Understanding and Dealing with Leash Reactivity: A Guide for Dog Guardians From a Professional Cranbrook Dog Trainer

If your dog barks, lunges, or growls at other dogs, people, or even moving vehicles while on leash, you're not alone. Leash reactivity is one of the most common behavior challenges dog guardians face—and one of the most misunderstood.

Let’s break it down and explore how you can support your dog through this issue with patience, psychology, and practical tools.

What Is Leash Reactivity?

Leash reactivity happens when a dog has a strong emotional reaction to a trigger while on leash. This can look like:

• Barking or lunging at other dogs

• Growling or snapping at people

• Pulling or whining when seeing a distraction

• Seeming “out of control” on walks

The leash can make your dog feel trapped, intensifying their reactions. Without the freedom to move away from a perceived threat, many dogs default to going toward it with explosive energy.

Common Causes of Leash Reactivity

Leash reactivity isn’t about dominance or “being bad.” It’s usually rooted in emotion:

• Fear or insecurity: “If I bark first, I can keep that scary thing away.”

• Frustration: “I want to say hi! Why can’t I go play?”

• Over-arousal: Too much excitement, too little impulse control.

• Previous trauma: A dog who had a negative experience while on leash may stay on high alert.

Understanding the why behind your dog’s behavior is the first step to real, lasting change.

How to Help a Leash-Reactive Dog with your professional Cranbrook Dog Trainer

1. Ditch the Punishment

Yanking the leash, yelling, or using aversive tools may suppress the behavior temporarily, but they don’t address the underlying emotions—and often make things worse by adding fear and confusion.

Instead, focus on changing how your dog feels about the trigger.

2. Create Distance

Distance is your best friend. Don’t wait for your dog to explode. The moment you spot a trigger, increase space. This gives your dog room to process without feeling threatened.

A calm dog can learn. A reactive dog can’t.

3. Use Positive Reinforcement

Pair the appearance of the trigger with something your dog loves—like treats or a favorite toy. Over time, your dog learns: “When I see another dog, good things happen!”

This is called classical counterconditioning and is a cornerstone of modern, science-based training.

4. Teach an Alternative Behavior

Instead of reacting, teach your dog what to do:

• “Look at me”: Builds focus.

• “Let’s go”: Encourages movement and disengagement.

• Loose leash walking: Teaches calm walking even with distractions.

Consistency is key. Practice these skills in low-distraction environments before using them in real-world settings.

5. Be Your Dog’s Advocate

Don’t be afraid to turn around, cross the street, or speak up for your dog. You don’t owe anyone an explanation. Your priority is keeping your dog feeling safe and supported.

Protecting their space builds trust—and trust builds better behavior.

6. Work with a Qualified Trainer

You don’t have to go it alone. A certified, science-based trainer can help you create a personalized plan for your dog, and offer hands-on support to build progress faster and more confidently.

Final Thoughts

Leash reactivity isn’t a life sentence. With understanding, patience, and the right techniques, you can help your dog feel calmer and more confident on walks.

Remember: every bark, lunge, or whine is communication. Your dog isn’t giving you a hard time—they’re having a hard time.

The good news? You’re exactly the person they need to help them through it.

Need help with leash reactivity in Cranbrook, BC or online? Let’s build trust and calm—together. Reach out for a free consultation and let’s get your walks back on track.

Connect with me, a professional Cranbrook Dog Trainer, via call or text at 250-688-5392 or email at celestegoodhope@live.ca