Leash Reactivity VS Aggression: What’s The Difference and How to Address Both

Control the Walk Even Before Your Dog Walks Out the Door

You can take charge of leash reactivity before you even walk out the door.

This principle is part of my 5 Golden Rules of Dog Training.

Your dog has to know that you are in control of the walk, not them.

What does that have to do with reactivity?

Naturally, a dog thinks they are in charge of everything: their survival, their food, their interactions, their time outdoors. Because they think they’re in charge, they sharpen their senses for survival whenever they have to step out. 

This need for control manifests when your dog struggles when they’re on the leash. 

“I’m on the leash. I can’t run. I can’t defend myself. How can I survive?” 

Before you spend time outdoors, it’s important to let your dog know they’re not in charge. 

How? Become a leader they can trust. 

Some of the ways to do this: 

• Take control of the walk. Let your dog know you decide when to walk outside.
• You’re the main decision maker on whether to continue or stop the walk once they show reactivity.
• Show them they can’t pull on the leash. You can do this by pausing the walk whenever the pulling starts. Or you can quit the walk once reactivity doesn’t stop.

Additionally, your dog has to see your leadership not only during your walk but also in all areas: food, interaction, playtime, timeouts, rewards and treats, and controlling danger. 

I talk more about establishing leadership in your dog’s eyes in my Doggy Dan Five Golden Rules series. You can check it out here.

Calm Your Dog Down and Be Aware of Their Energy Levels

A dog with an energy level of five before you walk out the door will only become more reactive unless you calm them down. 

When your dog has high-stress levels, it will be hard to listen to your commands. It’s going to be a challenge to control them. 

So, I 100% suggest watching their energy levels before heading out. 

Scan the Surroundings Before Going Out

Before leaving the house, assess the environment for potential triggers and plan your route accordingly to avoid known triggers whenever possible.

Use A Muzzle

If your dog has a history of aggressive behavior or if you have a dog reactive to other dogs, consider using a basket muzzle as a safety measure during walks, ensuring both your dog’s and others’ safety.

Be Calm and Observe Your Own Body Language 

Your dog will hear your emotions so much they won’t be hearing what you’re saying. If you want to help your leash-reactive dog, be in tune with how you react as well. Your energy and emotions will affect your dog, and if you’re stressed, the dog will be stressed, too!

Use the Dog Calming Code

Reactivity and aggression can be traced back to one factor: your dog thinks they’re in charge; they’re in control. 

That is why they’re always agitated, anxious, fearful, and protective. They think they need to always be alert to survive. 

But you’re there. You are their leader and protector. How do you help your dog understand that?  

I created the Dog Calming Code exactly for this purpose: for your dog to know you got them and for them to trust you.

You can learn more about the Dog Calming Code here.  

How to Select the Right Leash and Equipment Ideal for Leash Reactivity

How do you choose the best leash for reactive dog? Here are some points to consider!

Choose the Right Gear 

Opt for a harness and a standard 5-6 foot nylon or leather leash instead of choke, prong, or shock collars and retractable leashes. These latter options can exacerbate reactivity issues and pose risks to your dog’s well-being.

Harness Selection

Look for a body harness that clips at the chest rather than the spine. This design allows for better control and redirection of your dog away from triggers, as it offers more strength and leverage from the front.

Go for Doggy Dan’s No-Pull Harness

The no-pull harness offers a specialized front chest loop that effectively reduces pulling tendencies in your dog prone to leash reactivity. By gently guiding your dog’s movements in alignment with your own, it mitigates the urge to pull without causing discomfort.

Unlike traditional harnesses, the Doggy Dan no-pull harness prioritizes your dog’s well-being by resting securely across their chest rather than constricting their throat (they won’t feel a sense of restriction at all!). Surely, this harness helps dogs feel guided AND safe so reactivity can be prevented.

Managing Leash Reactivity During Walks

Tip #1: Consider Your Dog’s History and Potential Reasons They Can Be Triggered by the Leash

Before diving into training, take a moment to consider your dog’s past experiences and what might be causing their leash-reactive behavior.

Maybe they had a scary encounter with another dog in the past, or perhaps they feel anxious when restrained by the leash. Understanding their triggers can help tailor your approach to training and address the root cause of their reactivity.

