Ralph – Leash Aggression Case Study

When we take our dogs for walks on the leash, we have them under our control, making sure they don’t get into any mischief, or worse, any sort of danger. But what happens when a dog owner cannot control their dog on the leash? To a more extreme level, what happens when a dog owner cannot control their dog on the leash because the dog is constantly anxious and exhibits aggression while on the leash? This is a very common and unfortunate problem for many dogs, and some dog owners are left at a loss. Many of my clients with leash aggressive dogs feel helpless, even humiliated or scared to take their dogs for short neighborhood walks because they fear that the dog will get hurt or injure another dog, or a person. Typically, guilt tends to sink in also for these owners, that know their dogs should be exercised and get walks, but the idea of a biting incident or a potential phone call to animal control is more unbearable.

Recently, I met Ralph, whose owner called me to get his leash aggression under control. At the initial consultation we set up together, I discovered that Ralph’s behavior on the leash ranged from barking at random people walking by, and severe lunging and snarling at any other dog that came within his sight. Ralph’s owner was so distraught and worried, and she only felt comfortable walking her dog very late at night, when the streets were quieter and there was a lesser chance of people and other dogs walking around. Ralph’s owner was starting to lose sleep and hope – she started feeling like she could never properly walk her dog again, and that Ralph would never get over this aggression.

Many dogs act more upset while on the leash because they sometimes feel restricted, especially in comparison to being free and roaming. With my training program here in Richmond, Virginia, I not only aim to eliminate behavioral problems, but also get to the root of these behavioral problems. In most cases, there is some type of anxiety stirring within the dog to cause these types of problems. To combat this anxiety and aggression cases like Ralph’s, I set it up where the dog can learn to feel comfortable in his own skin. I work to create positive association and teach the owner to have more control, and for the dog to make better decision, and to feel okay and unafraid. Dogs when confronted with something that makes them nervous will either go into a flight or fight mode. My goal is to eliminate the fight reaction, but also to comfort the dog and show that in the end, there’s no reason to bite or cower.

With Ralph, I am so thrilled to report that he made a breakthrough today. After progressing through several sessions with me, Ralph and his owner met me in a public park this afternoon. Prior to this lesson, we had established a great setup and foundation of obedience for Ralph, and it definitely showed! Ralph displayed calmer behavior with all the joggers speeding by. There were plenty of people walking their dogs and Ralph showed amazing control and a more relaxed demeanor than ever before! Ralph’s owner and I marveled at Ralph’s improvement, and she is looking forward to morning and afternoon walks in the near future!

If you find your dog growling, lunging, barking, snapping, or showing any fear or aggression while on the leash, give me a call! We can find a solution for your dog’s poor leash behavior! Call 800.649.7297!