Quick Answer: Increase the distance between your dog and the other dog until your dog notices but doesn't react — this is called working below threshold. At this distance, get your dog's attention with a high-value treat and reward heavily for any attention toward you. Gradually decrease distance as tolerance improves over many sessions.
Why This Happens
Dog-directed leash reactivity is usually either over-excitement (wants to greet desperately) or anxiety/fear (wants to create distance). Both look similar — lunging, pulling, barking — but require slightly different approaches. Over-excited dogs benefit from impulse control training. Fearful dogs benefit from desensitization and counter-conditioning.
The Distance Principle
Every dog has a threshold — the distance at which they can see another dog without reacting. Below threshold, you can work. Above threshold (too close), your dog is over-aroused and can't learn. Finding and working at the threshold is the entire game.
Practical Steps
- Spot the other dog before your dog does — cross the street, increase distance
- Get your dog focused on you with a high-value treat before they fixate on the other dog
- Reward any glance toward the other dog that doesn't involve lunging
- If your dog lunges anyway — you were too close. Increase distance next time.
- Build tolerance over weeks, not sessions
Gear That Helps
A front-clip no-pull harness gives you directional control. The top handle allows quick management in close-encounter situations. See all Walking Essentials.
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