Social Off Leash, Reactive on Leash. What's Really Happening.
As a professional dog trainer in downtown Toronto, one of the top inquiries I receive are for help with leash reactivity - half are baffled dog guardians who describe their dog as a social butterfly at dog parks or daycare, but a barking and lunging maniac as soon as the leash is clipped on. So how can a dog be social but reactive at the same time? It's more common than you think!
Frustration Based Leash Reactivity - A Social Dog Meltdown
This type of leash reactivity is when a normally social dog barks, whines and pulls when seeing a dog or person they really want to greet. Their body language may look more loose, bouncy and playful and motive is pulling towards rather than barking and lunging to create distance from something scary.
They may vocalize in a way that sounds like whining or distressed barking, and look over excitable. I often see this happen in dogs who are used to interacting freely with dogs at parks or daycare, or even on leash greetings. When they are restrained by the leash to do so, they become highly distressed.
We often recommend minimizing leash greetings for this reason - it can be difficult to teach your dog to be neutral towards other dogs they see on walks once they are used to saying hi. Plus, the leash often leads to intense, rude unnatural greetings that can over escalate quickly. Instead, keep leash greetings minimal and opt for off leash dog socials.
Your Dog Could Be Conflicted.. When Fear and Frustration Based Leash Reactivity Coexist
Fear based leash reactivity is when your dog is barking and lunging at a trigger, trying to create distance because they feel threatened. Their body language will look more alert, tense, at times avoidant and sounds like sharp barks or growling.
Some dogs love to socialize with other dogs.. but only when they can have the option to make space and opt out of interactions or play. A leash restricts movement and the natural way dogs interact with each other, which can cause feeling of confinement and panic. These dogs are still social but usually under certain circumstances, and may be interested at first and then change their mind mid interaction. If your dog seems to suddenly snap at other dogs, they may be socially conflicted!
Does this Sound Like Your Dog? I Work with Both Types of Leash Reactivity Everyday!
If you live in downtown Toronto (King East, King West, Liberty Village, Distillery District, St. Lawrence Market) and struggle with leash reactivity on walks with your dog, I'm happy to help! I offer personalized training directly to your home, with hands-on coaching on navigating your exact walk route calmly and with confidence. To get started, book a consultation below and we will start creating your plan!
Not Ready for 1:1 Training But Still Need Help with Walks? I also offer an online version of this program in my Leash Reactive to Calm course. It includes a 3 week training plan, video demos of all the training exercises, how to navigate past triggers and manage reactions, VIP access to my reactive, dog training group, email and video feedback, and extra resources like printable guides, and enrichment ideas. You can enroll for instant access below!
Comments