Hello, I am looking for advice on how to handle my dog’s behavior. It is embarrassing, so I usually try to de-escalate the situation by pulling him away or getting his attention before it happens, but he always goes for the other dogs. He is fine off-leash but doesn’t like other dogs getting too close for too long. I have not tried using high-value treats yet.
I think it might be either. He is trying to protect me he doesn’t do this with my wife or He is frustrated.
How should I respond or not respond to make him more comfortable on the leash?
Curiously, what breed is your dog?
I wouldn’t advise you to get him so close,
I once witnessed a German Shepherd biting and injuring the neck of a Japanese Spitz that came too close
First, never punish your dog for this behavior. You will only exacerbate the problem. Your dog will associate the punishment with the other person, dog, or object which will strengthen their fear or jack up their frustration.
Hi Nicholas… Dealing with leash aggression can be tricky, but it sounds like you’re on the right track with trying to manage the situation. Using high-value treats is definitely worth a try as they can help redirect his focus and create positive associations with other dogs. When you see another dog approaching, try to get your dog’s attention with the treat before he reacts, and reward him for staying calm. It’s also important to stay calm yourself, as dogs can pick up on your anxiety. Gradually exposing him to other dogs at a distance where he feels comfortable and rewarding him for good behavior can help build his tolerance over time. If the issue persists, consulting with a professional dog trainer who specializes in leash aggression might be beneficial.
If you’re already in that situation, the right move is to create distance. To prevent it, avoid letting him get over the threshold where he ignores commands. For my dog, I see his threshold as a line between him and triggers like squirrels, cats, people, and other dogs. When I spot a trigger, I distract him with treats or increase the distance.