Dealing with a Dog That Loves to Lunge: Tips & Solution

Why Does My Dog Lunge?

There are many theories as to why dogs lunge, with some suggesting it's a form of greeting, others believing it's a display of their status, and still others thinking it's simply a way to catch your attention.

Regardless of the reason, this behavior is highly unsafe when there are other people around, so we don't need to worry about questions like, "If I change my dog's habit of lunging, will it start to dislike me?" or "Is it trying to assert its status? I think it's just not getting enough punishment."

Correcting a dog's misbehavior is crucial and should be addressed promptly. Of course, you can choose not to correct it, but be prepared for the financial consequences.

Origin of the Behavior

Many dogs are naturally inclined to lunge from a young age, often jumping to compete for treats or affection. As they grow older, when owners find themselves in pain from their dog's weight and claws, they often shout and push them away.

While this may seem effective at the moment, it can actually exacerbate the problem. Dogs don't understand the reasoning behind your push or scolding; they simply think they need to lunge harder to gain your attention and treats.

In essence, dogs don't comprehend why you're upset, and some may even mistake your reprimands and pushes for play, leading to an increase in their lunge behavior.

So, how do we correct this? Here are two methods, but remember, they're not a onesizefitsall solution. Correcting a dog's bad habits requires not only effective methods but also consistent behavior from the owner.

1. If your dog is about to lunge, turn away immediately, making no noise and avoiding eye contact. When it comes back, continue to turn away until it calms down.

2. Another approach is complete isolation. If your dog is about to lunge, quickly move away from it. Stay away until it has settled down.

Some may say that these methods have been around for years and haven't worked very well. That's true; correcting a dog's lunge habit takes time and the owner's cooperation. To be honest, it's challenging for many owners to stick to these methods, as they might think that just not lunging is good enough.

However, the reality is that standing is not suitable for any dog breed, and frequent standing can cause significant harm to their hind limbs and joints.