How do you fix lead frustration?
Charley Schroeder
2025-06-28 03:01:59
Count answers: 12
I've had some moderate success with the DMT strategy of saying yes or nice every time she spots a dog from afar and giving her a treat, and I have gotten better and redirecting her focus away from those dogs to me. I've been trying the same strategies for quite a few months now with very little progress and it some ways it actually feels like she's regressing. One thing I’ve been thinking about doing is taking her to the dog park but sitting outside at the benches and practicing just observing dogs from a distance without interacting. I’d love to hear if anyone has tried this and if it helped your leash reactive dogs ultimately be more desensitized to other dogs. I know one of the pillars of training is managing behaviors while you’re working on training your dog so that the dog doesn't get to keep “practicing” the undesired behaviors, but its so hard to avoid these moments and I worry that they’re setting us back in our training. I would love to be able to walk past other dogs at a closer distance and have her show some reasonable interest or excitement but be able to quickly move past it without a big reaction or over-arousal.
Maye Gleichner
2025-06-28 01:55:02
Count answers: 13
Maintain a Calm Demeanour: Your dog is incredibly sensitive to your energy. If you get anxious or tense during walks, your dog will pick up on those cues and become more stressed. Project a calm and assertive attitude, demonstrating your ability to handle situations with confidence. Loose Lead Walking: Ditch the tight grip and adopt a loose lead walking technique. This allows your dog more freedom and communicates that you trust them. Reward them for staying close and focusing on you. Gradual Exposure: Don’t overwhelm your dog. Start by exposing them to other dogs at a comfortable distance, gradually decreasing the distance as your dog becomes more relaxed. Reward calm behaviour throughout the process. Positive Reinforcement: Focus on positive reinforcement techniques when working with your dog. Reward calm behaviour around other dogs with treats, praise, or a favourite toy. This encourages your dog to associate positive experiences with being around other canines. Seek Professional Help: If your dog’s frustration is severe or you feel overwhelmed, consider consulting a qualified dog trainer/behaviourist. They can provide personalised guidance and training techniques to address your dog’s specific needs.
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