite their leash. You can do this in several different ways. Remember to be proactive in the training process. First, you should never tug back or pull on the leash while they are biting.
Treatment. It's important to keep in mind that there is no such thing as a cure for aggression. Aggressive behaviors are managed and reduced through proper treatment with a veterinary behavioral professional. It's also essential to understand that aggression is a behavioral problem, not an issue of obedience.
Can my adult reactive dog be cured? Dogs of any age can start training to improve their reactivity. You do need to keep in mind that the longer a behavior has been ingrained, the longer it will take to retrain the 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.
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.
The main difference between reactivity and aggression is that reactivity stems from a heightened state of emotion due to an environmental trigger or specific situation. Aggression is spawned from fear or the desire to seek out conflict to cause harm.
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.
If you have a serial jumper that won't stop biting, pop your dog on a lead so that you have control. Either hold the lead firmly down and away from you or put the lead under your foot so the dog can't jump. Once you have control you have options: Scatter some treats on the floor to distract your dog.
Which dog breeds are most reactive? Dogs considered highly reactive also include the Boston, Fox, Cairn and Yorkshire Terriers, Pekingnese, Weimaraner, Pug, Irish Setter, Shetland Sheepdog, Shih Tzu, Poodle, Bichon Frise, Springer Spaniel, the Westie, Chihuahua and the Dachshund.
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.
Fratt says that in general, a canine's big reaction usually means one of two things: get away or come play. By barking, growling or lunging, your dog is trying to tell an oncoming dog he's seen what happens when a strange dog approaches him and he will attack if need be.
Do not wait for someone to be bitten. If your dog does any of the following, it's time to look for expert help in person: Growls, barks, snarls, snaps or lunges at people on walks. Shows aggression toward visitors to your home.
Many older dogs show increased aggression, anxiety, or compulsive behaviors. These behaviors are aggravated by body inflammation, sensory changes, and cognitive decline.
Don't use physical punishment
If you do not want your dog to bite, punishing them for biting is not the way to make it stop. Punishment can only provoke fear, anxiety, and aggression.