How to transform frustration into focus so your dog thrives on leash.
Leash reactivity is a common yet often misunderstood behavior in dogs. It can make walks feel more like a chore than a joy and leave both dog and caregiver feeling stressed and defeated. But with the right understanding and approach, walking with your dog can be a pleasure! In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of leash reactivity and provide actionable strategies to help you and your dog find harmony.
What Is Leash Reactivity?
Leash reactivity occurs when a dog displays intense behaviors such as barking, lunging, and pulling while on a leash. It is often rooted in frustration. For instance, a dog might desperately want to approach another dog or person but finds themselves restrained by the leash. This frustration can escalate into reactive behavior.
Fear can also play a role in leash reactivity. A dog might feel trapped and unable to create distance from a perceived threat, leading to defensive behaviors. In some cases, leash reactivity stems from a combination of both frustration and fear, creating a conflict within the dog. Understanding the underlying emotions driving your dog’s behavior is the first step toward addressing it effectively.
What Causes Leash Reactivity?
Leash reactivity can have different root causes:
Frustration: A dog who wants to get closer to something—be it a person, another dog, or even a squirrel—but can’t due to the leash, may become frustrated and over aroused. Putting yourself in their paws and remembering what it's like to feel frustrated may help you understand why they scream and lunge in an attempt to deal with the overwhelming emotion.
Fear: Conversely, a dog who feels threatened by another dog or person might prefer to move away, but is restrained by the leash. Lacking the ability to create distance on their own can amplify their fear and reactions.
Conflict: Some dogs experience both frustration and fear simultaneously. For example, they might want to be social, but also feel unsure or wary. This can move them into over arousal as well, and result in them coping by barking and lunging.
Breed Characteristics and Unmet Needs: Some breeds are specifically bred for tasks like hunting, herding, or working, and when these natural drives aren’t given sufficient outlets, frustration can build. These dogs may become desperate for interaction or stimulation and exhibit overarousal while on leash. This frustration is often misinterpreted as misbehavior but is rooted in their unmet need for appropriate physical and mental engagement.
Pain and Discomfort: Pain or discomfort can be a significant yet often overlooked cause of frustration and reactivity. Excited behaviors such as jumping, barking, lunging, etc., may be expressions of underlying physical issues. A study by Daniel Mills (Mills, 2020, et al), highlights the connection between chronic pain and changes in canine behavior, noting that discomfort can lead to heightened reactivity. Although it can be challenging to detect pain in dogs, it is important to be vigilant due to the strong connection to behavior issues. It is impossible to truly rule out pain because dogs cannot speak.
By becoming more aware of whether your dog’s behavior might be driven by frustration, fear, or both, you can tailor your management and training approach accordingly.
Managing a Leash Reactive Dog
Management is a crucial part of helping a leash reactive dog. It ensures safety and prevents situations that might escalate reactivity. Here are some effective strategies:
Use a well-fitting harness: A harness is preferable to a collar for leash reactive dogs. It distributes pressure across the dog’s body, avoiding neck injuries and reducing the risk of stress or panic caused by restricted breathing.
Give plenty of space: Set your dog up for success by preventing frustration and fear and avoiding reactions until they are coping better. You'll be doing exercises to help them improve, but working at a distance that your dog can remain calm is important. Try to move in curves instead of directly toward things.
Allow more leash freedom: It might seem counterintuitive, but using a slightly longer leash and letting some slide through your fingers as you slowly bring your dog to a stop, can provide a greater sense of freedom. Feeling less trapped will prevent some of the over arousal and frustration, and will help your dog begin to recognize that you are trying to help them out by giving them choices about the space they need around them to feel safe.
Just remember to be mindful of safety and avoid letting too much leash out in areas with potential hazards.
Encourage self-regulation: Self-regulation is the ability to manage emotions and behaviors. Leash reactive dogs often struggle with this skill. You can help them by taking regular time out on your walks to observe other dogs and people from a distance where they can practice staying calm. Make sure to create enough space so that your dog is not overwhelmed, and then reward calm behavior.
Dog Having Fun
Leash Reactivity Training
It's important to work with a professional during the training phase in order to ensure that your dog is learning at the correct distance to successfully change the underlying emotion. Using only reward based training, and avoiding corrective techniques and equipment will increase your dog's success, and prevent them from simply complying or shutting down due to fear and overwhelm.
Parallel Walking: My favorite way to work with reactive dogs is a using this technique from Turid Rugaas, a well known trainer and behaviorist. She coined this brilliant method she calls "parallel walking", which involves walking two dogs parallel to one another at a distance that allows both dogs to remain calm and relaxed. Over time, the dogs can gather information about one another and gradually learn to trust their handler, as well as the other dog and their handler. Done correctly, this is a fantastic way to increase a dog's social circle. It is also useful for introducing new dogs into a new family with existing dogs.
Pattern Games: These games provide predictability by giving dogs a pattern that they can rely on in order to cope with situations. They learn that YOU will provide this outlet for them every time instead of them having to navigate things themselves. This reduces frustration and fear, and the resulting reactive outbursts. One popular example is Leslie McDevitt’s “Look at That” (LAT) game. This involves teaching your dog to calmly look at a trigger and then focus back on you, creating a positive association with the trigger and reducing reactive behaviors over time.
Put Your Dog to Work on Walks: Giving your dog a job during walks can redirect their energy and focus. Activities like scentwork, interactive games, or play can provide an outlet for their instincts and prevent them from seeking stimulation solely from the environment. These tasks engage their mind and body, reducing frustration and overarousal. For example, you might hide treats for them to sniff out, encourage them to carry a toy, or play games as you move along. By working together, you strengthen your bond and help your dog feel more fulfilled.
These approaches work by addressing the dog’s underlying emotions and teaching them new, more appropriate responses. While these techniques require patience and consistency, they can yield significant results.
Conclusion
Leash reactivity can be challenging, but it is not insurmountable. By understanding the root causes, managing your dog’s environment, and implementing effective training techniques, you can help your dog feel more confident and less reactive on walks. Remember, progress takes time, and every small step forward is a victory. With compassion, patience, and the right strategies, you and your dog can enjoy peaceful, fulfilling walks together.
WHAT'S NEXT?
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For a deeper look at Excited Reactivity, click here:
For understanding anxious and fear reactivity in dogs, click here:
For tips on enjoying life right now with your reactive dog, click here:
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