How to Manage A Dog from Lunging on Walks

Have you experienced your dog lunging on walks? Dogs may lunge for various reasons, including excitement, fear, anxiety, or predatory behavior.

Although most dogs at an early age are running and playing, some may lunge due to excitement or fear. If your dog is lunging on walks, knowing how to handle the situation can be challenging. Here are a few tips to help you manage a dog that is running lunge:

Keep a Short Leash

This will help you have better control over your dog and prevent them from running too far ahead or getting too close to potential triggers.

Plus, most dog trainers recommend practicing with a short leash anyway so that your dog gets used to walking close to you. Especially for young puppies, getting accustomed to a short leash is essential for their future training. Since they are most likely to get curious and pull on the leash when they are older, it's good to start with a shorter leash now.

Use Positive Reinforcement

If your dog is running towards you when they see another dog, praise them and give them a treat. This will let them know that they are doing something right and will be rewarded for it.

On the other hand, if your dog is lunging at another dog, correct them with a sharp "no" and move them away from the trigger. It's essential to be consistent with your dog to understand what they should and shouldn't do.

Be Aware of Your Own Energy.

Dogs are intuitive creatures and can pick up on our energy and emotions. If you're feeling anxious or stressed, your dog will likely sense this, and it may cause them to act out in turn.

So, remaining calm and assertive when dealing with a dog running lunge is essential. This will help keep them calm and prevent the situation from escalating.

Avoid Punishment

Punishing your dog after lunging will only make them more anxious and stressed. This can lead to further lunging behaviors and make the problem worse.

Instead, focus on using positive reinforcement to reward your dog when behaving well. This will help them to associate good behaviors with rewards and make it more likely that they will repeat those behaviors in the future.

Use A Lunge Shock Absorber Leash

If you have tried all of the above and your dog is still running lunge, you may want to consider using a lunge shock absorber leash. You can find these at most pet stores or online. The Buddy System Lunge Buster Shock Absorber Dog Leash is one of the most popular options and is designed to help dogs that lunge on walks.

The leash is attached between the dog's collar and your waist and has a shock-absorbing mechanism that helps to lessen the impact of a dog's sudden lunge. This can help to prevent injuries to both you and your dog and make walks more enjoyable for both of you.

Following these tips can help you manage a dog running lunge on walks. Remember to be patient and consistent with your dog, and focus on rewarding good behaviors. With time and patience, you can help your dog to overcome their lunging behavior and enjoy walks together.