Comments on: How do you deal with leash aggression?

By: Lindsay Stordahl

Lindsay Stordahl — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 20:06:17 +0000

Thanks for stopping by Dave. Ace likes to dart after squirrels and rabbits, too.

By: Dave Robbins

Dave Robbins — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 19:42:49 +0000

I aggree with your approach to the problem. The aggressive dog needs to be exposed to other dogs in controlled situations.

My dog is a squirrel chaser, and would dart at a moments notice. Since I have two small kids I corrected this right away. My tactic has been to constantly “remind” her to pay attention to me with a series of “psssttt” and “Hey, Missy” until we’ve passed by the squirrel. They same has worked for her with other dogs. I’ve found that if I can keep Missy focused on the pace of the walk that we’re on, I can keep her calm and prevent her from darting or charging.

On a different note, I’ve just stumbled on your blog and really enjoy your writing.

Dave Robbinss last blog post..The Joy of Running on a Full Belly

By: Biggie-Z

Biggie-Z — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 20:09:50 +0000

Wow, this could be the subject of a whole post since we are still working on it with Biggie. I think a lot depends on what the dog is reacting to. A group obedience class and even some leash work while in a dog run, with lots of treats, helps immensely.

Biggie-Zs last blog post..Long overdue post: Teach your dog 5 commands in 30 days

By: Lindsay Stordahl

Lindsay Stordahl — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:08:58 +0000

Ace acts aggressive with about three dogs in our apartment complex. By aggressive, I mean the hair goes up on his back, he growls, barks and pulls. In his case, I think it is because he picks up on the energy of those three dogs and feels insecure. Two are shepherds on Flexis that pull and lunge and one is a doberman that whines and barks. There are plenty of other dogs that bark at us, but for some reason only these three get to Ace.

It is hard to control him when this happens if he is not on the Gentle Leader. A good way to get his attention is to just step in front of him, facing him, like, hey, pay attention. This actually works well with Ace. I have also made him lay down. If needed, I step on the leash close to his collar so he can’t get up.

By: Saint Lover

Saint Lover — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 02:00:49 +0000

Its not a matter or lack of exercise as he is very fit and exercised regularly. He has been socialized from day one and goes to dog parks weekly. He is now 4 1/2 and has only shown leash aggression twice in his life. He had jumped several times at the event and was well worn and still acting like a turd to the dog that kept coming over. I dont know what sparked it. Apollo is a therapy dog as well and has been through extensive training. Why this time? I was relaxed so he wasnt picking up vibes from me. As soon as he was off leash he played with that dog for a good while. It seemed directed mostly at that particular dog too.

Saint Lovers last blog post..Dog Trails

By: jan

jan — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 22:29:05 +0000

My little wimpy dogs don’t understand aggression, but your suggestions seem on the mark.

jans last blog post..BMW has shocking surprise for peeing dogs

By: Apryl DeLancey

Apryl DeLancey — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:44:15 +0000

I never dealt with this personally but had a colleague swear by group obedience classes for this type of behavior.

Apryl DeLanceys last blog post..5 Sports I Can’t Live Without