On leash, normally playful dog becomes aggressive

Dr. Michael Fox

Question: My 2-yearold goldendoodle was fifine walking on a leash until about two months ago, when she started barking and lunging at dogs we pass. Usually, it is unprovoked, like the other dog walks past oblivious or sometimes brieflfly glances at her. She is fifierce with her barking when she gets started.

She is friendly with other dogs offff her leash, and she plays with all sizes and ages of dogs at the dog park just fifine. We can also pass dogs she knows well, and she is comfortable, wagging her tail and play bowing. If I make her sit and I stand between her and the other dog with a treat before she starts barking, I can keep her focus on me and she might look at them but not bark. But if I don’t head her offff in advance, it is diffificult to stop her once she starts.

If I drop the leash, she will sometimes switch into play mode and stop barking, but not always.

However, dropping the leash is bad dog-owner manners where I live, so I don’t do that unless I know the other owner well. My dad suggested spritzi

Do you have some advice for stopping her barking on the leash? — L. M., Reston, Virginia

Answer: You have one of the more common and frustrating dog behaviors to deal with that comes with age — some dogs become more assertive around full maturity, and being on a leash can make them feel more vulnerable or motivate them to be defensive of you, especially if you are pulling on the leash and expressing some fear, anxiety or annoyance, which your dog will sense.

Play it cool. Do not ever let go of the leash. Stop walking, and put your dog in the sit- on- command position; speak in a low, reassuring voice and reward with verbal praise and a freeze-dried treat for being still while the other dog walks by.