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Leash-reactive dogs respond to other dogs, people, or cars with high intensity, like lunging. Calm your dog’s reaction with these comprehensive tips. Help your leash-reactive dog by ensuring he isn’t overstimulated by things. To do this, pinpoint the stimulus and keep him at a sufficient distance.
A leash-reactive dog is a usually friendly dog that starts barking and lunging when he sees or hears another dog, jogger, or loud truck passing by. Off the leash, he remains calm. Many dogs can ignore these sights and sounds, but a leash-reactive dog responds at a higher-than-normal level of intensity due to stress. Here are 20 tips to help manage your dog’s leash-reactive behavior.
Identify the cause of reactivity:
Determine what your dog is reactive to (e.g., cars, people, or other dogs) and why. Reasons may include genetics, past successful behavior, or barrier frustration. Sometimes your pets might even try to run away at the sight of a leash. Considering checking out 5 Best Pet Collar Trackers to Keep Your Furry Friend Safe.
Stay calm:
Your dog can read your voice, body language, and scent. If you’re stressed, he becomes more anxious, too. A tight leash can lead to reactivity.
Keep your dog under threshold:
Ensure he isn’t overstimulated by things, animals, or people that would otherwise cause him to be reactive. This often means keeping him at a sufficient distance from the stimulus.
Ensure safety with proper equipment:
Use equipment that your dog can’t escape from, such as a correctly fitted harness, a Martingale-type collar, or a combination of both. Avoid using aversive equipment, such as a prong or shock collar. If you need help choosing the right leash or collar, then check out Dog Collars for Training to Walk (Best Value Collars for Big and Small Dogs).
Socialize your dog at his own pace:
Expose him to everyday sights, sounds, people, and animals that he can handle and to which he isn’t reactive. Always use positive reinforcement of treats, praise, and play.
Train your dog to perform certain behavior cues:
Teach cues like “look” and “turn” without distractions first so that your dog can focus.
Teach a “look” cue:
Train your dog to pay attention to you by default, and walk on a loose leash. These skills help him focus on you rather than the environment.
Teach an emergency U-turn:
Lure your dog to turn 180-degrees with you in the other direction away from the stimulus, praising and rewarding immediately after the turn.
Add distractions gradually:
Once your dog understands and performs the cues, introduce distractions when you’re out-and-about with your pup.
Avoid greetings on the leash:
A leash interferes with the natural ways dogs greet each other, which can lead to misunderstandings and even fights.
Don’t reward leash-reactive behavior:
If your dog is pulling and barking to reach others, don’t allow him to greet them. This will only reinforce the behavior.
Exercise your dog before walks:
Physical and mental exercise helps your dog de-stress and take the edge off.
Walk during off-peak times:
Choose times and routes where there’s less traffic, dogs, or people to reduce your dog’s reactivity.
Use classical conditioning:
Change your dog’s emotional response to the stimulus by rewarding him with treats whenever the stimulus appears.
Counter-conditioning and desensitization:
Once your dog gives you the desired emotional response, gradually expose him to the stimulus at increasing distances.
Redirect your dog to another activity:
Carry a favorite toy or treats to distract your dog from the stimulus.
Try holistic aids:
With your vet’s approval, consider using products like CBD oil, calming tabs, ThunderShirt, Adaptil, or Rescue Remedy to help reduce your dog’s stress while on a leash.
Get professional help if needed:
If your dog’s reactivity is severe, engage the services of a veterinary behaviorist or another qualified behavior specialist.
Be patient:
Remember that progress may take weeks, months, or even longer. Each dog is an individual and moves at his own pace. Stay committed to the training process.
Educate others:
Inform friends, family, and strangers about your dog’s leash reactivity and ask them to respect your dog’s space and training needs.
Final Thoughts
By understanding the cause of your dog’s leash reactivity and following these tips, you can help manage the situation and work through the issue together. With patience, consistency, and the right approach, you and your dog can enjoy less stressful, happier, and more fulfilling walks.