In this blog, I share the reasons behind dog lunging and practical, quick methods to turn a lunging dog into a calmer one on the leash.
What is dog lunging?
You can pinpoint this issue when your dog suddenly reacts with lunges and hyperactivity while on a leash. One moment, you could be walking with them calmly, and the next thing you know, they're already rushing forward and pulling hard on the leash trying to get somewhere in a hurry.
There are multiple reasons for dogs lunging: it could be out of excitement, fear, anxiety, or territorial behavior. What I want dog owners to understand is that dog lunging can't be corrected by just treats or force.
To solve dog lunging, you have to investigate the root cause, change your training plan, and be creative about letting your dog understand there's really no reason for them to react and lunge.
Read on to learn more.
Key Takeaways
- Dog lunging has multiple root causes: It's not a one-size-fits-all behavior. Lunging can stem from excitement, fear, anxiety, territorial instincts, or lack of training/socialization. Understanding the specific cause for your dog is crucial for practical training.
- Leadership and calm communication are critical: Dogs are pack animals who need clear guidance. Establishing yourself as a quiet, confident leader through consistent training and clear communication helps your dog feel secure and less likely to lunge out of insecurity or fear.
- Training should focus on long-term solutions, not quick fixes. Treats and force might temporarily suppress lunging,but they don't address the root cause. For lasting change, focus on building leadership, desensitizing your dog to triggers, and teaching impulse control.
Table of Contents
What Dog Lunging Means
A lunging dog can be interpreted in two ways: they're so happy and excited (which is a good thing), or they're lunging because they feel threatened (which is not pleasant).
A Dog Lunge Can Be a Sign of Playfulness and Excitement
When a dog lunges towards other dogs, it could mean the following:
- They're excited
- They want to play
- They want to be closer to the other dogs.
They could also yelp and lunge at people because they love them and want to be affectionate. Lunging is also their way of saying, “I need to pee” or “I need to sniff that ball!”
A Dog Lunge Can Also Be an Attack or Defense
A lunge accompanied by growling, tense body language, or an aggressive stance signifies displeasure. Dogs lunge when they're unhappy, threatened, scared, and fearful. The most important thing to do to stop your dog from lunging is to understand what's causing them to lunge.
Dog Behavior: What Causes a Dog to Lunge? Four Areas to Consider
Reason #1: Excitement and Overstimulation
Think of children at a party bouncing off the walls with unbridled energy. Their excitement levels are through the roof, constantly fluctuating between a seven and a ten on a scale of 1 to 10.
This heightened state makes them prone to overreacting to any additional stimulus. Similarly, dogs who are perpetually amped up, pulling on leashes with eyes wide and tongues lolling, are already operating at a high energy level. Seeing another dog or any exciting trigger can quickly push them over the edge into adrenaline-fueled lunging.
Reason #2: Fear and Anxiety
On the flip side, fear and anxiety can also trigger lunging. Imagine someone watching a scary movie. The tension builds with each scene, priming them to react to even the slightest provocation.
Dogs experiencing fear or anxiety are in a similar state, their bodies tense and ready to snap at any perceived threat. A person approaching too closely or an unexpected noise can act as the final straw, leading to a defensive lunge.
Reason #3: Dog Lunges Because of Territorial Behavior
Territorial behavior can also manifest as lunging. Dogs are naturally protective of their owners and their perceived territory.
If they feel their space is being invaded, they may lunge as a warning to the intruder. This could happen when another dog approaches their owner on a leash or someone gets too close to their front door.
Reason #4: Lack of Training and Socialization to Other Dogs
Finally, a lack of training and socialization can contribute to lunging. Dogs who haven't been exposed to various stimuli may react fearfully or aggressively to unfamiliar objects or situations.
They haven't learned how to behave appropriately around strollers, cats, or people with umbrellas. This lunging can be addressed through patient and consistent training, gradually introducing the dog to new experiences in a calm and controlled environment.
How to Stop Dogs from Lunging: The Importance of Loving Leadership
Before dog owners start training their dogs to overcome certain dog behaviors, I always remind them of the importance of loving leadership.
Dogs operate in packs, and therefore, they need a pack leader — this is how dog psychology works.
I have met dog owners that said “Well, I'm their owner. I'm automatically the one in charge, right?”
The answer is no. If you want your dog to see you as the leader, you have to take certain steps to ensure that. My bestselling online program, The Dog Calming Code™️, aims to teach dog owners to be the leader in their dog's eyes.
