I am owned by three dogs, all between six-and eight years of age, a Dalmatian (male, neutered) a shepherd/lab mix (female, spayed), and a goldie/JRT mix (male, neutered). They are all very sweet and well-socialized. When they are at the beach off-leash, they are great with other dogs, and I would not classify any of them as "aggressive". However, whenever they are on a leash, they all seem to become very aggressive towards other dogs. It takes a lot of the fun out of our daily walks, and is quite embarrassing. How can we correct this? Please help!

Thanks,- Maria

Leashes are mandatory tools, essential for controlling our dogs. (Please don't leave home without one.)

However, sometimes the mere tightening of the leash (which in turn exerts more pressure on the dog's neck) will set off a chain reaction of responses. Triple this effect in your case. Sometimes, this tightening will case the "forbidden fruit" effect whereby the dog will strain, bark at and pull toward an object or thing because it just HAS to have it now ! Other times, the tightening causes a combination of the defense and the prey drives to rise up making such actions preemptive and bullying. Being as your pooches are social and friendly off-leash, I'm opting for the former.

There's a chance one dog is the primary culprit, with the others more than happy to chime in. Try isolating the primary barker by taking two out at a time. Once you find the starter dog, any initial corrections should focus on him or her. Once quieted, the others will probably follow suit.

For corrections, I would try starting with simply putting the barker into a SIT each time it barks. You dog is barking for a reason and SIT isn't it. Likewise, try quickly turning in the opposite direction for a few feet each time the dog barks at something - the dog is barking to get nearer the other dog, not farther away. Traditional leash and collar pops, or jerks, unless truly substantial will tend to only aggravate the problem

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