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🐾 DOG LEASH REACTIVITY – MELBOURNE

Help for Dogs Who React on the Lead

Leash reactivity is one of the most common behaviour problems dog owners struggle with in Melbourne. A reactive dog may bark, pull, lunge, growl, or completely lose focus the moment they see another dog, person, bike, car, or even a small trigger like a noise or movement.

For many owners, walks become stressful or embarrassing — but the good news is that leash reactivity is highly treatablewith the right training approach.

With 40 years of experience, and recently recognised as Trainer of the Year 2025, I specialise in working with dogs who struggle emotionally, mentally, or behaviourally when on the lead.

No matter how young, old, anxious, fearful, or strong your dog is, together we can change their behaviour and restore calm on your walks.

What Is Leash Reactivity?

Leash reactivity is an emotional response that often comes from:

  • Fear or insecurity

  • Frustration

  • Over-excitement

  • Poor leash handling

  • Lack of structure

  • Owner anxiety transferring into the dog

  • Past trauma or negative experiences

  • Rescue dog uncertainty

  • Unclear boundaries

  • Under-socialisation

When a dog knows they can’t create distance due to the leash, they often react defensively or explosively. This is why many off-lead dogs behave perfectly, but the same dog on a lead becomes a different animal.

Common Signs of Leash Reactivity

Your dog may be leash-reactive if they:

  • Bark or lunge at dogs or people

  • Pull intensely toward triggers

  • Growl or snap

  • Freeze or stiffen

  • Become uncontrollable or won’t listen

  • Panic when approached

  • Avoid or try to escape

  • Show fear-based behaviours

  • Redirect frustration (e.g., biting the lead)

If any of these sound familiar, you’re in the right place.

How I Fix Leash Reactivity

Every dog — and owner — is different, so my approach is tailored, calm, and balanced. My methodology includes:

✔ Correct Assessment of the Root Cause

Most reactivity is not aggression — it is anxiety, fear, or frustration. Understanding the root cause determines the exact plan.

✔ Emotion-Based Behaviour Modification

I work directly with the emotional state of the dog. Fix the emotion → fix the behaviour.

✔ Correct Lead Handling & Owner Guidance

Most owners haven’t been shown how their energy, timing, or handling affects the dog. Simple changes can create massive improvement.

✔ Controlled Exposure Therapy

Your dog learns to cope with triggers safely and calmly.

✔ Confidence Building & Desensitisation

This is essential for anxious or fearful dogs, especially rescues.

✔ Balanced Training Techniques

I am not a purely positive-only trainer — I use methods that are ethical, proven, and tailored to each individual dog.

✔ You Learn the Skills Too

I don’t just fix your dog — I teach YOU how to maintain the behaviour so it lasts a lifetime.

Who This Training Helps

This program is ideal for:

  • Dogs reactive to other dogs

  • Dogs who bark or lunge at strangers

  • Rescue dogs with past trauma

  • High-energy or working breeds

  • Fear-based or insecure dogs

  • Dogs who become protective on-lead

  • Dogs struggling with Melbourne’s busy walking environments

  • Owners who want confident, calm walks

Why Work With Me?

With over 40 years working with more than 45,000 dogs, I bring real-world, hands-on experience across all breeds and temperaments.

My achievements include:

  • Trainer of the Year 2025

  • Renowned specialist in dog aggression, fear, anxiety, and trauma

  • Behaviourist trusted by rescue groups, families, and professionals

  • Balanced trainer using fair, humane, highly effective methods

  • Melbourne’s go-to expert for complex cases

Your dog is not broken — they just need leadership, structure, and the right energy.

Ready for Calm, Enjoyable Walks Again?

Leash reactivity doesn’t fix itself — and the longer it goes on, the harder it becomes. The good news is that improvement can often be seen in the very first session.

Book Your Behaviour Consultation Now

Let’s create calm, controlled, confident walks for you and your dog.