Does Your Dog React on Leash? You're Not Alone.
If your dog goes into full meltdown mode the moment they spot another pup, a skateboarder, or even a blowing leaf—you're not alone. Leash reactivity is one of the most common behavioral issues we help fix at Big N' Small Paws 317.

But here's the good news: it's totally fixable. With the right training and support, even the most leash-reactive dogs in Indianapolis can learn to walk calmly and confidently by your side.

What Is Leash Reactivity, Exactly?

Leash reactivity happens when a dog overreacts to triggers while on leash. This could look like:

• Barking or growling
• Lunging or pulling hard
• Whining or trembling
• Freezing in place or spinning

This behavior isn't always about aggression—it can come from fear, frustration, excitement, or even under-socialization.

In Indianapolis, walking your dog often means navigating crowded sidewalks, neighborhood pups, bikes on the Monon Trail, or busy areas like Broad Ripple or downtown. On-leash, your dog doesn't have the freedom to move away from stress. That tension builds—and boom—they react.

How Big N' Small Paws 317 Tackles Leash Reactivity (Locally & Effectively)
We don't just teach "sit" and "stay." We teach your dog how to stay calm and focused—even in high-distraction environments. Here's how:

✅ Real-World Training Sessions We practice in actual neighborhoods, parks, and walking trails around Indianapolis—not just in a facility.

✅ Threshold Training Teaching your dog how to pause and focus before rushing out doors or gates—building self-control from the start.

✅ Distraction Desensitization Slowly exposing your dog to other dogs, bikes, and people in a structured, positive way.

✅ Engagement Over Reaction Training your dog to check in with you—so you're the focus, not the squirrel, dog, or jogger.

✅ Custom Game Plans Every dog is different. We assess your pup's unique triggers and build a customized training strategy.

Tips for Helping Your Leash-Reactive Dog at Home:
Even before training, here are a few things you can start doing today:

1.Ditch the Flexi Leash

Use a standard 6-foot leash and a front-clip harness or slip lead for better control.

2.Keep Distance

Avoid crowding your dog around triggers. Space = success.

3.Mark Calm Behavior

Use a verbal "yes!" or clicker the moment your dog sees a trigger and stays calm.

4.Don't Punish the Reaction

Yelling or jerking the leash reinforces fear. Stay calm and redirect instead.

5.Practice Focus Games

Teach "look at me" or "touch" to shift your dog's attention back to you during walks.

Buckey came to us reactive to just about everything: other dogs, cars, even trash cans. After three weeks of structured reactivity training and public walk sessions near Keystone at the Crossing, Buckey can now calmly walk past dogs on the Monon with focus and zero lunging.

Ready to Transform Your Walks?

If you're tired of feeling stressed every time you clip on the leash, we've got your back. Our local Indianapolis-based leash reactivity programs give both you and your dog the tools to succeed—calm, focused, and connected.

👉 Book a Consultation Let's find the right training plan for your pup:

📞 317-603-2292

📍 Serving Indianapolis & surrounding areas