Leash Aggression - 9 Ways to Walk Calmly by Other Dogs
By JT Clough

Leash aggression is becoming more common in our dog's urban lifestyle. Many owners are baffled by why their dog can be such a tyrant on leash while when off leash display play bows and find dog friends.

Its too bad our dogs can't talk even if only for a day to say exactly the reason but since they can't lets explore the obvious. It's simply not a natural thing to be on a leash. Think about if you weren't allowed to go anywhere without being restrained. It would be rather easy to pick up an unsure feeling, combined with the realization that control lies somewhere other than pure instinct from the dog's end of the leash. Restriction can be uncomfortable when options are seemingly taken away.

Add owners who start getting nervous when seeing an oncoming dog due to the fear of what the neighbors, fellow trail users, and other dog owners reactions reflect and the behavior starts to run its course as a merry go round that doesn't stop. The key to redirecting the behavior is going to lie in finding some balance for dog and owner.

Strategies for the dog to learn to act calm when walking past another dog on leash have to be implemented by the dog owner. The strategy that will add the most significant change first is adding exercise. Especially for a a dog that has a little extra energy, added exercise is key in taking the edge off of the nervous feeling that has become a habit when meeting an oncoming leashed dog.

Another key ingredient is the person at the end of the leash needs to remain calm. Many dogs who struggle with leash aggression make a big noise ruckus but really there is no real intent on engaging in a physical fight. Knowing that helps many people to remain calm, take control of the situation and move through it without perpetuating the feeling in their dog.

Keep your dog moving. Its a huge mistake that many people tend to make out of trying to get everyone involved including the dog to deal in a human way. Consoling your dog is not going to stop the behavior. Ceasing your motion or freezing out of not knowing what to do is going to bring the stress level up for everyone. Remember that your dog is going to react by using the only tactics that have worked in the past. Forcing calm while in a stationary position is not going to make any sense to a dog who has in the past always used barking or lunging to move another dog away.

If you have a dog that struggles with leash aggression start your training program with these concepts:

• Add exercise. Then add even more exercise.
• Work on your own reaction.
• Remain calm and work your dog through it by moving through it yourself.
• Don't stop movement in your dog by stopping and focusing on the oncoming dog.
• Do keep moving with your dog.
• Ignore the barking and lunging and use your body to move onward.
• Keep your nervous reaction in check.
• Don't give your dog appeasement with words like "it OK."
• Move, move, move and add exercise.

Article by Jt Clough (R) 2009

Jt Clough combined the skill of successful business with the art of training dog to inspire others to achieve a higher level of success and attain the life they have dreamed of attaining. Finisher of 9 Ironmans, Business Degree, and a Holistic Health Practitioner you can find her private coaching, dog training camps, e books, private and online dog training at http://SitK9Sit.com/.

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