Dog aggression towards other dogs during walks can be stressful for both pet owners and their dogs. Ben Randall, an expert dog trainer, shares insights from his experience with a client whose bulldog exhibited aggressive behavior when encountering other dogs.
The issue started with a bulldog displaying aggressive tendencies at home, such as barking and guarding, which worsened on walks. The dog would lunge and bark at other dogs from a distance, making walks an ordeal for the owners. Previous training attempts, including methods based on bribery or avoidance, had failed to address the root cause.
Understanding the Root Cause of Aggression
Randall identifies the core issue: anxiety. The bulldog’s aggressive behavior was a response to what it perceived as threats, either at the door or during encounters with other dogs. Dogs often act out when they feel a need to take charge of a situation, especially if they feel their owner is not in control.
To address this, Randall worked with the dog’s owners to establish better management of their bulldog’s anxiety at home before tackling the walk-related aggression. The first step involved teaching the dog to calmly sit in a crate when someone approached the door, rewarding this behavior with small rewards after the visitor had left.
Training for Calm Behavior on Walks
Once the dog had mastered calm behavior at home, Randall took it on a walk with the owner. The goal was to simulate a chance meeting with another dog. When the bulldog noticed another dog from a distance, it became agitated and tried to run toward it. Randall responded by tightening the leash, waiting for the dog to pull the slack out, and giving the command “Leave.”
The dog then calmed down and was rewarded only after walking peacefully alongside Randall. The process of rewarding calm behavior, rather than reacting to aggression, allowed the dog to start associating peaceful walks with positive outcomes.
Building Trust and Patience
Randall notes that the key to success is building a stronger partnership between dog and owner. By working together, the dog learns to trust its owner, reducing the instinct to react aggressively. After one week of practice, the owners reported significant improvement, with the bulldog managing better interactions during walks, even when the streets were quieter.
The next steps include testing this progress in more challenging situations, such as walks with multiple dogs. Randall’s approach, focused on managing anxiety and reinforcing positive behavior, shows that with patience and consistency, dogs can overcome aggressive tendencies, making walks more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Related topics:
Public Consultation Launched on Potential Dog Walking Regulations
Nina the Keeshond Seeks Loving Home in Toronto
Nervous Dog Meets Familiar Face at Vet’s Office, Gets Confused
