What is the opposition reflex?

• A. Push back against pressure. Leash walking.
• B. Freeze in place when approached.
• C. Barking at unfamiliar objects.
• D. Tail wagging when pat.

Answer: (A)

Opposition reflex is the dog’s instinct to push back against pressure or restraint. When you apply forward pressure on the leash to move the dog, the dog naturally resists by pushing away against that pressure. This helps explain why many dogs pull on leash—the reflex makes them try to escape the perceived restraint rather than yield to it. In leash training, you use this knowledge by applying gentle forward pressure and then releasing as the dog steps with you, reinforcing that moving with you relieves the pressure. The other options describe different behaviors (freezing, barking, tail wagging) that aren’t the reflex in response to leash pressure.