Dog Health Questions: My dog is leash reactive/aggressive?

My dog is a sweetheart off of the leash. He plays around with other dogs and people just fine. However, when I'm walking him on the leash, he'll growl and bark at other dogs and if a runner or biker comes up on his blind side (he has a cataract) he will jump and attack. I've heard this called leash reactive. He doesn't ever hurt them, but he certainly scares them. When someone is coming, I have him sit, stay and he does really well, but if someone comes up from behind me and I don't see them, he'll react aggressively, when is probably him reacting to me being tense from surprise. He's already taken dog training, which didn't seem to help this issue. Maybe I should see a specialist?

Dog Training - Getting the Basics Right

Recommended Answer:
There's a name for every problem now aye? "Leash reactive" I call it false bravery/Poor training. Like a drunk talking crap from a distance, but all of a sudden when somebody holds him back? Pshhh now he wants to fight! Or, it could be a dog who is excited and wants to play but is frustrated by being held back, either way? It's poor training. He doesn't decide when you play or who to intimidate, you do, the behavior should be corrected.

When he displays the behavior say "No" and pop the leash, if that doesn't work you'll have to use a different training collar (fur saver, prong). Anyway, good luck!

Dog Training Methods - Different Ways to Teach Your Pet Dogs Some Useful Skills

• Yes, a professional trainer will be able to assess the dog and his triggers, and work out a plan to help you recondition his responses.


• Totally.You must have a really hard time.