Leash Reactivity 101 with Dr. Erin Newman

Friends and Neighbors,

Pups at any age can struggle with leash reactivity. Our own Dr. Erin Newman goes over some behavioral details to help you better understand what leash reactivity is.

What is leash reactivity?

Leash reactivity is when a dog shows a reactive response (lunging, barking, growling) to certain triggers (such as another dog) when they are on a leash. Many dogs show this response to other dogs when they are on leash, but when off the leash in the same situation they are calm and relaxed. This could be because the leash makes a dog anxious that they can't run away and instead need to be ready to defend themselves or because their inability to get to the other dog makes them very frustrated.

How do I know if my pet struggles with leash reactivity? 

If your dog shows aggressive behavior while on a leash but otherwise seems to be calm and collected, they may have a behavioral issue called leash reactivity.

How do I train my adult dog who has leash reactivity? 

The two keys to behavioral modification for leash reactivity are increasing distance from the trigger and focus training. You first want to train your dog to perform behaviors that place their focus on you even when low-level distractions are around. Call your dog's name and reward them when they look at you. Ask your dog to heel while you change directions. Practice doggy push-ups (sit, down, stand, sit, down, stand). Use lots of treats or whatever positive reinforcement works best for your dog. Once your dog has these behaviors mastered, start working on these behaviors whenever you see another dog on a walk. In the beginning, stay far away from the other dog but as your dog gains the ability to stay focused on you, gradually get closer to the other dog. The goal here is not to get to the point that your dog is going to greet every dog they see on a walk, but to give you time to avoid interactions with other dogs while on leash.

Should I consult with a trainer? 

Working with a personal trainer is often going to help because they can observe how you interact with your dog in your day-to-day life and offer suggestions on ways to better communicate. A trainer's job is to train an owner how to communicate effectively with their dog, rather than simply training a dog. It's important to work with trainers who use only positive reinforcement strategies. We don't want to tell the pet what not to do, we want to tell what we want them to do instead. Positive reinforcement has been shown to be a more effective training tool than punishments such as spray bottles, prong collars, or shouting NO, as these corrections can backfire and make an anxious dog even more nervous.

 Are there any recommendations for puppy training to prevent leash reactivity?

For young dogs without reactivity, work on heel and training with high value treats so that you are always able to get your dog's attention when needed. This will keep the leash loose so that your dog doesn't get in the habit of straining at the end of their leash and becoming frustrated.

Any behavioral issue is going to take time, commitment, and patience to overcome. Behavioral issues usually can't be completely cured, but with environmental modification and desensitization training they can often be well-managed.

We hope you found these tips useful and that they help you keep your pet happy and healthy! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask us. As always, we’re here for you and your pets.

Sincerely,

The BLVD Team