How to Stop Your Dog From Being a Menace While on Walks

Your four-legged pal may be calm and sweet at home, but for some inexplicable reason, he transforms into Cujo the minute you head out the door for a walk. While some breeds are often aggressive towards strangers or other dogs, proper training and exercise should eradicate your furry friend's aggressive behavior, making walks more enjoyable for both of you.

  1. Be The Boss

    • There can be no question in your dog's mind that you are the top dog. Your pet is a pack animal with a need for hierarchy. Work with him at home or in a dog obedience class to establish your position as his leader. Give commands that he can obey, and make him obey the first time. Follow through with discipline if he refuses to follow directions. Teach him to sit and stay, and practice this regularly at home so that it will be second nature when he is confronted with a problem while walking. Be firm and decisive when teaching him manners and obedience, but remain calm and quiet when he acts out and requires discipline. Once he realizes that you are his leader, your dog should be able to calm himself and listen to vocal commands when he shows aggression on walks.

    Run Off Steam

    • Get rid of your dog's extra energy before talking a walk so that he is not inclined to get overly excited and aggressive with other people or dogs. Exercise off-leash should be part of daily life. If your pet is cooped up at home all day, he needs to be provided either a session of running around the backyard or given access to a dog run during the day. Once the session is finished, take him for a walk. The combination of fatigue and fun can help to eliminate his desire to lunge or growl at others while walking.

    Schedule Play Dates

    • Socialize your pal. Sit on a bench and allow him to watch other dogs and people walk by at a safe distance. Reward him with a treat for remaining quiet and calm. If he barks or shows aggression, remove him from the situation until he is calm and can resume his walk. Practice walking with another socialized pooch who models good behavior to your dog, as well as gets your pet accustomed to being around another dog away from home. Allow your dog to greet other dogs or people with a loose leash if he is not showing signs of aggression; however, remove him calmly and firmly if he barks or growls. Incorporate socializing into his daily routine.

    Reward With Praise

    • Reward your dog with lavish praise and even treats when he acts appropriately. Praise should not be given all the time, over every little act. Instead, it should be given when a dog is obedient and follows your alpha lead. Use your voice to convey your pleasure when he does not act aggressively toward others. Stroke the back of his head or make a circular stroke on his chest as you speak lovingly. Give him a small bite of a desired food with verbal praise as positive reinforcement of his good behavior toward others on walks.