Training should help reduce dog’s leash aggression

Dear Cathy: I have a 5-year-old mixed breed dog. Most of the time, he’s a lovable smooch. When I take him to the dog park, he plays with the other dogs and runs and really has a good time.

But whenever I have him on a leash, if he sees another dog on a leash or a human in our vicinity, he goes nuts with an aggressive stance, barking and pulling. What can I do about it?

Dear Dennis: Leash reactivity describes aggressive behaviors seen while a dog is on a leash when passing by or being introduced to another person or dog. While it looks like aggression, and sometimes it is, it also can be a fear-based reaction to perceived threats to keep other dogs and people away.

Watch how your dog meets other dogs at the dog park. They circle and sniff and move in and out of each other’s space until they know the other is safe. They don’t meet eye to eye, which is what happens with leash walking and what causes body language cues to get murky.

Stop leash introductions for now and practice passing other dogs on a leash. Get high-value treats, such as cutup hot dogs or chicken, and reward his relaxed behaviors during your walks. When no dogs are around, say his name and use his reward word or use a clicker to mark the relaxed behavior, then give him a treat.

If you see another leashed dog, cross the street and keep his attention with the instructions above until the other dog has passed. If he responds well, it will only take a few weeks to train him.

If he reacts aggressively, stop once you’ve crossed the street, pull him behind you and hold the leash tightly so he can’t peek around your legs to see the other dog. You’re telling him you’ve got this and he needs to settle down.

When the other dog passes, walk in the other direction, and work to keep his attention. Continue rewarding him for any relaxed behaviors on the walk, so he learns what you want.

It could take a few months, but in the end, these techniques should result in more pleasant walks.