Dogs with Leash Aggression, Barrier Frustration and Crate Aggression

I see a lot of dogs that are friendly with other dogs except when they get on a leash. Some dogs can just play in a park full of dogs and be happy-go- lucky, but then when a leash is put on them, they turn into Cujo. This behavior is called “leash aggression”, and many dogs have it. One reason for this behavior is that the person holding the leash has it so tight that the dog feels the stress of the human on the other end of the leash. Another reason for leash aggression is that restraining the dog could cause the dog to feel the need to defend itself around an unfamiliar dog.

I always suggest, if dogs have to meet on the leash, that you have a very loose leash and be aware of their body postures; you should try to remain relaxed. Do not say, over and over again, “It’s OK, it’s OK,” as this may transfer your worry to the dog; be up-beat and happy. Be aware of the hackles on the dog’s back. This is the area in the middle of the back, from the neck to the rear; in some dogs, in this area the hair will stand straight up when the dog is on guard or when it is feeling the need to protect itself. The raising of the hackles is an instinctual behavior, and involuntary in most cases. When a dog raises his hackles, it is meant to make the dog look larger in case of a dog fight. Similar behavior occurs in fish that blow themselves up to 3 times their normal size when a predator comes around, in order to appear larger so they won’t be considered dinner.

Barrier frustration:

Dogs are known to become barrier aggressive when they get frustrated by not being able to make contact with whatever is on the other side of the barrier. Some dogs will pace back and forth and growl at a dog, human or anything moving on the other side of the fence. Then that dog can become aggressive towards any dog that is in the fence with them, because of the frustration built up from hours of this constant state of agitation. This aggression towards dogs in the same fenced in area is common when a dog is frustrated and agitated; the dogs have no way to release the stress caused by barrier frustration, so they take it out on the nearest thing that is lower in the pack than they are. But there are ways to make your dog’s barrier aggression subside. Take them to places where they can exercise and run. I always maintain, “an exhausted dog does nothing wrong”. Also, dogs that are well socialized and trained have less stress behind barriers.

Crate aggression:

Crates can cause dogs to become aggressive, also, especially dogs that are kept in crates too long. Some breeds are just not candidates for long-term crating. Other dogs consider crates their den and are more than happy to stay in them for long periods of time. These dogs that consider crates dens rarely have any crate aggression.

As with the barrier frustration, the build-up of the dogs’ pent-up energy from being kept in a crate too long, causes them to have aggressive behavior. If you are going to crate your dog for long periods of time you should make sure that you exercise them before you crate them, especially if you crate them on a daily basis for more than 4 hours at a time. Working dogs such as Labs, Shepards, Goldens, Dachshunds, Terriers and Retrievers - and any mixes of working breeds - definitely need to relieve a lot of stress before they are crated for any length of time.

Dogs that nip and exhibit avoidance to the crate need to have an all-positive experience when they are in the crate. You should NEVER use a crate for punishment if that is the place you use for containment when you are not home.

A Trained Dog Makes a Happy Owner A Trained Owner Makes a Happier Dog!

Susie has four rescue dogs of her own and you can truly say her life has gone to the dogs!