Bark N Wag 15 Minute Vet Talk

How to Manage a Dog Lunging on Leash By Stephanie Gibeault, MSc, CPDT Updated: Sep 22, 2021 | 5 Minutes How to Manage a Dog Lunging on Leash – American Kennel Club   Do you dread taking your dog for a walk because they lunge at other dogs, other people, or objects like cars or skateboards? Maybe they bark or growl too. Walking an out-of-control dog is both physically and emotionally exhausting. It’s tempting to avoid walks altogether, but then your dog isn’t getting the mental stimulation and physical exercise they need. So, what do you do? Read on for tips to manage and improve your dog’s lunging behavior. Understand Why Dogs Lunge Dog experts often label dogs who lunge and bark during walks as “leash reactive.” A reactive dog is one who becomes overly aroused by normal situations, and a leash reactive dog is one who behaves that way on leash. But what causes this behavior? There are three possible motivations for lunging. The least likely is aggression. Although rare, som