dog suddenly growling when on the lead

[moogalicious]

My dog is 2 and has suddenly taken to growling at other dogs when he (and they) are on the lead. Not all dogs, but enough to make me wary. Obviously, I need to keep him away when he is on the lead, but was just wondering if anyone had any insight to this behaviour and any ideas to stop it escalating?

My only thought is that, when we were walking a few weeks ago, we were startled by a huge aggressive dog in someone's front garden. My dog was on his lead and growled quite aggressively - nose wrinkled, teeth bared. This is the first and only time I've seen him to that. He is quite an anxious dog too.

He is fine with other dogs when off lead, although doesn't really like to play.

Sounds like you both had a scare and if it started at this time then it may be the reason. Perhaps you are also worried and your dog is picking up on this if you are both a bit tense. He is telling dogs to go away so doesn't sound like he if full on aggressive as he is giving them a warning of his intentions however obviously you don't want it to escalate. Perhaps give a good behaviouralist a call and get some advice from them. If he is ok off the lead then perhaps he feels that he can get away and is therefore safer. It is scary when a dog leaps at you from garden good luck.

Thanks bella. I do worry a bit and I think you're right, he does pick up on it. I have a behaviourist so I'll call them.

He also hates puppies (bullies them, rolls them over), and there seem to be loads of them in the park at the moment! I'm on edge every time we go out!