Aggressive on the leash

Question
Hi,

I have a wonderful Husky-mix named Sydney.  She's about 3 years old.  Syd loves going on walks but she's started getting really aggressive with any dog that we pass when she's on the leash.  Off the leash, she loves every dog she meets.  She hasn't always done this. When we approach a dog she'll sniff for about 3 seconds and then growls and acts like she's going to attack.  She loves to play rough with other dogs and can be really vocal but I'm not so sure this is play.  Any suggestions on what I can do to stop this?  

Thanks! Melissa

Answer
Dear Melissa,
I too have a dog who behaves like this and I must say it is a very trying
habit to break. While her behaviour may look very intimidating you will find mostly this will give way to play. When a dog is on a leash it sees its personal space as being invaded easier by others, humans as well as other animals and is more prone to react aggressively to intrusions on her small lead space. Hence she is not aggresive off lead at all. All you can do is show her clearly how much you dissapprove of her actions when she behaves this way by stern reprimand. Unfortunately with my dog at times it has been neccessary to just try to go places that are a bit quieter, so I might have less trouble to begin with.
I hope this helps.
Faye and Husky Crew.