A Leash Reactive Dog is a behavior caused when your dog feels frustrated or frightened while restrain by a leash or some type of barrier. Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid, How to Prevent Your Dog From Barking & Whining When Home Alone. There are some things you should avoid not to aggravate the problem. Some of them are similar to the more general fixes for barking: Depending on the severity of your dog’s anxiety problem you may also need to work with the dog’s veterinarian, who can prescribe medications that you’ll eventually phase out. This exercise serves to teach your dog that if he barks, he will not be able to receive the attention he desires. When your dog acts aggressively, he is able to keep other dogs and their people away, and that’s what he wants. [8 Most Common Reasons], 15 Best Quiet Dog Breeds For Apartment Life. Repeat this process over the course of several days. Dogs are very perceptive of the emotions of their owners. However, when dogs bark excessively, it may indicate that there is some underlying issue that needs to be addressed. When a dog is not restrained by a leash, when he feels fear or discomfort he is able to distance himself from the situation. It’s common that when a dog is on a leash, it is forced to approach face to face to another dog. Either the other dog goes away, or you do. These devices detect barks and sends a high-pitched sound that only dogs can hear. Over-excited dogs often bark because they relate a stranger with some kind of reward. Only reward him when he is calm to reinforce this behavior and not another. Your dog has his reasons for acting out. Make sure your dogs have an adequate amount of exercise before you leave in the morning. Remember to reward your dog for staying calm and not barking while someone approaches. Some dogs bark to alert their owners of any danger or threat. A particular case of this type of behavior is what dog trainers call “Reactive Dog” or “Leash Reactive Dog”. You can work previously on a U-turn at home or in an area without distractions. To control this type of behavior, it is necessary to teach your dog that when he barks, he will not have any kind of reward. Between your embarrassment and the other owner’s alarm, this probably works! Depending on the situation, a bark can be interpreted in different ways. This is a behavior that is incompatible with barking. (Now I know this may seem odd, BUT it … Don’t wait for him to react. Leave the dog for a few seconds, come back into the house, and reward him for quiet, calm behavior. Your dog will have no choice but to stop barking at the trigger and follow suit. Here you can find ways to understand better why your dog barks and take the best possible actions to help him. Invite different people and ask them to be caring and attentive with your dog. Likewise, he will begin to bark and pull the leash with the intention of keeping away and distancing himself from the source of his fear and even show aggression if the stranger comes very close. When a dog is being walked on a leash, their movement is restricted and this may make them feel threatened by the presence of another dog. You have to consider that this behavior can be reinforced if your dog barks at a stranger and he goes away or moves to the other side of the street. When he quiets down, tell him he is a good boy and give him a treat. It is common that if you are anxious or stressed, your dog will pick up on it. When you are out walking with your dog, and you see a stranger, keep walking normally. There are a number of commercial and homemade products that give your dog something to do while you’re gone. In the opposite case, when your dog behaves calmly and without barking, reward him. This can cause him to feel insecure, anxious or defensive with other dogs. Instead of being ousted from the neighborhood, try these tricks to distract or redirect his behavior from barking, courtesy of Mary Burch, Ph.D., Director of AKC Family Dog and Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist. On-leash dogs will feel trapped and unable to get away from each other. This collar is seen as a humane alternative to shock bark collars. © The American Kennel Club, Inc. 2020. This type of barking can also happen anywhere, not only when you go out for a walk. By watching your dog’s behavior from afar you’ll be able to watch for signs of anxiety in your absence, or see if the barking happens when squirrels are in the yard, or if your dog gets destructive when it’s simply bored. CityDogsLife.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Related article: Why Does My Dog Lick the Furniture? This may be the cause of your dog barking at other dogs during your regular walks. Even if your dog is relaxed, you can walk to another dog in an arc-shaped path. Position yourself and your dog away from another dog. When your dog barks at everything when you take him out for a walk, he may suffer from compulsive barking. And since your dog is barking for their food, it seems like you would be able to use a piece of their food for the treat. Do not keep your dog away from strangers. When a dog is off-leash, it never approaches another dog head-on and makes eye contact unless he wants to fight. When he does stop give him a treat. She also adds that your smartphone can be a very useful tool for diagnosing the root of your dog’s behavior. Generally, they are very friendly off-leash. Boredom, restlessness, fear, and separation anxiety are all common reasons that your dog might bark and whine while you’re gone. Keep in mind that as the dog’s trainer (or animal behaviorist), finding the function of the behavior is important. Are you looking for inspiration on new tricks to teach your dog? Depending on where you are walking, choose a way to protect yourself. If you suspect that your dog suffers from compulsive barking, the best thing you can do is take him with a professional animal behaviorist to diagnose him and help your canine friend. Recruiting a professional dog trainer can also help. You can combine this method with the “quiet” command. When this happens, give a U-turn and move away at a distance where he is calm enough to start over. Unable to get away because of the leash, he will become defensive with the intention of driving away the dog or the stranger that scares him. It can be due to anxiety, some trauma or a personality disorder.