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Controlling An Overly Excited Dog
 Controlling
your overly excited dog is really about controlling your feelings and
emotions. Your personal energy (a.k.a. your emotional state), is
easily transfers to the dog. Excitable dogs become even more
excited if you use a high-pitched, excited voice. It is very
important that you handle the energetic or over excited dog with
calm, firm, leadership and speak to him in a calm, firm-toned
voice. This will help to keep the dog more calm.
An example might include
getting ready to go on a walk. Before you go for a walk, be sure
to make the dog sit calmly while you attach the leash. If you have
to battle him to attach a leash, it will only make things worse
once the walk starts.
To calm your dog command him to sit in a low but firm voice. If he
doesn't sit, you can place him into a sit by gently pulling up on
his collar or leash while putting light pressure on his bottom
just in front of the tail. Hold him in place quietly, without
anger or frustration. Do not make any unnecessary noise or
movements until after he quits moving around and he remains
sitting. When he settles down, you may quietly and calmly praise
him. But remember that verbally praising may cause excitement. If
that happens you may have to start all over again. Do not use
physical contact as that will tend to excite him even more.
Physical and mental stimulation can also be a great help in
controlling an over excited dog. Playing with and walking your dog
will help burn off energy, while one-on-one obedience training can
be an effective outlet for the overly energetic dog. Obedience
training teaches the dog to sit quietly and also requires him to
concentrate. This uses up brain power and energy. Obedience
training also gives you access to control his activity in the
house. Teaching the "settle" command is a very effective
way to to control excitement inside. When the dog becomes overly
excited you can place him in a "settle". The "settle"
time should be long enough for the dog to completely relax. Ten
minutes will usually be enough. When the "settle" time
has past, your dog will usually be more calm. If every time the
dog gets overly excited you demand it to "settle", he
will learn that he is to be calm when he is inside the
house.
Extremely energetic or nervous dog should be given
appropriate outlets to release the pent up energy. If you don't,
you may be sorry. High energy and nervous dog's often resort in
chewing to release energy. If your sofa happens to get in the way,
you may be looking for a new one sooner then you were expecting
to. It is important to evaluate your dog's energy level from time
to time and then adjust it's lifestyle
and exercise schedule accordingly. The
first recommendation a pet owner often receives is to fence in the
backyard for the dog. This usually is NOT enough. Overly energetic
dogs need to walk or run in order to burn off energy. A large yard is useless if the dog does not use
it to run. A better use may be to set up an agility course.
Structured activities will burn more energy.
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