Understanding Leash Reactivity

Leash reactivity is one of the most common behavioural issues dog owners face, and it can feel both stressful and embarrassing. A dog that pulls, lunges, barks, or growls at other dogs or people while on-lead isn’t “being bad” — they are communicating discomfort, insecurity, frustration, or fear.

Many owners assume their dog is aggressive, but most leash-reactive dogs are displaying fear-based, defensive, or frustrated behaviours rather than true aggression.
My goal is to identify the root cause and transform your dog’s emotional state so they can walk calmly and confidently again.

Why Dogs Become Leash Reactive

Based on 40 years of behavioural work, I have found leash reactivity typically forms due to:

• Frustration from limited movement

Dogs lose the ability to make choices when on-lead. The lead restrains them, restricting their natural greeting rituals and creating tension.

• Fear or insecurity

A dog worried about another dog will try to “push the threat away” by barking or lunging.

• Past negative experiences

A single bad encounter can trigger long-term reactivity.

• Owner tension or anxiety

Your energy, body language, and grip on the lead directly influence your dog’s emotional state.

• Lack of structure or guidance

Some dogs simply do not know what behaviour is expected of them in stimulating environments.

Understanding why your dog reacts is the first step toward resolving it permanently.