The leash provides a physical barrier between them and other dogs, but it also gives them something to bite onto if they feel threatened by another dog approaching from behind. Problems with these types of dogs tend to show up when they're on-leash. As such, they may become defensive when approached or approached by another dog or person later in life. This means that your dog did not have the opportunity to learn how to interact with other dogs or people while they were young. They may have been abused or mistreated in the past, or they may simply be anxious about going out into public places where there are a lot of unfamiliar people and other dogs around.Īnxiety in public places can result from poor socialization during puppyhood. They're acting out because they feel threatened by other dogs. Leash-aggressive dogs are generally fearful and insecure. They may be aggressive toward other dogs on walks, in the park, and even off-leash at home with their family members.

Generalized aggression: Dogs with generalized aggression become agitated toward all dogs, regardless of location.

In these cases, it's difficult for owners to know what will trigger their pets' aggressive behavior because they don't know what things set them off until it happens. Your dog may become aggressive toward any dog that comes into their sight range, even when they are walking calmly on their leash without pulling.

High-threshold: This type of leash aggression is more serious than mild or low threshold and can be dangerous if it escalates into a fight.

Often, the dog will only respond if they see another dog while they're being walked, or if they have been startled by another dog barking at them from behind.

The dog may growl, bark or lunge at other dogs while on a walk, but not always. Mild or low threshold: This is the most common type of leash aggression.There are also different stages of leash aggression within each type, including: The first thing you need to do is find out what's causing the behavior so that you can address it properly. If your dog is exhibiting any form of aggression when you're walking them on a leash, they need some help from you in order to learn how to behave properly around other people and animals. Some dogs are naturally more dominant than others and will always try to assert themselves over others regardless of whether they are on-leash or off-leash. Dominant-aggressive: This form of leash aggression occurs when a dog perceives Themselves as being dominant over another animal, regardless of whether that animal is human or another dog.The dog will be anxious when on a leash and may react aggressively if someone attempts to get close to them.

Dogs may be fearful because they are scared of other dogs, animals, or even loud noises. Fearful Response: This is the most common type of leash aggression and it usually occurs in puppies or adolescent dogs who have not yet reached social maturity.The dog will start showing signs of agitation, such as growling and snarling, before finally biting their owner. They can be triggered when you pull on the leash, try to stop them from doing something, or even when they walk past another dog or person. Rage syndrome: This is an aggressive behavior that can occur when a dog is on a leash.If they are on-leash, this can cause them to become aggressive towards their owner, who is holding the leash or tugging at it in an attempt to stop them from chasing after something else. When they are off-leash and see something they want to chase, they will react instinctively and try to catch it. Prey-impulse: Dogs have an instinctive desire to chase prey and catch it.This can extend next door or even around the block. This territory isn't always just their home. Territorial Defense: Dogs have a natural instinct to protect their territory from intruders or trespassers.There are several types of leash aggression, including: Some dogs will only show aggression when they see another dog on the opposite side of the street, while others will attack any person or animal that comes within reach. Your dog might be fine when off-leash, but something about being hooked up to a leash sets them off. Leash aggression is a behavior problem that occurs when a dog becomes aggressive while on a leash.