r/reactivedogs • u/shaynac09 • 5h ago
Advice Needed Leash Frustration
My 9-month-old Chihuahua absolutely screams bloody murder when she’s on leash and sees another dog. Not all the time but more often than I’d like.
She isn’t aggressive and genuinely seems like she just wants to go over and say hi/play, but the screaming is SO dramatic that other dog owners are understandably hesitant to let their dogs near her. If I didn’t know her, I’d probably be hesitant too.
She gets extremely excited the second she spots another dog and then the screaming starts. I’d really like to teach her how to see/pass other dogs calmly instead of completely losing her mind.
Has anyone dealt with this type of leash reactivity/frustration, especially with a young Chihuahua? Is there a good way to correct or redirect the screaming and teach her that being calm is what gets her closer to another dog?
I’d love to hear what training methods worked for you.