Dog Hospital

Why does you sweet lovable dog turn into an aggressive snarling dog when you put it on a leash and go to a park or are walking with them?There are very good reasons why dogs become aggressive, and bark or pull on a leash  and become Leash Re-active.

The dog feels restricted or prevented from either protecting itself or you the pack leader from a perceived threat and is making a show or display of aggression to fend off the approaching dog.   This is in the dog’s nature to do so and a few tips will help you to control your dog when they become Leash Reactive.  This happens when your dog is unfamiliar with the approaching dog and assumes it is a threat therefore it needs to become aggressive by standing on its two rear legs, barking and reacting because it feels restrained to protect you or itself.

This is the time where you must control your dog and watch for the reactions of both dogs.  One way is to distract your dog from what it perceives as a threat.

1) Keep your dog distracted with a treat or biscuit until the other dog passes by your dog.

2) Step in front of your dog and place yourself between your dog and the other dog.-this establishes that you are the “leader” and that your dog should stand down.

3) Give the leash a tug, make your dog sit and obey commands, put your hand on the dog’s front chest and tap on it.  This establishes that you are the pack leader and the dog will obey you.

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