Need suggestions for on-leash problems

I have a 14 month old rattie mix that I got from a shelter about 8 months ago. She's very sweet, slightly over-protective and generally behaves pretty well off leash.

But while on walks, she'll lunge (and sometimes even try to nip) at people and dogs passing us on the sidewalk. I can usually avoid the other dogs by crossing the street, but people are everywhere (I live in the city.)

Even though she's small she has a mean bark and she's constantly scaring people.

She also does this with bikes and runners, but that I understand a little more.

Any ideas of how to get her to stop barking, lunging and nipping at passerbys? It's not everybody, but it happens often enough that it's becoming a problem.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thank you!
Ingrid

Hi Ingrid, Many dogs are like that on leash and it needs to be nipped in the bud. Work on getting your girl to pay attention to you on the walk and not on what is going on around her. Start by training her to respond to the look command. break up small pieces of a food or treat she really loves. have her sit and then bring the treat to her nose and then up to your eyes so that she follows the treat with her eyes. While doing this say "LOOK". As soon as she locks with your eyes say good look and give her the treat immediately. do this for a few minutes. Then transfer this to your walks. Eventually on walks turn "look" into "leave it" with a slight correction tug to the side (not back). Also, on your walks, don't wait to correct until she is already barking and lunging. You'll notice subtle changes such as stiffening of here body, raising her tail and ears etc. This is when you give the correction. Do this for bikes and runners as well. Good luck!

Hello Ingrid, I know this is a while ago but I am having the same problem and I am wondering what you ended up doing since I am running out of options except to put him for adoption. I want the best for him. Thanks.