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.

Dogs will Naturally Pull on a Leash

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.

Leash Tips for Reactive Dogs

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.

4) Do this every time your dog becomes leash reactive -and over time your dog will become less reactive. This works the best with my dog or else my arm would be stretched beyond its length.

5) When your dog rear’s up or becomes aggressive -put your fully stretched out hand in front of its face. It will back down immediately and resume a normal position. You must step in front of the dog for it to understand it should back down.

6) Praise your dog each time when it does not react with a treat, or praise them for behaving properly. Remember Reward for Good Behavior and show dismay with bad behavior.

The quickest way to avoid leash pulling or aggressive behavior is the stepping between your dog and the other dog-works every time.  In this way you are telling your dog this is not proper behavior and you are “stepping in to stop the behavior.”
Your dog will get the message eventually and stop the pulling action each time your dog sees another dog.

Remember dogs recognize friend or foe by smelling them and this is their main goal is to smell the other dog, which is not necessary to you -but is natural to the other dog.

Smart Dog Tip

Other owners will tell you or ask you if your dog is “friendly” and if their dog is not friendly -try to steer your dog away from them.  Take the other owner’s word for it and avoid the dog.

Dog Breeds

Some dogs are breed to protect property and person and with these dogs are to be watched carefully when venturing in public.  Boston Terriers are one of those breeds
are bred to fight.

Learn to do some leash training with your dog when you are alone in the park and there are no distractions.  Simple commands to stop your dog from ‘feeling threatened” can help with your dog learning not to be aggressive in public while on a leash.

TAGS:   why is my dog aggressive on a leash, leash training, aggressive dogs, training aggressive dogs, simple commands, dog breeds, aggressive dog breeds, smart dog tips, dog leashes, dog tugging on leash.

” One Nation Under Dog” is a dog book written by Michael Schaffer is a book every dog lover should read! As Michael puts us into the world of dog – and all the trappings of pet care we can see how this domesticated animal has turned into a family member. As I began reading about their “first dog” Murphy I recalled how I got my latest addition to the family and the joy of having a dog.

Murphy’s story is one of the doting parents who “for the love of dog” we follow in the same footsteps as Mike and his wife travel through the world of a 43 billion dollar industry growing into the next century. The history of dogs is particularly amusing and an eye opener for dog owners on what to look out for -in case you fall into the trappings of dog ownership.

Besides the dog lattes, Bully Sticks and puppy birthday parties – the upscale urban dog today the author takes us through pet bereavement to the pet food industry. The care and feeding of Fido is explained by looking at the stories of obsessions and the changes in our culture from politics to social morals and finally the economics of pet ownership.

If you own a dog you owe it to yourself to get this book and avoid your dog becoming a Prozac-Popping Puppy.  Just simply to avoid the dog park no-no’s and teach yourself how to get accustomed to the new world order – of the dog.

This is a must read book -and highly recommended-and special thanks to Mr. Jason Liebman of New York for sending us a copy of the book – it was a great read!!

You can pick up a copy here:

DOG HEALTH 1    RATES  THIS  BOOK :  5 PAWS UP!!

One Nation Under Dog

by author:  Michael Schaffer

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