Dog Behaviour Insights from Melbourne’s Leading Behaviourist
With over 40 years of experience in dog behaviour and training across Melbourne, I share practical advice, behaviour insights, real case studies, and helpful tips to support dog owners. These articles cover anxiety, reactivity, aggression, puppy behaviour, rescue dog rehabilitation and more.
(Journal Entry)
Leash reactivity is one of the most common behaviour issues I see in dogs, and it can be incredibly stressful for both the dog and the owner. The most important thing to understand is this:
Leash reactivity is not aggression — it is frustration, anxiety, or fear that has no release.
Many owners feel embarrassed or overwhelmed when their dog lunges, barks, or pulls on the lead, but the truth is that leash reactivity is correctable with the right approach.
🔎 What Causes Leash Reactivity?
Leash reactivity almost always comes from one of these root causes:
1. Frustration
A frustrated dog wants to get closer to something but cannot because the leash prevents them.
This frustration builds up and eventually explodes into barking, pulling, or lunging.
2. Fear or Anxiety
Some dogs feel unsafe around other dogs or people.
The leash removes their ability to move away, so they react loudly to look “big and tough.”
3. Over-excitement
This is common in younger dogs or high-energy breeds.
When they see another dog, they simply cannot regulate themselves.
4. Learned behaviour
If the dog got what they wanted after reacting once, they will repeat it.
For example, they bark → the other dog leaves → behaviour is rewarded.
🧠 Why Leash Reactivity Gets Worse Over Time
When a dog is on a leash:
Their movement is restricted
Their natural communication signals are reduced
They often feel pressured or trapped
They rely heavily on the owner’s energy
If the owner feels anxious, embarrassed, or tense (which is normal), the dog can sense it instantly. This reinforces the reactivity.
This is why correcting leash reactivity requires addressing both the dog’s behaviour AND the owner’s energy.
🛠️ How I Work With Leash Reactivity
As a behaviour specialist with 40 years of experience, my approach is calm, structured, and always tailored to the individual dog.
Step 1 — Assess the root cause
Is it fear? Frustration? Anxiety? Over-excitement?
Every treatment plan depends on identifying the “why” first.
Step 2 — Reset the walking relationship
Before we fix reactivity, we fix the walk.
This includes:
calm energy
correct body positioning
appropriate lead tension
predictability and rhythm
Step 3 — Controlled exposure
Gradual re-introduction to triggers with correct timing and guidance.
Step 4 — Behaviour modification
I use a balanced training method, correcting the behaviour and rewarding the correct emotional state — calmness.
Step 5 — Owner training
Owners receive clear guidance on:
how to hold the lead
how to correct behaviour
how to maintain calm energy
what to do when another dog appears
When the owner becomes confident, the dog quickly follows.
🧩 Signs Your Dog May Be Leash Reactive
Pulling forward the moment another dog appears
Whining, pacing, or trembling
Barking at dogs from a distance
Staring intensely or freezing before reacting
Lunging toward people, bikes, or cars
Better behaviour when OFF-leash
If you see one or more of these signs, early intervention helps prevent escalation.
💡 Can Leash Reactivity Be Fixed?
Yes — absolutely.
I’ve helped thousands of dogs overcome reactivity, including extreme cases, with long-lasting success.
Leash reactivity is not a life sentence.
With the right techniques and leadership, your dog can become:
✔ Calm
✔ Predictable
✔ Focused
✔ Safe to walk anywhere
📍 If You Need Help
I work with dog owners across Melbourne (within a 25km radius of South Melbourne) who need support with reactivity, anxiety, aggression, or other behaviour challenges.
If this sounds like your dog, feel free to book a consultation.
