Why does my dog growl at other dogs when on the lead?

It is very common for dogs to show aggression when on the lead. This is due to the fact that they cannot get away from the other approaching dogs and feel trapped so to be on the safe side they show aggression.

Often owners compound this problem by tightening up the lead every time they see another dog approaching.

Contrary to popular beleif, dogs are not generally agressive toward one another. They are of course a little anxious when meeting new dogs however, if allowed to meet, and have a good sniff, there is no reason why this would normally result in agressive behaviour.

Any Tips?
Obviously, when in the park, have the dog off lead as much as possible or use an extending lead. In dog training classes your trainer should make a point of teaching you how to pass other dogs when on lead in a way that avoids confrontation. (If they don't ask them to!). To be on the safe side though, or if you are unsure of a situation,  simply put yourself between your dog and the other. 

Giving your dog the freedom it needs, and letting them become better socialized should solve this problem, but there could be many other underlying causes so if the aggression continues, do consult a behaviourist.

Finally, whilst it is important to avoid situations that could lead to dog agression, it is far more important for owners to understand the early warning signs. It is of course imperative to socialise your dog with other dogs as much as possible. Keeping them constantly on a lead will only make matters worse when they do eventually come face to face with another dog they don't know.

We hope that this answered your question but if not, please feel free to submit any further questions you have using the form below.


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