Dog growls at other dogs on leash
Every walk turns into stress? Growling and lunging at other dogs on lead is a common complaint. Causes vary: fear, frustration, incomplete socialisation, past bad experiences.
What is happening
On lead the dog is restricted. It can neither approach nor leave as it would like. Tension builds and the reaction becomes sharper.
What to do on walks
Increase distance to other dogs to a level where yours can still listen to you. Cross the street, go around. Do not yank or shout. Calmly move away.
Working on the behaviour
Teach looking at the handler, changing direction and earning rewards for calm behaviour at a safe distance. Do this gradually, without forcing introductions.
What to avoid
Do not punish growling — it is often a discomfort signal. Do not force approaches to other dogs. Do not rely on hard jerks as the main method.
When a professional is needed
If reactions are strong, the dog is large or you feel you cannot manage, see a trainer who works with reactivity without force.
Common questions
Is it aggression?
Not always. Often it is fear or frustration. A professional can help tell the difference.
Can adult dogs still be socialised?
Controlled positive meetings at the right distance sometimes help, but not through force.
Can we go to the dog park?
While reactions are strong, better avoid tight spaces with unknown dogs.
You can find trainers in the Petty catalogue.
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