What's unique about The Dog Calming Code is it teaches leadership without shouting or using force. Instead, it helps dog owners use dog psychology to establish leadership.
Remember, seemingly insignificant things can make your dog feel they're in charge instead of you.
For example:
- If your dog has access to food anytime they want, whether you're giving it to them or they're eating scraps on the ground, they will think they're in charge.
- If your dog knows they can get your attention and affection whenever they ask for it, they will feel they're in charge.
- If you react strongly to your dog's call for warning, even if there's no real danger around, they will think they're in charge.
- If your dog decides where to go, where to potty, where to eat, you're communicating to them they're in charge.
- If you're out on the walk and you give in to your dog's tugging, lunging, and pulling, your dog will become the one in charge.
These things are easy to overlook , which is why most dog owners struggle to train dogs to behave better. The Five Golden Rules of Leadership taught in The Dog Calming Code will help you let your dog know: “Hey, I'm in charge, not you.”
If you have a dog who lunges all the time they're on the leash, you could have a dog who is stressed, anxious, or threatened because they've taken on the leadership role.
The good news is you can now learn about The Dog Calming Code through my free webinar on dog reactivity. It's totally free, but it's value-packed!
How to Solve Dog Lunging: Training and Tips from a Professional Dog Trainer
Establish Loving Leadership
Dogs are pack animals and thrive when they know their place in the hierarchy. They panic and become aggressive and anxious when they know they have to lead their pack (including you).
Establishing loving leadership means helping your dog understand that you are the decision-maker, providing them with a sense of security and guidance.
When your dog thinks they're the leader, what matters to them is the survival of their pack (you included). They take on the role as the protector. They want to ensure everyone is safe! This desire to protect causes them to always be anxious, scared, on guard, and unable to calm down.
Taking on the role of the leader from your dogs helps them know you're the protector, and that you're there with them to help them be safe. Your dog will feel you don't need to be protected all the time. They will stay calm because they know they're not the ones making all the survival decisions anymore.
Emphasize Leadership With Walk Exercises
The One Yard Walk
Donut Walk
Follow Consistent Training
Quick dog trainer tip: despite consistent training, there's a chance your dog won't stop lunging immediately. Your dog's resistance to more progress isn't because the training doesn't work; your dog simply doesn't find a reason to obey you.
They still think they're the leader, so why should they listen to you?
I'd like to re-emphasize the power of leadership here. Once your dog knows you're the leader, they will listen to you and respect your leadership and capacity to make decisions for them. Training will be more effective.
Choose the Right Leash
Leash designs I don't recommend:
Use Correct Walking Exercises
Exercise with Treats and Toys
Desensitization and Exposure
This technique involves gradually exposing your dog to triggers that usually cause them to lunge reactively. I've written a detailed blog post, “Seven Steps to Stopping Any Unwanted Behavior, “ which you might find helpful.
A crucial point here is to ensure you're rewarding your dog away from the trigger. Avoid giving treats when your dog is fixated on another dog and getting excited. I've seen many owners try to distract their dogs with treats while the dog is still focused on the trigger, but this only reinforces the excitement. Remember, a dog's energy follows their focus.
To reward calmness, first, get your dog's attention away from the trigger. You could use a tempting treat to lure them away or calmly guide them in another direction. Once you've created enough distance between your dog and the trigger, and they've calmed down, then you can reward them.
Watching Our Energy
Dogs are masters at reading our emotions. If you're stressed, anxious, or frustrated, your dog will pick up on it and may become more reactive. Practice relaxation techniques, maintain calm, and use a soothing voice when working with your dog.
No matter how much you tell them to calm down, your dog won't be able to obey your command if you're stressed.
Remember that if you want your dog to ignore other dogs, you need to show them what to focus on instead. Guide their attention towards something else, like a tree or a specific direction. Your intention and focus greatly influence your dog's behavior.
Impulse Control
Practice exercises that teach your dog to control their impulses.
For example, have them sit and wait before crossing the street or approaching another dog. This helps them develop self-control and patience.
Ask for Professional Help
Your dog's confidence and strength will continue to grow until they are about two years old. So, if you're facing challenges with your dog while they are young, it's crucial to address the issue promptly and seek professional help if needed.
By Mastering Leadership and Incorporating The Right Long-Term Strategies, You Can Stop Dog Lunging
