Barking and lunging at other dogs while on lead

Hi everyone,
I have a German shephard bitch who is 8 months old, we have been doing dog training and socializing her since 12 weeks. But out of the blue one day she started barking and lunging at other dogs while on lead, she is great walking on lead untill she sees another dog and off lead she is perfectly fine with other dogs. Are dog trainer tells us it adolescense and she will grow out of it. Just wondered if anyone has gone through this and come out of the other side and any tips on how to deal with it now without reinforcing it.
Thanks Lisa

does she get to socalise with other dogs whilst off lead at all?

She used to at puppy classes on lead and i do put her on lead when i am with friends dogs, but people who i dont know are reluctant to let me walk with them or let her near there dog as she is a big dog, i dont blame them they have to take my word for it that she isnt going to her there dog. I do follow behind dogs as much as possible

Can you find someone with well behaved dogs she can play with? Off lead play is vital IMO to teach the dog how to behave with other.
Does anyone run Socialisation Walks in your area?
alongside this you can work on your on-lead control - when she barks, turn away and go to a distance where she stops barking and will be calm, then reward.

We have a GSD cross who lunges and barks on lead but offlead - in a controlled environment he is OK - we're still working on his socialisation - he's nearly 6 but don't let that put you off, my OH's family didn't try very hard with him when they rescued him at 9 months - I think they just accepted defeat - but since I came along 2 years ago - he has several doggy friends - male and female, big and small.

I agree with CAD's advice.

There is a Dogsey walk happening on the 17th April at Cannock chase - if that is anywhere near you - that would be good for her - she'll be surrounded by dogs - some calm, some not but the owners will be very understanding of the situation as they are Dogsey members

have a German shephard bitch who is 8 months old, we have been doing dog training and socializing her since 12 weeks. But out of the blue one day she started barking and lunging at other dogs while on lead, she is great walking on lead untill she sees another dog and off lead she is perfectly fine with other dogs.

Any chance she is coming into season?


I do follow behind dogs as much as possible

Oh dear, very tempting and increases frustration of the dog.

Sounds like lead frustration to me, have you explored the BAGSD and GSDL sites to see if there are any breed clubs in your area where she can play with similar age/size dogs?

There are usually loads around the UK.

Owning a GSD myself I understand how divisive this breed can be, so it really is VITAL in this breed that she learns how to socialise and not practice this behaviour.

my Tupac went through a stage of this(not lunging,but leaping up and down on the spot)....only onlead..it was because he was feeling insecure and unsure(he was a teenager)and was trying to look big and tough to 'scare them away' offlead he was fine as he could display his bodylanguage properly.
with my boy,it was a case of continuing to meet lots of friendly dogs,and never reacting 'with' my boy..but calm talking with a looselead.

as said..think she needs to meet some nice natured dogs..imo she needs to build up her confidence,

Thanks to all of you for your advise. We do feel she may be coming into season, we are having her spayed on friday.
She is great off lead with other dogs, where she does socialise with other dogs. Sounds like Tupac went through the same as were experiencing, glad to know we are doing the right thing.

I had exactly the same with my Lab.

It can be frustration on the part of your dog, at not being able to play and greet the other on leash dog.

You often find that two leashed dogs will be tense and grouchy with each other - they don't feel as safe when leashed as they are not free to choose 'flight or fight' etc.

Does your dog get to play regularly with other dogs when off leash?


Some things which have really helped us:


1 - make sure you keep the leash relaxed. Easier said than done. But it makes a HUGE difference.

2 - do NOT pause or break stride or stop when you see another dog approaching!

If you do, your dog may interpret this as you being scared or anxious or that the other dog is a 'threat' and your dog will react accordingly.

Keep on moving - just keep on walking at the same pace and make SURE you are BETWEEN your dog, and the other dog/owner.


My Lab was lunging so violently at other dogs that I had to use a headcollar as I just could not manage him. Doing that, enabled me to remain calm and that then calmed my dog. I could then reward him for that calm behaviour. Finally, now, we can walk past other dogs with no problem, but ONLY if I stay calm!

Hope that helps a bit

We do feel she may be coming into season, we are having her spayed on friday.

Have you told your vet? It is safer to spay a bitch mid cycle to minimise blood loss etc.

TBH I would not spay a bitch as young as this, but that is your choice, presumably your vet has informed you about all the pros and cons of early, pre puberty neutering?