07/09/2023
What is Leash Aggression?
Dogs who may normally be friendly with other dogs can sometimes become reactive and aggressive when attached to a leash. This behavioral trait, known as leash aggression or leash reactivity, is most frequently triggered by fear or frustration, although a high prey drive can lead to aggression when leashed as well.
Reactivity and aggressive behavior when on the leash is fairly easy to extinguish compared to more generalized aggressive behaviors, but in some cases, the dog requires additional medical support in the form of psychiatric medications.
Normally friendly dogs may become more aggressive when on the end of a leash, a behavior known more commonly as leash reactivity or leash aggression.
Types of aggression
Fear
Fear driven leash aggression is usually focused on other dogs or on humans. Fast moving vehicles such as bicycles, skateboards, and even cars can incite an aggressive fear response from an animal that isn’t familiar with these items.
Frustration
In some situations, the aggression starts as curiosity and excitement, then changes to aggression when the dog is held back from its goal. The animal may also experience pain when attempting to reach the object of their interest, which can cause them to begin associating the item with pain and frustration instead of curiosity.
Prey Drive
Some dogs pull and lunge on their leashes when they see a prey animal such as a squirrel or rabbit. Although treats are frequently successful in extinguishing the aggressive behaviors for fear and frustration, they tend to be less effective when the aggression is related to a high prey drive.
