Does your dog jump, bark, or become uncontrollable in exciting situations? Managing your furry friend’s overexcitement is crucial not only for your peace of mind but also for their well-being. We offer practical tips to help you keep your dog calm, ensuring both of you can enjoy outings and events stress-free.

 

Understanding Overexcitement in Dogs

What Causes Overexcitement?  

Dogs can become overexcited due to a variety of reasons, such as new environments, meeting new people or other dogs, or even during playtime. This heightened state of arousal can lead to behaviours like jumping, excessive barking, or even aggression.

 

Tips for Keeping Your Dog Calm

1. Early Socialisation and Exposure:

• Introduce your dog to various settings, sounds, and people from a young age.

• Regular exposure can desensitise them to potential triggers, reducing overexcitement.

 

2. Use Calming Exercises:

• Teach your dog calming exercises such as ‘sit’ and ‘stay’ commands that you can use to regain their focus.

• Practice these commands frequently in both calm and gradually more distracting environments.

 

3. Provide Adequate Physical and Mental Exercise:

• Ensure your dog gets enough exercise to burn off excess energy that can fuel overexcitement.

• Include mental stimulation activities like puzzle toys or hide-and-seek games to keep their mind engaged. Stimulating activities that requires your dog to use their nose is a simple and effective way to manage their excessive energy!

 

4. Controlled Greetings:

• Train your dog to greet people and other animals calmly in a safe, controlled environment. This also involves creating safe distances away from their triggers of being overexcited.

• Use a short leash in social situations to manage their movements and maintain control.

• Reward calm behaviour with treats and praise to reinforce these behaviours.

5. Recognise the Signs of Arousal:

• Learn to recognise when your dog is becoming too excited.

• Remove them from the situation temporarily to allow them to calm down if needed. Create as much distance as possible to find their overexcitement or reactive threshold.

6. Consistent Routine:

• Maintain a consistent daily routine that includes regular periods of rest.

• A structured day can help manage your dog’s energy levels and reduce hyperactivity.

Managing your dog’s excitement is essential for ensuring that you both enjoy your time together, especially in social or public spaces. By using these tips, you can help your dog learn to handle excitement in a controlled and calm manner, leading to safer and more enjoyable interactions. Ready to turn every outing into a relaxed experience? Implement these strategies today and watch as your dog becomes more composed and manageable, no matter the situation.