Why Are Leashed Dogs More Aggressive?

Being on a leash is not natural for a dog, so they need guidance and training from you on appropriate and acceptable behavior. This is a safety issue for you, your dog, and other dogs and humans in the vicinity. Many communities only allow dogs out in public or at certain events if they are on leashes, so not addressing aggressive on-leash behavior can restrict your ability to exercise and enjoy activities with your dog.

  1. Natural Tendencies

    • When dogs greet each other off-leash, they follow unspoken rules: They approach one another from the side; don̵7;t make eye contact; and other than sniffing, don̵7;t make physical contact. The entire greeting process is typically peaceful and lasts only a few seconds. If they̵7;re interested in one another, they play or engage in other companionship activities. If not, they are content to move on. Even dogs who have had bad experiences with other dogs or weren't properly socialized when younger will typically leave of their own volition. Dogs view other dogs who don̵7;t follow these rules as argumentative or even aggressive.

    Instinctive Conflict with Leashes

    • If your dog didn̵7;t get adequate socialization, he̵7;s likely not that crazy about other dogs coming toward him. On a leash, he can̵7;t leave so he has one option left: communicate to the approaching dogs to stay away. He does this by barking, growling and trying to lunge at them as much as the leash allows.

      On the other hand, if your dog can't wait for some playtime, the leash's restraint is frustrating. It also often forces dogs to confront each other head-on, a breach of canine protocol. Without learning to replace his natural reactions to leash restraint with other behaviors, the leash actually encourages your dog to communicate aggression.

    Before Meeting Dogs

    • Before you embark on a canine social event, train your dog the basics of walking without pulling on the leash, and to sit with his attention directed to you when another dog approaches. Reward your dog every time he responds to you when you call him, starting with your home and then moving to areas with more distractions. Eventually take him to an area with other dogs, calling his name and giving him a treat as soon as he turns his attention away from the other dog to focus on you. Do this before he reacts to the other dog. If the other dog advances aggressively toward your dog, do the same thing: Call your dog and reward him when he redirects his attention to you.

    What Not to Do

    • Don̵7;t add to your dog̵7;s anxiety level by punishing him when he's on the leash. This includes yelling, increasing your hold on his leash, or grabbing and holding him. He can sense your tension and this will only increase both his tension and aggressive tendencies, because he believes the other dog is the source of your anxiety. Worse, he can direct that aggression to you or another human in his vicinity. If at any time you feel like your dog̵7;s behavior is getting worse, or you are afraid for yourself or others, contact a professional trainer for help.