Leash Reactive Doesn’t Mean Aggressive . It Means Context Matters.

Something I notice often when people first contact me is that they describe their dog as “aggressive on leash.” But once we start talking, and I ask a few more questions, it usually becomes clear that aggression isn’t actually what’s going on.

Many dogs react on leash because they’re overwhelmed, fearful, frustrated, or overly excited. The behaviours can look intense - barking, lunging, growling - so it’s easy to assume the worst. But behaviour without context doesn’t tell the full story.

Leashes change how dogs experience the world. They restrict movement and choice, which can make some dogs feel trapped or unsafe. A dog who reacts on leash may be calm, social, and friendly in other situations - off leash, at daycare, or once they’ve had time to settle.

This is why context matters so much.

Reactivity vs aggression

Aggression is about intent: to control, intimidate, or cause harm. Reactivity, on the other hand, is often about overwhelm, fear, frustration, or excitement. The behaviours can look similar, but the motivation behind them is very different.

Dogs growl during play. They bark when they’re excited. They lunge toward food on the footpath. Behaviour alone doesn’t tell the full story - intent and context do.

Why context changes everything

Dogs don’t behave the same way everywhere. A dog may explode on leash in the street, yet play calmly with other dogs off leash, at daycare, or in familiar spaces.

Leashes, cars, fences, and even glass doors are barriers. They restrict movement and choice, and for many dogs, that restriction increases stress. A leash might look harmless, but to a dog, it can completely change how safe they feel.

This is why we can’t judge a dog’s friendliness or sociability based on leash behaviour alone.

Why leash greetings are hard

For many dogs, meeting others on leash is uncomfortable. They can’t move freely, increase distance, or communicate naturally. Imagine being forced to meet a stranger in a tiny enclosed space - most of us would feel awkward or overwhelmed, too.

Some dogs react because they’re fearful. Others because they’re frustrated and want to say hello. And yes, a small number of them do react because they’re trying to keep others away. But those cases are far less common than people assume.

A more helpful way to look at reactive dogs

Instead of asking, “Is my dog aggressive?” I would encourage you to ask this:

• When does my dog struggle?

• What environments are hardest?

• What helps them feel safer?

Reactive behaviour in certain situations does not define who your dog is.

Final thoughts

Many leash-reactive dogs, and their humans, end up living in very small worlds. Walks become stressful, joy fades away, and confidence takes a hit. Understanding context is often the first step toward relief.

If leash reactivity is something you’re struggling with, I offer private sessions and my Home School Program, designed to support both you and your dog with calm, ethical, positive-reinforcement training, without pressure or overwhelm.