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How to stop my dog from lunging and jumping at people passing by?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 2 years and 3 months old

How to train him. Not to jump and lunge at others who passes by him closesly with 1 step only beside him? People who passes by him with one foot distance then he try to lunge at them i dont know why so what can i do for this as i want if someone tap on his head also then also he be quite only instead of attacking... So can all these be possible?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Laura Johnson VMD

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on February 20th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach!

You should start with one on one training and NO walks until he is trained. Hire a trainer. Use positive reinforcement and train him to "sit, "heal" on a leash, "look," and "leave it." Also get him used to the gentle leader harness that goes on the muzzle, this allows for amazing head control. Once he is used to the harness and is able to listen to you at home, practice outside on a leash. When people approach ask him to "look" at you and sit. When he does this and ignores the person passing by he gets a treat and verbal praise. You can do this with people you know first. This will take A LOT of time and effort on your part but it should help.

https://www.petco.com/shop/SearchDisplay?categoryId=&storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&sType=SimpleSearch&resultCatEntryType=2&showResultsPage=true&searchSource=Q&pageView=&beginIndex=0&pageSize=24&fromPageValue=search&searchTerm=gentle+leader&omnitureEnabled=false&cm_sp=SearchSuggest-_-gentle+leader-_-Location&searchsuggestion_keyword=gentle+leader

I wish you and Bruno the best!
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 16th, 2017

    If your dog is lunging at people and/or other dogs then you will need to do some training to stop this unwanted behavior. First, you should walk him with a head collar like a Gentle Leader. You will have more control of him while walking and he won't be able to pull or lunge as easily. You also need to teach him some basic commands, like sit, stay, and "leave it". Once he has mastered those commands then you can use them while walking. Take some treats that your dog loves and when you see someone coming close give your dog the command to sit and stay while holding a treat in your hand. Do not give the treat until the person has passed. With some time and patience, hopefully he will learn to ignore a person or dog that passes by. You should not adopt another dog until he is fully trained. You could also have a trainer work with him, if needed.

    http://veterinarymedicine.dvm360.com/better-walk-training-dogs-not-lunge-growl-and-pull-leash?pageID=2

    http://www.petsafe.net/gentleleader

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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