Any advise would be appreciated....

[Jodi Edsall]

I have two Doodles which my husband and I walk them at a state park everyday (these walks can last 1 to 2 hours). When we walk the walking trails (in the woods) they go off the leash and listen like perfect angels (sit on command, stop on command, heel on command ect...). The problem is when we are inside the park in which they require that you leash your dogs when walking, my 2 year old Doodle on the last two walks has tried to attack other dogs (she has never done this before). But what is weird is when she is off the leash she approaches other dogs with no problem and just really wants to play with them. Does anyone have any advise on handling this behavior or have an idea on why this behavior has suddenly started?

[Lynda Kamrath]

Yes, I think it is being on leash that is the problem. My dogs are usually off leash and behave well, but when on leash they are more aggressive. They don't attack other dogs, but dogs tend to come for them when they are on leash. It does have something to do with being on leash. Try to walk in the park that does not require a leash more frequently and slowly introduce them to being on leash around other dogs. When meeting others tends to be the worst time - maybe protective? I have noticed the same thing in dog parks. When someone new comes in on leash, they tend to be more aggressive.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I agree, it's being on-leash when meeting other dogs that's the problem.
The natural way that dogs approach each other when off-leash is never head-on. They usually come up to another dog from the side. Being on-leash and having another dog approach, especially head on, triggers a fight-or-flight response, and since 'flight" is not an option, they may choose "fight".
At the off-leash parks, Jackdoodle is perfectly fine with all the other dogs. On leash, he would bark & lunge if strange dogs approached us. The key was to get & keep his focus on me before he even sees another dog. Practicing his basic on-leash obedience and learning to keep his attention on me is what has helped the most, along with making sure that I see what's coming before he does.

[Adina P]

As the other said, some dogs can feel more 'at risk' on leash since they can't defend themselves or greet in a comfortable way and put up a front in an offensive defense.

Work on leash obedience would be ideal, but you'll accomplish this best by working with one dog at a time and training them to obey a command such as "heel" which is incompatible with lunging. But also something like "watch me" or other things that can refocus them would work.

[Jodi Edsall]

Thanks for the advise. I never even thought about how she is reacting to me pulling on the leash but it makes sense. I am also going to carry treats with me so I can praise her for good behavior instead of scolding her for bad behavior.

[Jessica]

Does the dog park state specifically how long the leash should be? A long, very lightweight rope could be trailed by your dog to allow for a more natural introduction to another...