Dog gets aggressive, but only on a leash
Q: Our dog reacts aggressively toward other dogs only when on leash. However, he is exceptionally friendly at the off-leash park. We have been told that he is fearful. How can he be fearful when he loves to play with other dogs?
A: Aggressive displays can stem from fear. Fearful dogs may behave differently on leash versus off-leash. But not all reactivity is fear based. It’s important to evaluate dogs carefully to determine if reactive behaviour is in fact fear based.
Leashes can exacerbate fear. During free play in the park, pets can avoid other dogs that they find intimidating. They can choose to only play with dogs that match their play style, dogs that are temperamentally softer. Pets can also take time to do a slow meet and greet, and do so only when ready to engage.
Leashes remove these options. The fearful dog is tethered and unable to avoid or move away from what they see as a threat.
Reactions happen when the option to flee is removed. Watch carefully for avoidance behaviour at the park to determine if a pet is truly comfortable. Apprehensive dogs need to have the fear addressed.
Other dogs react on leash because they are resource guarding their people. When running loose in a park, they are further away from their people and less likely to behave protectively. While on leash, approaching dogs can be seen as a threat. Work on resource guarding exercises for these dogs.
Still other dogs react due to frustration. They cannot get to potential playmates. Such problems are similar to a temper tantrum, like a child screaming, hitting and kicking because they can’t have candy. It certainly looks aggressive, yet has nothing to do with fear.
These leash reactive dogs often have excellent play skills. It helps if they learn there is a time to play and a time to keep walking.
To determine why a dog only reacts on-leash, observe carefully. The fearful dog wants to increase distance from a threat. Resource guarding dogs only drive other dogs away if a resource is present. Frustrated dogs want to get closer to things they want. Q: We have been offered a puppy. The breeder wants us to take the puppy at six weeks of age. People are telling us that this is a bad idea. The breeder says that the puppy will bond with us more strongly if we take her sooner. How is this a bad thing?
A: On average, most breeders keep puppies until they are about eight weeks of age. There are a few reasons that waiting is beneficial.
Puppies learn critical life skills when interacting with their littermates. Perhaps the most important benefit is bite inhibition. Dogs learn how to be gentle with their mouth by playing with their siblings. At seven weeks of age, their teeth are needle sharp and their jaws are weak. During play, they learn that biting too hard ends the fun.
Puppies also develop play skills and confidence when interacting with other dogs. Such confidence goes a long way when meeting and interacting with other dogs during outings.
There are rare exceptions when a breeder or rescue may decide to place a dog earlier. Usually it involves singleton puppies or situations where health prevents a dog from staying with the litter. The time puppies spend with their litter mates is priceless. Don’t rush to get the pup any earlier.