Why does my dog calm down when I pet him during leash reactivity?

Many dogs have this problem - it's called leash reactivity :) It happens because Laika is so excited to see another dog, and frustrated because she can't immediately run over to them - which leads to barking and lots of crazy, uncontrollable behavior. Fortunately, this behavior is usually very treatable with a good training plan. Normally, a training plan for these dogs involves using very tasty treats to reward calm behavior at a distance from another dog - it's critical that you're far enough away that she can be calm and take treats, which means that you may need a lot of distance at first! Once she understands the game and is doing well, you can gradually move closer. It can be hard to do this on your own at first, so I would really recommend getting in touch with a good reward-based trainer who can help you in person. He/she can help by setting up controlled training situations at first with a calm "helper dog" to help both of you get the idea of how to work on the problem, until you're ready to transition to real life scenarios like passing another dog on a walk.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The answer is complicated and stems from the root of the problem. If Cassidy genuinely wants to play and meet these dogs, I don’t know that I would necessarily do anything. If this stems from fear of other dogs, leash anxiety specifically, or protectiveness of you, these are treated differently. Lowering the fear threshhold (if appropriate) via anti-anxiety medication can help tremendously. I’ve had severely dog-aggressive dogs who, with medication, don’t seem to care at all when they pass another dog on a walk. Results of course vary depending on root cause, medication, and individual dog. Counter-conditioning is also crucial. This is the act of training Cassidy to associate other dogs with something good (usually treats). This can take weeks and all of dedication and patience but is usually more effective and long-lasting than medication. Sometimes it is not effective however, until the medication is started. I’d have a conversation with a vet first to help narrow down the cause and start on medication if appropriate. Then move to a reputable trainer or behaviorist. Best wishes to you and Cassidy!

Using a Gentle Leader will help prevent her from pulling and lunging on the leash. You are going to have to do some training to try and solve this problem. First, you should teach her the "watch me" command so that you can get her attention when you needed. Next you should take her in situations that have very few distractions and use the watch me command when you see something that will possibly distract her. Once she makes progress in those situations, you can gradually increase to busier environments. Hopefully, with some patience and time you can get this problem under control. If not, you may need to get the help of a professional trainer. http://www.pet360.com/product/50230/petsafe-gentle-leader-headcollar-for-dogs http://www.abetterdog4u.com/articles/teaching_watch_me.htm https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/training/managing-leash-reactive-dog

There are a few things that could be at play. One, some dogs can get leash shy or leash aggressive, and while they are fine interacting off-leash, may get too overexcited while on leash. Second, Chief may also be very excited and trying to initiate play by barking. Watching his body language can help you determine which is the case -- wiggly soft bodies and play bows can indicate play, while stiff bodies, tail up, hackles showing, etc can indicate distress. Keeping meetings on leash brief (IE 4-5 seconds max), and then praising Chief and continuing on your walk can help him get used to greeting without it escalating to getting too excited and barking. If he is meeting a new dog that he'll be playing with for longer, several short greetings and walking alongside each other can help him stay focused on the walk without becoming too excited, or moving to an area where the dogs can play off leash can help.

I'm sorry to hear that you're having this problem with Nemo! This is a fairly common problem in many dogs - they become very upset when they see other dogs or people. This can happen if they are uncomfortable and anxious, or if they are excited and frustrated because they can't approach and greet the other dog. To treat this problem successfully, you will need to start at a distance away from another dog where Nemo is comfortable and able to be calm - this may mean that you need a lot of distance at first! Take very tasty treats with you, such as pieces of chicken or roast beef. Every time Nemo looks at the other dog, praise and reward him with a treat. If he barks or isn't interested in the treats, this means that you're too close - you need to move further away until he can be successful. Once he's doing well far away, you can gradually start to move closer as long as he's comfortable. Eventually, you can work your way up to being very close to the other dog without him getting upset. It can be hard to do this on your own at first, so I would recommend getting in touch with a good reward-based trainer in your area who can help you in person.

I recommend a group obedience training class so he will learn to listen to you with other people and dogs around. In the meantime find a friend with an older confident dog that walks well on the leash and plan your dog walks together. That way your dog will learn from the other dog and not be as anxious. Please reward him when he relaxes and goes forward. I would also start with short walks where there are minimal distractions. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Tucker.

Put Bentley in his crate with a special treat, rawhide or something to chew on when you take Cleo out. Only give him this special treat when Cleo is gone. Soon he'll realize that he gets something extra special when she is out for her walk. Also I would walk him first or play with him so he is tired when you take Cleo. Bentley is young so this behavior should improve with time and obedience training. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for your dogs.