Does your dog bark, lunge, or growl at other dogs while on walks? You're not alone—and it's not your fault. Leash reactivity is one of the most common behavioral challenges we work with here at Big N' Small Paws 317, and we have real, lasting solutions.

What Is Leash Reactivity?

Leash reactivity is when a dog becomes overly excited, anxious, or aggressive while on a leash, especially when encountering other dogs, people, or fast-moving triggers like bikes or skateboards. Common signs include:

• Barking or growling at other dogs
• Lunging or pulling on the leash
• Pacing or whining before a reaction
• Avoiding walks altogether

Why It Happens

Dogs develop leash reactivity for a few main reasons:

• Lack of socialization during critical puppy stages
• Frustration from restraint (they can't escape or greet freely)
• Negative past experiences with dogs or people on walks
• Owner tension or anxiety traveling down the leash

At Big N' Small Paws 317, we offer professional, structured training programs tailored to your dog's triggers and learning pace. Our local Indianapolis leash reactive dog training includes:
✅ Personalized Assessment We evaluate your dog's behavior and environment to uncover the root cause of reactivity.

✅ Obedience Foundation We reinforce core cues like "heel," "watch me," "sit," and "leave it," so your dog learns focus and calm under pressure.

✅ Controlled Exposure (Desensitization) We gradually expose your dog to triggers in a safe, structured setting—starting with distance, then slowly closing the gap as your dog succeeds.

✅ Leash Handling for Owners We coach YOU to stay calm, read your dog's body language, and use tools like leash pressure, directional turns, and rewards effectively.

We don't train in a vacuum—we train where reactivity happens:
🌳 Public parks

🏙️ Busy sidewalks

🛒 Store parking lots

🐕 Dog-friendly community events Your dog will learn to stay calm and composed in real-life settings around Indy.

✔ Locally owned and trusted by hundreds of Indianapolis dog parents
✔ Customized training—not cookie-cutter packages

✔ Real-world results backed by praise, not punishment

✔ Positive, engaging, and honest methods

✔ Service options include private lessons, board & train, and leash reactivity packages

🐕‍🦺 Success Story: Meet Duke

Duke, a 2-year-old German Shepherd mix, couldn't walk past another dog without barking and lunging. After just 3 weeks in our leash reactivity program, he now walks past squirrels, dogs, and joggers with a calm "heel" and confident focus. His owners call it "life-changing."

Want your own Duke story? We're ready to help.

📍 Serving All of Indianapolis and Surrounding Areas: Broad Ripple • Carmel • Greenwood • Irvington • Fountain Square • Fishers • Speedway • Beech Grove

📞 Ready to Calm the Chaos?

Your dog's reactivity isn't the end of the road—it's the beginning of a new path. Let's walk it together.

➡️ Book your free leash reactivity consultation

📞 Or call us at 317-603-2292