Leash Reactive Dogs

Dogs that bark and lunge on leash

If your dog is getting over-stimulated on walks to the point of barking and lunging at the end of the leash, then your dog can be referred to as "leash reactive."

Leash reactivity has different root causes and is the result of a surge of energy produced by your dog's primal responses to the environment: fear, protectiveness, the desire to chase prey or meet other dogs, and/or feelings of competitiveness that can lead to true aggression.

Lack of early socialization & over-stimulation

Leash reactivity can be the result of a variety of factors such as a lack of early socialization, a lack of habituation to being on a leash, or over-stimulation, in general, due to a dog living in a dense urban area like a city where triggers are abundant.

Keeping this in mind, it's important to identify which of your dog's underlying natural canine drives may be the core cause of the leash reactivity when coming up with a dog training and behavioral management plan.

Positive Science-Based Dog Training

Desensitization & Counter-Conditioning

At Dog Savvy Los Angeles, we are experts at identifying the root cause of your dog's behavior and helping you turn the behavior around.

In order to solve your dog's leash reactivity, we recommend using Behavior Modification Training (BMT) that combines the principles of desensitization and counter-conditioning.

BMT changes how your dog feels around their triggers (a trigger is any stimulus that prompts the reactive behavior). It is also essential to incorporate a basic manners or learn to earn dog training program into your daily routine with your dog to provide them with the mental and physical stimulation they need.

BMT addresses your dog's emotional state and prevents them from getting over-stimulated. Basic manners training teaches your dog focus and self-control, essential  components of resolving leash reactive behavior.

For more information or to set up an initial assessment for your dog, please call or email us!