Leash Aggression?
We have a 2.5 year old rescue Boxer named Bogey. He has been with us for almost a year and a half. We know nothing about the first year of his life except for a few scars that indicate it wasn't great. Considering he is a rescue, Bogey has still managed to become one of the sweetest, most loving, and just all around greatest companions...until he is leashed.
When Bogey first joined the family, he walked pretty decently on a leash. Only within the past month or two has Bogey showed signs of leash aggression. When on neighborhood walks, he will lunge at people passing by (and not in a "hey, I'd like to sniff you" kind of way). This behavior is not provoked and every time it has happened, the passerby isn't even making at attempt at paying attention to Bogey...unfortunately he just lunges. On two occasions, he has attempted to bite his leash and has bitten mine or my husband's hand instead. The behavior is making us very worried. We don't want out next walk to end up in an injury to someone or a lawsuit. We also aren't sure of the delay in this behavior. As I mentioned, he was okay at first and now he seems to have regressed.
Bogey and our other Boxer, Paulie, have spent time with a trainer. We use Gentle Leaders when walking them. We have tried carrying treat pouches on walks and using treats as a distraction to move their focus from other people and pets onto us. Bogey just gets into a "zone" and nothing seems to be helping at the moment. Any suggestions would be great.
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08-14-2009, 07:18 PM
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