Leash Reactivity
Leash reactivity is a common issue that many dog owners face. The behavior is often triggered by other dogs, people, or objects in the environment. There are steps you can take to manage your dog's leash reactivity.
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What is leash reactivity?
Leash reactivity is a common issue that many dog owners face. It occurs when a dog displays aggressive or reactive behavior, such as growling, barking, or lip curling, while on a leash. This behavior is often triggered by other dogs, people, or objects in the environment.
What are the underlying reasons for leash reactivity?
There are a few reasons your dog might be showing signs of leash reactivity:
• Fear. Dogs that have had negative experiences with other dogs, people, or objects in the past may become fearful and reactive when they encounter similar stimuli while on a leash.
• Anxiety. Dogs with underlying anxiety or nervousness may be more likely to exhibit leash reactivity when confronted with unfamiliar or stressful situations.
• Trauma. Dogs that have experienced trauma or abuse may display aggressive or reactive behavior as a result of their past experiences.
• Lack of socialization. Dogs that were not properly socialized during their critical developmental period (between 3 and 14 weeks of age) may be more prone to fear and aggression towards unfamiliar people, dogs, or objects.
• Overstimulation. Dogs that are easily overstimulated or aroused may become reactive when they encounter exciting or high-energy stimuli while on a leash.
• Frustration. Dogs that are unable to access other dogs or people due to being on a leash may become frustrated and display leash reactivity as a result.
What equipment can I use to help manage my dog’s leash reactivity?
• A front clip harness such as the Freedom Harness
Walking tactics to practice with your dog
• Walk quickly. If your pup is focused on keeping on with you, they’ll be less focused on scanning their environment for triggers
• Encourage eye contact. Train your dog to make eye contact with you when they see the trigger. Use treats or verbal praise to reinforce this behavior
• Switch directions often. By making unpredictable turns, your dog will be forced to pay closer attention to you and what you’re doing.
• Reward regularly. Outside, you are probably less interesting than everything else around you. You can build your interest-factor by becoming a periodic dispenser of good things (like treats!) as soon as you hit the sidewalk. You don’t have to reward them for walking well. Instead, simply give them treats throughout the walk.
• Reward your dog in the “Magic zone.” This is usually the area by your knee, hip, or ankle, depending on your height and your pup’s size. It’s important to deliver the reward where you want your pup to be.
Why is distance management effective?
Over time, distance management and counter conditioning techniques can reduce your dog’s leash reactivity and help them develop a better association with other dogs.
Distance management techniques to incorporate into your walk
• Create distance between your dog and the trigger. When you see a potential trigger (such as another dog), try quickly turning (make a “u-turn”) and walking the other way to increase distance between your dog and the trigger. This can help reduce your dog's stress levels and prevent them from reacting.
• Walk your dog at your side and give them lots of treats. This will distract your dog until the trigger is far enough away that your dog feels calm.
• Position your body between your dog and the trigger. If the trigger is on one side, position yourself on the other side so that you create a physical barrier between your dog and the trigger. You can use a "touch" cue to help your dog move to the other side of your body.
• Use your “Look” cue to encourage eye contact from your dog. This will help them focus on you and not their trigger
The engage/disengage exercise
If your dog has a very specific trigger (e.g. other dogs, men on skateboards, mail trucks) then the engage/disengage exercise is a great option. For this exercise, choose one trigger to focus on and follow the steps in these two levels of exercises:
Level 1: Engage
• Step 1: Start a safe distance away from the trigger where your dog is not reacting. Stay still and quiet so that your dog notices the trigger on their own.
• Step 2: At the moment your dog engages, use your marker word (e.g. “yes) or clicker to get your dog’s attention. When your dog turns their head, give them a treat or other reward. If your dog doesn’t turn back to you, move further away from the trigger and start the exercise again.
• Step 3: Do 3-5 repetitions at the same distance before moving to level 2. All repetitions should be successful before moving to Level 2. To judge success, use the following criteria: (1) If your dog gets 5/5 correct, push to the next level. (2) If your dog gets 3/5 correct, stick on that level for another round. (3) If your dog gets 2/5 or less correct, drop to the previous level (create more distance between your dog and the trigger).
Level 2: Disengage
• Step 1: Let your dog notice the trigger, but wait 1-5 seconds to see if they will offer to look away from the trigger on their own. If your dog is fixated on the trigger for longer than 5 seconds, go back to Level 1.
• Step 2: At the moment your dog disengages from the trigger, use your marker word or clicker and give them a treat. If your dog reacts or turns back to trigger after, move farther away from the trigger and start Level 2 again.
• Step 3: Do 3-5 repetitions at the same distance before moving closer to the trigger. All repetitions should be successful before moving closer to the trigger. To judge success, use the following criteria: (1) If your dog gets 5/5 correct, move closer to the trigger. (2) If your dog gets 3/5 correct, stick to that distance for another round. (3) If your dog gets 2/5 or less, drop to the previous level (create more distance between your dog and the trigger).
Webinars
• Reactivity support group recording
Products we love
• Freedom harness. This harness has a front and back leash to help with control on walks.
• Lamb lung. Dogs love these and they're perfect because they're very small.
• Treat pouch. A pouch is a great place to hold your treats on a walk.