What makes good dogs turn aggressive the second you put a leash on them? Having a dog that pulls and lunges at dogs and people presents a danger to others and a roadblock to your training efforts.
Skipping walks is not an option and may exacerbate the problem. Can you curb leash aggression so your daily walks aren't nightmares?
If your dog seems like he is about to become aggressive, divert him with a command like sit or down. This will keep him occupied and should reroute his attention.
Dogs often become very aggressive when they meet other dogs. If your dog does this, it is important that you not physically react when you see a dog on your route. Your dog can pick up on your body signals and will be much more apt to act up. Stay calm and keep the leash firmly in hand without pulling or tensing.
Try using a muzzle or a gentle leader when walking your dog. This should only be a temporary measure but if you are concerned your dog may lunge or bite, these can be very helpful.
At this point, if the leash aggression isn’t being eliminated, you might consider a trainer. It can become very dangerous to other people and dogs in your neighborhood.
Many dogs pull on their leashes, especially when they are first being trained. Stopping this behavior as soon as possible is important. It can lead to more annoyance at the very least. At worst, it can hurt a person, pet, and you. Start early before you have to take more drastic measures.
Teaching your dog to stay can be an immensely useful command, and it will definitely impress other dog owners. As always, use treats and praise to help you instruct your dog. You can use dog training collars to enhance your results.
To learn to stay, your dog first needs to know how to sit and/or lie down. When he masters this, staying is the next step. Begin by telling him to sit or lie down. As he does this, put your hand out and say, "Stay." Make sure you use a firm yet calm voice.
When your dog stays, praise him immediately. Likely your dog will only be able to stay for a second or two at first. This is great; it's a terrific beginning, and he will be able to do it for longer periods as he practices.
In addition instruct him the release command so he learns when it is time to get up. "Ok" or "Come" are often used. Again, kudos and treats make training easier. Praise and treats help alot when it comes to puppy training.
As you work on the stay command, demand that your dog stay for longer periods of time. Don't give him his treat until he performs to your satisfcation. Have him do a little more each time.
Optimal training should last about five to ten minutes at a time. Any more than that will strain your dog's attention span and counteract your efforts.
Any longer and your dog will feel like he’s in a marathon – he’ll get tired, cranky, and won’t want to listen. At first, you may have to repeat, "Stay," often to remind your dog, especially if they’re excited about their treat.
If you keep working, your dog will be able to stay for longer periods. You'll be impressed when he stays even when you leave the room. Treats will become unnecessary after training, but praise is never obsolete. Let your dog know when he is doing a good job.
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