Why Teaching the Loose Leash Walk isn’t Enough to Fix Leash Reactivity

Leash reactivity in dogs can be a significant annoyance for pet owners. Not only does it cause stressful walks, but it can also lead to unforeseen accidents that put your dog or others at risk. You may have experienced before that dogs that lunge, bark, or growl at other dogs or people while on a leash can create dangerous situations, making what should be a pleasant experience a nerve-wracking ordeal. 

This is why addressing leash reactivity is incredibly important for ensuring the safety and well-being of all involved. Unfortunately, many dog owners believe teaching their dogs the Loose Leash Walk will resolve this problem. However, that is only a step in the right direction. 

In this blog post, we’ll cover the common causes of leash reactivity and why loose leash walking isn’t enough to resolve leash reactivity. We will also give tips on how to work with your pet to correct their behaviour while on walks. 

What is Loose Leash Walking?

Loose leash walking is a fundamental skill in dog training. In this technique, the dog walks beside you on a leash without pulling. The goal is to maintain a relaxed leash with a slight 'J' shape, indicating that the dog is not straining ahead.

If you’re new to this tactic, you can follow these steps to perform loose leash walking with your dog:

1. Start Indoors: Begin training in a distraction-free environment like your home. This helps the dog focus solely on you.
2. Use Treats: Hold a treat in your hand close to your dog's nose and start walking. Keep your pace slow and reward your dog frequently for walking by your side. If your dog changes direction or pulls, be sure to correct their behaviour in a timely manner, using the balanced dog training approach.
3. Practice Direction Changes: Change directions often to keep your dog engaged and focused on you. Reward the dog when it follows you without pulling, and correct its behaviour when necessary.
4. Move to Outdoor Spaces: Gradually introduce more distractions by practicing in your yard, then on quiet streets, and eventually in busier areas.

Loose leash walking fosters better communication between you and your dog and sets a foundation for more advanced training techniques necessary for addressing leash reactivity. However, loose leash walking alone is often insufficient to resolve leash reactivity issues fully.

Common Causes of Leash Reactivity

Leash reactivity can stem from various underlying issues. Understanding these causes is crucial for addressing the problem effectively. Here are some of the most common reasons why a dog may be reactive on their leash:

1. Fear or Anxiety: Dogs may react aggressively when scared or anxious about their surroundings. This reaction can be due to past traumatic experiences or a lack of socialization.
2. Frustration: Dogs that are highly energetic or lack proper exercise may become frustrated when restrained by a leash, leading to reactivity.
3. Overstimulation: Some dogs react to the overwhelming stimuli of sights, sounds, and smells, which can trigger reactivity.
4. Territorial Behavior: Dogs can become territorial, reacting aggressively to other dogs or people infringing on what they perceive as their space.
5. Protective Instincts: Dogs may feel the need to protect their owners, leading to reactive behaviours when they perceive a threat.

How to Solve Leash Reactivity

Solving leash reactivity involves a multifaceted approach that includes training, environmental management, and understanding your dog's specific triggers. Here are several strategies to help address this issue:

1. Counter Conditioning and Desensitization: These techniques involve gradually exposing your dog to its triggers at a safe distance. Over time, this helps change the dog's emotional response to the trigger from negative to positive.
2. Teach Relevant Obedience Commands: Commands like thresholds (waiting at doors) and the place command (staying on a designated spot) can help manage your dog's behaviour in various situations. These commands teach your dog self-control and reinforce your role as the leader.
3. Understand Triggers: Identify what specifically triggers your dog's reactivity. Is it other dogs, people, bikes, or something else? Once you know the triggers, you can work on exposing your dog to these in a controlled environment.
4. Controlled Environment Training: Training in a controlled environment helps manage the dog's exposure to triggers and reduces the risk of unwanted reactions. Board and train programs are particularly effective as they provide a structured setting for professional trainers to address reactivity.
5. Increase Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Ensuring your dog gets adequate physical exercise and mental stimulation can reduce frustration and energy levels, leading to calmer behaviour on walks.

How iTK9 Can Help with Leash Reactivity

At iTK9, we understand leash reactivity is a complex issue requiring tailored solutions. If you're struggling to work with your pet or unsure where to start in their training, our trained professionals can help. They fully commit to working with them safely and effectively through behaviour, obedience training, and continued learning.

We do the hard work for you to attain a happy home and a healthy relationship with your pet.

Included in all of our programs are the following;

1. In-Person Learning: Midway progress training video, two go-home lessons.
2. Online Learning: Owner education course, instructional training videos, iTK9 member community, e-books & additional training resources.
3. Owner Support: Photo updates of your dog training with our team and access to our team for questions & support.

Contact us today for more information on our programs, including Board & Train.