Hi there, I have a one year old Labrador that has started to growl at other dogs when he is on his lead, he is doing it for no reason all that is happening is he is being walked past and he starts growling. When is he off of his lead he does not do this, we have tried making meeting other dogs a positive experience with treats but It doesn't seem to be working. It could be that he is lead reactive, but it's not a problem I want to persist can anyone recommend any ways of correcting this behaviour.
Hi there Lauren. Training isn't my forte. But....has something happened on lead that maybe caused an upset? Has he maybe any reason to feel threatened, or even protective towards you? Or even had an injury, could be sore? Just some thoughts. As for solutions, have you read anywhere about BAT training? Not sure if that is the right option, but could this thread maybe help to take a look at before others can chip in? http://thelabradorforum.com/threads/lunatic-on-lead-again.14749/#post-225796
BAT training or I think LAT might help. My theory is the leash is seen as a trap. If the other dog went for them, they'd be stuck on the leash. So he's getting in a pre-emptive growl to warn the other dog away. And that's why off leash meetings go better. I think, could be, maybe, IMO. LAT is Look at That from Leslie McDevitt's book, "Control Unleashed." Never mind the unleashed part, it works on leash too. ONe goal of it is to reassure your dog you recognize that something worries him and you are there to be sure nothing bad happens. It directs him to focus on you and trust you to look after him. I think I'd give it a try. Oh, and I think it's starting to happen now because he is maturing and becoming aware of the other dogs, especially if they are intact males. Plus, at his age he is about to lose his puppy license (if he is intact) and he might really be getting subliminal messages from those other dogs that you don't notice. REad at Puppy License to Misbehave. REad it all , it's all good. http://www.dogstardaily.com/training/dog-communication
Look At That is a great technique, explained in detail in Control Unleashed. I use it all the time. My boy is far more reactive on lead than off, and it really helps him. The lead means they can't choose flight when uncomfortable, so will generally revert to fight. Also, the path you take as a human doesn't emulate how dogs would approach one another. Two friendly dogs will approach on an arc or at an oblique angle, direct approach is really quite threatening.
I was just about to post more or less what Fiona put. My dog, Lady, is very, very timid and goes flat whenever another dog approaches when she is off lead. Even knowing dogs very well there are very few she will greet from a standing position. On lead is another matter and I have to actually be prepared for a confrontation if we meet another dog; usually if the other dog appears relatively close so there's not much time. In these circumstances she can open up the batting with a really alarming snarling lunge on occasion. It's the removal of option A ie run away. She sees herself left with only option B ie attack. It normally only happens if the other dog is naturally more assured and assertive. If I see things developing the plan B way I sometimes use a distraction technique - usually step in front and attract Lady's attention with the view of the other dog blocked. It's only partially successful but only happens rarely anyway.
