Leash reactivity is one of the most common challenges for shelter dogs, affecting both their welfare and adoptability. Shih and colleagues (2020) examined 370 human–dog interactions across 74 volunteers and 111 dogs at an RSPCA shelter to investigate how shelter assessments and canine demographics predict leash behavior.
Each walk was video-recorded and analyzed using ethograms, while leash tension meters measured the strength of pulling. Dogs that scored as more relaxed during behavioral assessments—whether socializing with humans or being left alone—displayed significantly less leash reactivity. They pulled less, showed lower tension, and required fewer verbal or physical corrections from handlers.
Additionally, socialized and relaxed dogs displayed positive body language, such as high tail carriage, gazing at the handler, and exploring the environment confidently. Volunteers rated walks with such dogs as more satisfying, while stronger pulling correlated with lower handler satisfaction.
The study concluded that the RSPCA’s canine behavioral assessment can be a valuable tool for predicting shelter dogs’ leash behavior. Using these assessments may not only improve the walking experience for volunteers but also enhance adoptability by highlighting dogs with calmer temperaments.
Source: Shih, H.-Y., Paterson, M. B. A., Georgiou, F., & Phillips, C. (2020). Do Canine Behavioural Assessments and Characteristics Predict the Human-Dog Interaction When Walking on a Leash in a Shelter Setting? Animals, 11.
