Managing our dogs on leash ( Leash aggression )
Key factors
Us - Human element
Environment
No flight option
Breed traits characteristics
Hormones - High testosterone
Guarding breed traits - male/female
Health issues with dog
The above are some of the elements which potentially create reactivity.
As humans we tend to avoid situations that we find distressing or we can’t control , sensibly so.
But to dogs who live in a black and white world of animalistic instinct driven by innate desire to stimulus this isn’t an ideal approach to behaviour.
If we can set up training environments to slowly condition and habituate dogs to deferent pictures this would be more of a productive way of conditioning behaviours/responses.
Strat at distance
On approach -
Stay as calm as possible
If dog is calm reward with verbal praise ( Higher pitched tone )
Try to create a dopamine cloud around you
Hold leash firmly but as relaxed as possible. ( Relax shoulders ) confident body language , upright posture.
Look for tension in your dog, ( Body starts to stiffen up ) this can be a sign of anxiety which could lead to aggression.
If on approach your dog does react -
Shut down with AH AH NO!!
Flick wrist as a clear correction via leash to collar
Walk parallel with other dogs and owners at distance so your dog can get used to the picture of other dogs on leash close by.
Dogs have a social distance etiquette, so early desensitisation will help in this process.
Dogs that lunge toward other dogs in the street are already playing with the other dog in their mindset through behavioural desire once triggered,
And merely exercising their desire by the way they’re responding.
So try to condition a focus to human response on approach.
Space is another key factor in canine reactivity.
Ensure that any meeting or desensitisation training takes place in adequate space.
Start Small
Build
Start at distance
Reduce distance according to the dogs response -
Calm relaxed = Reward.
Reactive/Aggressive = Correct and increase distance - regain focus.
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