Short answer: a dog who lunges and barks at other dogs on leash is usually having a strong emotional reaction. It is not being bad. Create space and get help.
What Dogs Trust says
Dogs Trust says dogs are often described as reactive if they bark, lunge and pull towards other dogs, people or things outside. It says many people think reactive dogs are aggressive but that is not always true. It says reactivity is a heightened emotional response, not naughtiness. It suggests calmly and quietly moving on, because stopping can sometimes make it worse, and notes that a tight leash can tell a dog that a trigger is close.
What to do
Keep a distance your dog can cope with. See barking on leash, the reactive dog threshold, a first session and whether dogs grow out of leash reactivity. For the full step-by-step method, see the Calm on the Leash guide.
Get the right help
Dogs Trust has a behavior support line, and your vet can refer you to a qualified behavior professional.
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Sources
Sources & care notes
Frequently asked questions
Is my dog aggressive?
Not necessarily. Dogs Trust says many people think reactive dogs are aggressive, but a bark and lunge is usually a strong emotional reaction to being held close.
What do I do in the moment?
Keep a distance your dog can cope with, and turn away early rather than waiting for the outburst.
What do we work on?
Building calm at bigger distances, then closing the gap slowly, with a qualified professional guiding the plan.
Where do I find help?
Your vet can refer you to a qualified behavior professional, and some organizations run behavior support lines.
