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Lora from It’s the Dogs’ Life has a good question this week: How do you deal with leash aggression and what causes it? She asks because her lab, Apollo (not pictured), acted aggressive while on the leash at a public dog event. As soon as he was off leash, he was everyone’s buddy like normal.

I’ve seen this same issue with my family’s golden, Elsie. Elsie used to growl and strain at the leash when other dogs passed during a walk. With her, it seemed like she had low self confidence and acted out with aggression toward other dogs because of her anxiety. In her case, using a Gentle Leader for walks solved the problem. She is a different dog while wearing it. She is calmer and doesn’t try to control every dog she passes.

Although I don’t think the Gentle Leader (or any similar head collar) will fix the problem entirely, it is a tool that can help control a dog that is acting dominant. If anything, the owner will be more relaxed and confident and the dog will pick up on that energy and also become more relaxed.

Correcting an aggressive dog on a leash is similar to correcting a dog that whines on a leash because in both cases the dog is not under control. Many of the strategies to correct a hyperactive, crying dog will also work to correct an aggressive dog.

Make sure the dog is getting enough exercise so he is less likely to release his pent-up energy in a negative way. As far as correcting a dog, the worst thing to do is hold the leash really tight because the dog will naturally want to resist and pull even harder. Tension will cause the dog to act even more aggressive, so make sure to hold the leash loosely. Also keep the collar high on the dog’s neck where you will have the most control, and give quick leash snaps when necessary to correct the dog.

Practice walking your leash-aggressive dog near other dogs in a controlled situation with another person and dog you trust so you can make quick corrections when needed. Make the aggressive dog sit at your side and have another dog walk around him from a safe distance. Again, hold the leash loosely and give him a quick leash pop the second he growls, barks, stares at a dog or starts to lunge.

Signing up for a group obedience class is a good idea so your dog can practice being around several dogs while on a leash.

Does anyone else have a solution for Lora and Apollo? Have you ever dealt with leash aggression? What caused it, and how did you fix the problem?

Email your dog-related question to me at Lindsay@thatmutt.com, and I’ll post it for others to answer. Click here to read all of my weekly question posts.

(Image from m-star.tumblr.com)

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I love Staffordshire terriers, also known as the American pitbull terrier or “pitbull.” With so many pitbulls sitting in shelters across the country (more than 9,000 on Petfinder alone), I thought I’d share how great these dogs are. My next dog just might have to be a pitbull. The guy in this photo is Matty. He needs a home and you can read his profile here.

Staffordshire terriers have a bad reputation because they have been used as fighting dogs since the 1800s when they were first bred in the United States, according to the Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds by D. Caroline Coile. They are known as pitbulls because they would fight other dogs in “pits.” However, be aware that the term “pitbull” refers to a group of dogs, including the American Staffordshire terrier and the Staffordshire bull terrier. Several similar breeds are often inaccurately slapped with the name pitbull such as the Cane Corso, the American bulldog and any mix resembling these breeds.

American Staffordshire terriers were bred to be affectionate to people because their owners had to handle them even in the middle of a dogfight. Because of this, Staffordshires are friendly to strangers and generally love children and make loyal family pets.

American Staffordshire terriers weigh about 55-70 pounds, larger than the Staffordshire bull terrier. American Staffordshire terriers come in colors ranging in solid or mixes of white, brown, red and black.

Advantages to owning an American Staffordshire terrier:

1. Staffordshires are playful and gentle around people. They love children and affection. This is why it is so sad to see a Staffordshire terrier unsocialized and tied up in a yard all the time. These dogs thrive off of human interaction and companionship.

2. Staffs require very little grooming. Their coats are short and smooth. They still shed, of course.

3. This breed is easy to train because of its desire for attention and to please its owner.

4. Staffordshires make great watchdogs and will protect their owners if threatened. Unfortunately this trait is abused when owners encourage their Staffordshires to be aggressive.

5. They are beautiful dogs to look at, with muscular bodies and a strong, sturdy appearance with smooth, shiny coats.

Disadvantages to owning an American Staffordshire terrier:

1. Staffordshire terriers require dedicated owners who will give them the training, attention and exercise they need. They are powerful dogs and need their owners to encourage the gentle side of the breed and provide positive outlets for their dogs’ energy.

2. Staffordshire terriers have an inacurate reputation for being aggressive. Of course, this is the same as assuming one nationality of humans is aggressive. If you own a Staffordshire, some people will be afraid of your dog and you will be treated differently just for owning one. If your dog so much as growls at another dog, expect other dog owners to freak out even though the same behavior would be tolerated from a Yorkie, a golden retriever, a beagle or many other breeds.

3. Many laws ban “pitbulls,” especially apartment complexes and some cities. Be aware of the inconveniences and stereotypes you will have to deal with if you own a Staffordshire.

4. Staffordshires need to be properly socialized around other dogs and small animals. Because they were bred to fight dogs, they are fearless of other dogs and can be aggressive to other animals.

5. Because of their strength and size, Staffordshires can be difficult to handle. A pinch collar or Gentle Leader help with walking a Staff that pulls on the leash.

If you would like to write a profile of your favorite breed, send me an email at Lindsay@thatmutt.com. I’ll use pictures of your dog and link to your site. I’m happy to feature any breed! Click here to see all the breed profiles that have been done. Below is Ace hanging out with the Staffordshire we fostered for a short time last fall. He thought she was great!

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Eddie and Barkus is a doggy daycare/hotel and grooming shop in Fargo. That’s where Ace and I went for day 20 of our 30-day challenge to visit 30 new places. This kennel was a lot quieter than the last kennel we visited. Eddie and Barkus is trying to appear like more of a posh kennel, but really all it had was a fancy, ridiculously clean lobby. The dog area was just chain link cages in the back. The price to leave your dog there for boarding is $32 a day, which is almost twice as much as the other kennel we saw, but for nothing special. The thing I liked about both Eddie and Barkus and the kennel we visited earlier in the week was that the staff members were willing to give Ace and I a tour. A kennel that won’t give you a tour has something to hide. Never leave your dog at one of those places. Trust me, I worked at one.

Ace wore his Gentle Leader and was a very good boy. He is so quiet with that on. People don’t even notice him right away.

For my post on 10 questions to ask before boarding your dog, click here.

Click here to see all my 30-day challenge posts.