Leash frustration has been a trend for a lot of clients lately. Being tethered to a human is a difficult concept for a dog to understand. Dogs aren’t born with the software to know how to walk on leash. It’s our responsibility not only to teach them how to walk on leash but to socialize then properly on it. That being said, due to the restriction on leash, over time dogs can develop leash frustration because they can’t get to where they want to go or meet who they want to meet. A result of this buildup of frustration, it can later lead to reactivity. Just seeing a dog will cause them to lunge, bark, and growl. How do I know it’s leash frustration vs. true fear or aggression? They are friendly with dogs and people off leash. The behavior is only presented while on leash.
