Off leash the dog can socialize unhindered: check out the other dog’s body language, and adapt its own body language to the cues it is getting. Getting to know a stranger, the dog approaches tentatively, because it doesn’t know if the other animal is aggressive or friendly. It is tensed up for “fight or flight”. If it gets the right messages it relaxes and starts to play. However, if the dog is on a leash, that deprives her of the “flight” option, leaving only aggression. Also, when either dog is on a leash, it interferes with the body language and confuses the signals.

I walk my neighbour’s small dog, who was kept in a small backyard for a year, since acquired as a puppy. The little dog went nearly insane and the other neighbours wanted her put down.

I’ve been walking her on the mountain once a week for six months and she has developed into a calm, obedient, happy little dog. She loves making friends and playing “chase” with other dogs. She socializes very happily whether the other dogs are bigger or smaller and even when outnumbered by a pack of dogs. She just mucks in happily.

The problem not only arises when she’s on a leash, but also when we’re walking along a narrow mountain path and people approach with a dog. This situation also limits her options. She can run back the way we came or stay and fight. Limiting her options in this way, makes her stiff and growly when other dogs approach.

I seek out paths that do not have precipices and when I see a dog approach, I step off the path and walk parallel to it. From a few feet away, and a little height, Leah can judge the other dog’s “attitude”. If she doesn’t like it, she pretends the other dog doesn’t exist. If she likes it, she scampers down to play.

In the last six months she has learned to walk on a loose leash, “come” “fetch” “sit” “lie down” “stay” (getting there slowly) and to play “chase” with other dogs. But on a leash, she still goes berserk when she sees other dogs.

Have a wonderful New Year and thanks for your mails, I always enjoy them.

I know you are getting a new puppy and not a new kitten but the ideas are a lot the same. Give your cat a room where she is safe and the pup cannot get to and then embark on teaching your pup appropriate greeting techniques. Keep your puppy on a leash with you and allow your cat to get use to the puppy!

I will also be shooting a video soon about this question so keep your eyes open in our video vault!
http://www.thedogtrainingsecret.com/blog/dog-training-secrets-video-vault/