2007-02-24 09:52:56 · 12 answers · asked by inkyoursoul_22 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
It could be caused by several things such as incorrect socialization, her picking up on your own tension, remembering a bad exerience on leash, or just because you inadvertently rewarded her for the behavior. To me, this sounds like security issues. All dogs have a fight or flight response and their personalities will determine which they prefer to use. Your dog sounds like she is a less secure dog or has an omega type personality meaning she would rather run than fight. When off leash, she has the ability to run away instead of being forced to stay near whatever is causing her to feel insecure. When leashed, she has no choice but to fight when she feels threatened even though she'd much rather run. Many dogs like this actually stop growling and barking as soon as the leash is dropped because they have their options back. I DO NOT RECOMMEND DROPPING THE LEASH!!! No matter what is causing this behavior, an obedience class can likely help with this. Let the instructor know exactly what is going on before enrolling. If s/he hasn't dealt with this then s/he won't be much use to you or your dog. If you have the money for it, a personal trainer coming to your house and seeing the situatioin for himself/herself would be best. They can see things that you wouldn't even think to mention and help you work out a training plan that is best for YOUR dog. No matter what you choose, contact a local trainer who has dealt with this and ask for some tips from him/her. The method that worked for me was to give a treat for every good behavior on leash and to give leash corrections for bad behavior if the dog responded to those or to completely ignore the dog for bad behavior until it was behaving well again (DO NOT even look at the dog if you try the ignoring method). Good luck with her.
2007-02-24 10:04:28 · answer #1 · answered by Erica Lynn 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here's a good article from the rescue group I volunteer for. One of the dogs I have walked has leash aggression. Off leash, he's playful and wonderful. But on leash, he barks a lot and is hard to handle.
http://www.sheltersupportservice.org/resourcepage.html
2007-02-24 18:10:03 · answer #2 · answered by Mommy2myangelMark 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is called leash aggression and it is VERY common. Even top dog trainers warn about dogs interacting while on their leash. My obedience trainer has decades of experience in training, breeding and showing dogs. But she always warns us about having two dogs interact (unless they live in the same household) while on their leashes.
There are ways to work with this, including simply avoiding a situation. My last dog (who sadly passed last year) exhibited leash aggression towards other dogs. So I simply tried to avoid having him in a situation where he'd interact with other dogs while on his leash. I was also able to work with him so that eventually he at least remained "on alert" but not aggressive when seeing another dog.
Leash aggression relates to a lack of freedom and wanting to protect their "property". But often the owner is to blame for this too. I provided a link to a site that discusses this in more detail.
2007-02-24 18:59:00 · answer #3 · answered by doctoru2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She may not be leash trained. You need to give her more time on the leash, but do it near your house, and give her her favorite toy, so she forgets her leash. Slowly take her for walks. Make sure, while she's on the leash, tell her it's okay, and if she gets aggressive stop and give her alot of pats on her head to make her fell safe.
2007-02-24 18:00:55 · answer #4 · answered by jessie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well it could be that she wants to get going and on the leash she can only go so far and so fast but when she free well that says it all she free
2007-02-24 18:01:39 · answer #5 · answered by boo_boo5001 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe its got a control issue, and feels threatened when on a leash.
2007-02-24 17:56:29 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
it could be because she doesn't want to be on the leash but knows she can't run free or some dog catcher might get her....
2007-02-24 17:57:18 · answer #7 · answered by geostrom b 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
dogs are very much hyperactive and when they are on leash they somehow feel contained as if they cant do what they want to. its like they are being controlled.
2007-02-24 18:02:07 · answer #8 · answered by mar 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
cesar millan,the "dog whisperer",said that problem is because ur dog is guarding you,and approaching people and dogs are mistaken as threats by ur dog.he feels he is protecting u.when he's free,he doesnt have to be responsible for u,so he casn relax being agressive.he's taking the "protective" thing too far,he's very conscientious,too much so! a dog trainer can retrain him untill he doesnt take his "job" so seriously !!!!
2007-02-24 18:18:42 · answer #9 · answered by kyra k 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because shes not in control anymore and she feels threatened, try getting a harness it helped my nervous little puppy to calm down.
http://shootinstar16.blogspot.com/
2007-02-24 18:02:43 · answer #10 · answered by LivingInnuendo~♫ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