City Dog: Managing a Leash Reactive Dog in the City

Living in the city, we need to be prepared for a lot. Especially since most of us don't have backyards and we need to take our pooches out on several daily walks. I've estimated around 30 dogs live on our single city block alone, so we know the chances of running into other pooches is high. It was only the other week that I happened to be volunteering, and walking a leash reactive dog, that I realized how extraordinarily difficult it must be to have a leash reactive dog in the city. When I was with the pooch, all I could think about was trying to find some path back home where I wouldn't run into any dogs, but that isn't so easy. This really made me recognize how hard a single walk must be for leash-reactive pooches.

We have been so impressed with Maize, one of our SociaBulls members, who has leash reactivity, but you would never realize this during our SociaBulls walks. Her mom has worked with her for a long time, and here are some of her tips to managing a leash reactive dog in the city.

I live on the lakefront surrounded by multi-unit buildings, which means little space and a high concentration of dogs. When I first adopted Maize it was a nightmare, every corner we turned it felt like there was a dog waiting for us. At the time I would have given anything for her to be a squirrel chaser or even a dog that eats rocks, anything but being leash reactive.   

My experience with leash reactivity is a built-up frustration. Two dogs see each other across the street; one dog gives a hard stare or bark; the other dog lunges forwards and feels the pull of the leash on the collar or harness. In this case, the lunging dog then becomes frustrated that it is restrained and unable to approach the other dog. When this repeatedly happens over and over again, the dog begins to equate the pull of the harness or collar as being retrained and becomes reactive towards this restraint.

I am extra sensitive to the sounds of another dog on walks, and I recently noticed I do it when I am not with the dogs out of habit. I try to stay one step ahead so I can avoid a negative reaction. For a long time I didn’t understand why Maize kept on reacting until I realized I was putting her in situations where she would react. Instead of turning around to taking a different route I would plow us through just to get by. Now we make sure not stay a safe distance and if we need to take a shorter route we will.  SociaBulls has made a huge difference as well.  Maize has become a lot more comfortable being around other dogs after each walk I do see a difference in her. Working with a trainer and reading several books I learned three things that have made a huge difference on our walks.

SPACE

Making sure that I have enough space between Maize and another dog is key.  When I first got her she would see a dog across the street and react. Now, depending on the dog and their owner we can move to the edge of the sidewalk to pass. Walking with SociaBulls has helped Maize feel more comfortable being physically closer to other dogs. This week for the first time we walked in the middle of the pack, she was pulling like crazy but she was not reacting.  

DISTRACTION

 We learned “Find It” which consists of throwing treats on the ground in front of the dog and encouraging him/her to search for them. When a dog passes (I recommend giving yourself a lot of space) your dog’s head is down and doesn’t see the other dog pass. Another option is to go behind a car for a physical barrier and have your dog sit and stay or do “pushups” which is a combination of three commands of your choice. 

RECALL

 Learning recall was a lifesaver. I use “let’s go” when I turn around suddenly to avoid another dog.  We practiced recall at least 4 times on each walk until it became natural for them to reverse direction or come when called.

These are the three that have helped me the most but I am always looking for new ways to work with Maize. Anyone else have helpful tips?

PS. If you are interested in helping foster dog SuperLevi find his (super) x-ray vision, we are still taking donations for raffle tickets until November 12, and we have limited sizing available in T-shirts (so let us know today if you'd like a T-shirt!).  We have been so overwhelmed with the response, and we're super-excited for the 'Gathering of Superheros' walk this weekend both in Chicago and virtually.