Labrador Retriever with Leash Aggression

Subject: Labrador Retriever with Leash Aggression

From: Hayley (Canada)

Labrador Retriever Name: Topaz

Reader's E-mail - Hayley Writes:

Our family has a problem while walking our yellow Labrador Retriever, Topaz. We recently moved to a new home and while walking Topaz through the neighborhood, he would growl and pull on the leash when other dogs passed (two dogs that live down the corner). When this happens, it scares me and my daughter as we don't know how to help stop this. Can you please be of help to us. Thank you.

Hayley

All About Labradors Answer:

Hello Hayley,

The information given here is to help you learn more about your Labrador Retriever and not to replace your veterinarian's or specialist's advice. Disclaimer:

Thank you for visiting All About Labradors and for your question. Without knowing more information about Topaz here are some things I can recommend:

Make sure your Labrador Retriever is getting enough exercise. I tired Labrador Retriever is a good Labrador Retriever and it might make Topaz less likely to release his pent-up energy in such a negative way (aggression towards these dogs).

Make sure that Topaz understands "heel" command. If he knows this already that's wonderful, if not I recommend you train the command to him (if you need help with this, let me know).

When walking Topaz, make sure to hold the leash loose (not so loose that he can pull out of your hand). You don't want to be holding the leash really tight, causing tension, as he will naturally want to resist and pull even harder, causing your Labrador Retriever to act even more aggressive. Remain in control of Topaz.

You might want to try a Gentle Leader for your Labrador Retriever's walks. The Gentle Leader can help eliminate pulling on the leash, offers control of your Labrador for anyone walking him and helps with controlling lunging and jumping. It is a tool that can help control Topaz when he is acting dominant.

Here's a video in regards to the Gentle Leader:



Do some distance training and desensitization exercises with your Labrador Retriever. Susie Aga of The Atlanta Dog Trainer shows you how to do some counter conditioning in the following video:



I would also definitely recommend signing up for some group obedience classes so Topaz can practice being around several dogs while on a leash.

Hope this is of help to you and Topaz. Please let us know how it goes.

Take care of yourself and Topaz,

Fay

Have some tips in regards to leash aggression, don't hesitate to share!

Technorati Tags: All About Labradors Labrador Retriever Labradors Dogs Pets Labrador Retriever with Leash Aggression leash aggression