Overexcitement in Dogs when a Visitor Arrives
Lately a couple people have expressed concern about excitement in their dog when visitors come to the home.
I read a few of my favorite sources and this is how I would handle this problem. Bruce Fogle, D.V.M., M.R.C.V.S, author of “The Dog’s Mind, Understanding Your Dog’s Behavior”, tells us that the dog’s mind enters a state of conflict when visitors arrive at home. He does not know whether they are member of his pack or not, friend, or foe. If they are friends, then it is exciting that they have arrived. This can lead to jumping, excessive licking and badgering of the visitor.
If, in his mind, they are foe, then it is still exciting because their arrival has broken the monotony of the day, but are also a threat. This can lead to curiosity and hostility and possibly biting.
Recommended behaviors to correct overexcitement are:
- Retrain the sit, down, stay commands if not solid.
- With a “decoy” have the doorbell rung and practice the command. Make sure you use a strong reward, like a tasty liver treat. You will be conditioning the dog to the sound of the bell. When conditioning is accomplished, the dog will go down and stay at the sound. If the dog breaks the command, give a strong “no!” in a deep voice and start the process again.
- Until this behavior is solid and you have a guest on the way, have your dog’s leash (I like a short, traffic lead for this) attached and trailing. This way you can use the golden opportunity to train during “the real thing”. Most people will understand and appreciate your endeavor.
- Ask your visitors to ignore your dog when they arrive. This can be hard because the dog may refuse to be ignored, and oftentimes visitors cannot keep their hands off of a pet. If the dog is acting excited and is rewarded with human affection, your conditioning was just set back.
- After this new conditioning is solid, if the dog has remained in a calm state of mind and the visitor would like interaction, allow a determined amount, then the reward will be for being calm, not excited.
Using this method of conditioning should lead to success and you will have a calm, balanced dog awaiting your guests when they visit your home.
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This article was written by Caroline Oldham of http://dogtrainingonlinetips.com - your online source for training tips, real life stories and advice in dealing with dogs.
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