Tip #1: Consider Your Dog’s History and Potential Reasons They Can Be Triggered by the Leash

As tempting as it may be to let your dog dictate when it’s time for a walk, especially when they’re eagerly waiting by the door, it’s essential to establish yourself as the leader of the pack. 

Set a consistent schedule for walks and stick to it, regardless of your dog’s excitement level. This helps create a sense of leadership in your dog’s eyes, a very crucial factor if you want to stop dog reactivity. 

Tip #3: Control Their Energy, Don’t Push Through When They’re Very Reactive

When your dog is in the midst of a reactive episode, it’s crucial to remain calm and avoid pushing through the situation. 

Trying to force your way forward when your dog is highly reactive can escalate the behavior and make the situation more stressful for both of you. 

Instead, take a step back, give your dog space to calm down, and wait until they’re in a more relaxed state before continuing the walk.

Tip #4: Start Slowly

Training a leash-reactive dog takes time and patience, so don’t rush the process. Start by introducing them to low-stress environments with minimal triggers, such as quiet streets or empty parks. 

Gradually increase the level of exposure to triggers as your dog becomes more comfortable and responsive to training techniques.

Tip #5: Take Pauses When Needed

During walks, pay attention to your dog’s body language and be prepared to take breaks or detours if they start to show signs of stress or agitation.

Taking pauses allows your dog to decompress and prevents them from becoming overwhelmed by their surroundings. Remember, it’s okay to take things slow and adjust your pace based on your dog’s comfort level.

Tip #6: Be Wary of Triggers

Keep an eye out for potential triggers during walks, such as other dogs, cyclists, or loud noises.

Anticipating triggers allows you to proactively manage your dog’s reactions and implement training techniques before they become overwhelmed. 

By staying vigilant and prepared, you can help prevent reactive episodes and keep walks enjoyable for both you and your pup.

Tip #7: Let Other Dog Owners Know About Boundaries

When walking your leash-reactive dog, it’s essential to communicate with other dog owners and establish boundaries to prevent unexpected encounters. Politely inform them about your dog’s reactivity and ask for their cooperation in maintaining a safe distance. Clear communication can help avoid tense situations and ensure that everyone can enjoy their time outdoors with their furry companions.

Tip #8: Be Patient To Your Dog and Lead with Kindness

Think of leash reactivity this way: your dog struggles when they’re on the leash. They need your help.

Hopefully, this should stop dog owners from hurting their dogs or rushing training. Your dog needs your understanding. Avoid punishing a leash-reactive dog because this only elevates their anxiety and, in turn, their reactivity.

When Reactivity Turns Aggressive: When and Where to Ask for Help

Find the Help of a Dog Trainer

A reputable dog trainer can provide guidance and support in implementing effective training techniques to address your dog’s reactivity and aggression. 

Look for a trainer who uses positive reinforcement methods and has experience working with reactive and aggressive dogs.

They can create a customized training plan tailored to your dog’s specific needs and help you build a stronger bond with your furry companion.

Professional Behaviorist

In more severe cases of an aggressive reactive dog, consulting a professional behaviorist may be necessary. 

Behaviorists are experts in understanding and modifying complex behavior issues in dogs. They can conduct a thorough assessment of your dog’s behavior, identify underlying causes of aggression, and develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

Behaviorists often work closely with veterinarians to rule out any medical issues contributing to aggression and may recommend additional interventions such as medication or specialized behavior modification techniques.

From Leash-Reactive Dog to a Calm, Well-Behaved Dog: It Is Possible with the Dog Calming Code!

Dealing with a dog with leash reactivity issues can be both stressful AND heartbreaking! You ask, “Is there hope for my leash-reactive dog?” 

Yes, there is. I’ve seen it in thousands of dogs I have helped in my career.  

Once you understand the psychology of dogs and how you can truly make them feel, they can cut down on their anxiety and excitement and let you handle the show; your dog will be less freaked out by the leash!  

I teach this formula in my online dog training program, The Dog Calming Code. In this program, I talk extensively about the Five Golden Rules of dog leadership and how YOU can help your leash-reactive dog break free from the stress of the leash. It’s the first step to overcoming reactive behaviour in dogs. 

Learn more about this program here. 

~Doggy Dan