Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Why does my dog calm down when I pet him during leash reactivity?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | neutered | 3 years and 1 month old | 14 lbs

My dog is reactive to other dogs on leash, usually when he can't go right up and sniff them. The last two times, he started growling but right before he was about to bark, I bent down and petted and rubbed his back and then picked him up. He didn't bark and even stopped growling. He whined a little at the end when the dogs walked away. Why is it that when he feels my hand rubbing him that he's able to calm down?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Britni Miller, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 13th, 2017

It is likely that you distract Hansyn by picking him up and petting him, and that you also are calming him just like when you rub his belly, ears, etc. There are ways to work with him to not bark and growl. Take treats with you on walks and when he sees another dog show him the treats and have him focus on you. Have him sit and give him treats for behaving until the other dog has passed. This can help to re-direct him so that he is not barking and growling at other dogs.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    He could feel reassured by your presence. Often the behavior you are describing can be do to a dog feeling anxious or fearful about a strange dog. You just want to be sure you aren't rewarding/reinforcing your dog for the barking/growling. The best thing to do to avoid this is to redirect him when you feel it is going to happen by giving him some commands, such as telling him to sit, or look at you and then rewarding him with pets and treats for doing something good, rather than rewarding him for barking- try to do this BEFORE he even starts growling if you can anticipate when it is going to happen.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
New Pet
Why is my new pet biting? Is she stressed or scared in her new home?
New pet biting? A Licensed Vet Tech shares expert advice on how to gently acclimate your new companion to their home, reduce stress, and build trust. Get guidance for a happy pet.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
How to keep a pet mom and her newborn babies warm and calm?
Support your pet mom and newborn babies! A certified vet offers advice on ideal room temperature, minimizing stress, and quiet intervention for food & water.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My hamster is suddenly bloated, angry, and biting. What should I do?
Is your Chinese dwarf hamster suddenly bloated, angry, and biting nonstop? A DVM explains pain signs and urges immediate vet care for his distended abdomen.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Training & Behavior
Why is my degu acting strange, lying flat, and barking at night?
Is your degu acting strange, lying flat, or barking at night? A licensed vet tech offers insights into potential causes like new mats, territorial stress, or injury.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?
Is your Shih-Tzu crossbreed biting his feet, losing fur, or has a wound? A trusted vet explains these classic allergy signs and advises on treatments like Apoquel or medicated shampoo.
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored