Aggression and other behavior problems

Leash Aggression in Dogs

When interviewing clients to create behavioral profiles of their dogs, one key question I always ask is, “Do you enjoy walking your dog?” I know from experience that people will be more successful in achieving their training goals if they walk with their dogs for at least 30 minutes -- preferably longer – most days.

A common obstacle for many clients, beyond their general busyness and the deterrent effect of inclement weather, is leash aggression. This is the term trainers use to describe generally well-behaved friendly dogs who, when on-leash and walking with their owners, behave aggressively toward other dogs. These leash-aggressive dogs can switch from calm to Cujo in an instant. Their lunging, snarling, barking displays are often bluffs; leash-aggressive dogs rarely follow through with an injurious bite. But the owner’s resulting embarrassment is usually unpleasant enough to limit any future walks.