Why does your Dog start Fights with another Dog?

When you first got your dog, you likely envisioned long, pleasant walks together. But the reality may be quite different, as your dog becomes increasingly aggressive towards other dogs encountered on walks. So why is this happening?

Intuitively, it might seem safer to keep your dog on a leash when encountering other dogs, as this allows for quick separation in case things don’t go well. However, the use of a leash may actually be contributing to your dog’s aggression.

Leashes can Limit Your Dog’s Natural Behaviours

If your dog is unsure about meeting another dog, it will typically avoid the encounter. However, if it is restrained by a leash and knows it can’t leave, it may exhibit defensive aggression. This is because when two dogs meet, they may circle each other, sniff, back off, and approach again, and the leash interferes with this natural behaviour. If one dog suddenly starts to play, the other may be forced to approach due to being tethered, causing panic.

Leashes can Create Misunderstood Body Language

A tight leash can cause a dog’s front end to become stiff and elevated, making it appear more nervous and aggressive than it is, leading to an aggressive response from the other dog. And a defensive dog that wants to retreat may feel trapped by the leash and forced to fight back.

Leashes Can Be Frustrating

Most dogs enjoy meeting other dogs, and this creates an expectation of making friends. Typically, these dogs get along well with unleashed dogs in a park. However, when tethered and unable to greet a dog, your dog may become excited and bark at the other dog from a considerable distance away.

Sudden Leash Tension Can Increase Aggression

You’ve likely seen it before: two dogs meeting and sniffing each other successfully, only for one owner to suddenly tighten the leash and both dogs start growling at each other.

Your Reaction makes your Dog Nervous

Because your dog often exhibits aggressive behaviour, every time you see a strange dog approaching, you become nervous and instinctively tighten the leash or simply pick up your dog to avoid the situation. These reactions make your dog aware of the danger and it may attack the other dog in order to protect you.

You can try to Change the Situation

Your mood as the owner has a big impact on your dog, so don’t get nervous when a strange dog approaches and control yourself.

Start with a smaller dog than yours and directly ask the other owner if their dog will fight. If they won’t, relax the leash and let the dogs sniff each other while keeping the leash loose. Even if they suddenly freeze, they usually won’t really fight. When it’s time to separate, first communicate with your dog and then gently tug on the leash and praise your dog.

If you see a big dog in the distance, give your dog a treat, then another one, to keep its attention on you until the big dog has walked away.

Every peaceful encounter with a strange dog will increase your confidence for the next one!