You may often hear people say, “My dog is fine with other dogs; it’s only when on lead that they show aggression.” This distinction highlights how the presence of a leash can impact how dogs respond to each other.

Here’s a breakdown of key points:

Off-Lead Interactions

When two dogs meet off-lead, they can move freely around each other, adjusting their position, retreating if needed, and using body language to communicate. They can sniff, position themselves, and engage in natural social behaviour, maintaining a balance of distance and safety. These subtle behaviours—like body postures, tail movements, and eye contact—allow dogs to feel more in control of the situation.

On-Lead Interactions

When dogs meet on lead, however, they are restricted by the leash. One dog may move, while the other is trapped by the leash and unable to retreat. This can lead to frustration, arousal, and, potentially, aggression. The dog may growl or snap to communicate a need for space, but the leash inhibits their ability to back off, escalating the situation.

The Importance of Loose Leashes

Maintaining a loose lead is crucial for allowing dogs to interact as naturally as possible. A tight leash can make a dog feel more tense or threatened, increasing the likelihood of defensive behaviours like growling or snapping. This can provoke the other dog and escalate to aggression.

Signs of Positive Interaction

When you observe dogs interacting, here’s what to look for:

  • Distance: Start by allowing the dogs to approach each other from a distance. They should show interest without excessive arousal (no lunging, barking, or pulling).
  • Body Language: Watch for relaxed tails, soft body postures, wriggling movements, squinting eyes, ears back, and play bows—signs of a social invitation.

If the body language remains positive, gradually close the distance (to about 3-4 metres), and, once comfortable, drop the leads while keeping them attached. This allows the dogs to move freely, but you can still intervene if necessary.

Managing Play

During play, if the dogs engage in bottom-to-bottom sniffing and both dogs reciprocate, this is a good sign of mutual acceptance. Keep interactions calm by regularly removing the dogs from play. This helps prevent over-arousal and reduces the risk of redirected aggression.

Signs of Tension or Conflict

Be alert for signs of stress or potential aggression:

  • Tense Body Language: Stiffness in the body, raised tails, tight mouth, or slow, deliberate movements may signal tension.
  • Eye Contact: Prolonged, hard eye contact is a sign of potential conflict. Try to redirect your dog’s attention to help defuse the situation.
  • Frustration: If your dog starts to growl, lunge, or snap, it could reinforce the behaviour, teaching them that aggression makes the other dog retreat.

When to Move Away

If you notice signs of frustration or aggression, avoid tightening the lead or reprimanding your dog. Instead, give them space. Moving away allows both dogs to calm down and prevents reinforcing reactive behaviours. Tightening the lead can make your dog feel trapped, which increases tension and could provoke aggression.

Avoiding Dangerous Equipment

Don’t let dogs play while on equipment like a check chain, as it can lead to entanglements, frustration, and increased arousal, which may escalate into on-lead aggression.

The Role of the Handler

Dogs may associate being on lead with stress, either due to past negative experiences or because their handler’s stress is communicated through the lead. Some dogs may also become more confident with their owner nearby, which can lead to more reactive behaviours.

Conclusion

In general, on-lead play is not ideal, and it’s best to monitor all dog-to-dog interactions to ensure compatibility. Loose leashes and careful observation are key to managing interactions safely. The goal is to foster positive, stress-free interactions where both dogs feel comfortable and can respond appropriately to each other’s cues.

Written by Anna Tasker Paw Power Jan 2025