How to Prevent Leash Aggression

Leash aggression is a common behavioral problem. Some dogs feel vulnerable when restrained by a leash. Dog owners make the problem worse by constantly jerking on the leash or tightening the leash as a dog or person approaches. People can help prevent leash aggression before it happens. Or if your dog is already displaying leash aggression, the problem can be fixed.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Leash
• Self awareness
• Focused observation skills

1. A tight leash is the leading factor in leash aggression. Keep the leash loose.

2. If your dog does not listen to you while he is on his leash, get training. Your dog must have manners and self control in order to be safe. You are responsible for teaching him those things.

3. Be aware of yourself. Are you tensing up? Are YOU the one making the leash tight? If so, relax. You can hold the leash firmly without pulling on it. Breath slowly. Exhale.

4. Learn to recognize your dog's body language when he is tense. If you notice stiffening, an erect head and tail, lip curling, or raised hackles. Get your dog to sit. A sitting dog cannot have a fight.

5. Distract your dog. Move him away from whatever is making him tense. Play with a toy, give him some treats. Get him focused on better things.

6. If another dog has approached your dog on a tight leash, breathing hard, dragging his hapless owner behind him, and gotten right in your dog's face or placed a paw up on his back--it will not be appropriate for you to jerk on the leash and correct your dog for telling the other dog to get lost. Move away from the nuisance quickly and calmly. The less you react, the less your dog will react.

Tips & Warnings

• Loose leash
• Calm body language
• Pay attention to what is going on near you
• No shouting
• No leash jerking
• GET TRAINING

Resources

• Recognizing Aggressive Body Language in Dogs
• He Just Wants to Say Hi

[grouch]

on 12/13/2007 Thanks for another great article packed with information. I agree over reacting to a situation will teach your dog to as well. Thanks again.