Question on Calming a Dog

@Kaitlin58

So, my precious little pup is usually well behaved. With some training and lots of love, I have made her in to quite the young lady but I do have one issue. When I come home or if someone comes to my house, Harley gets over excited. She doesn't really jump or put anyone in danger, but she gets really worked up. What do you all do to calm your dogs quickly?

Hi Kaitlin,

I think the best way to deal with this one is that you ignore her for awhile when you arrive home. She wants your attention, avoid petting her when she does this! Wait for her to calm down.

@jCrisp

@Kaitlin58

So, my precious little pup is usually well behaved. With some training and lots of love, I have made her in to quite the young lady but I do have one issue. When I come home or if someone comes to my house, Harley gets over excited. She doesn't really jump or put anyone in danger, but she gets really worked up. What do you all do to calm your dogs quickly?

Hi Kaitlin,

I think the best way to deal with this one is that you ignore her for awhile when you arrive home. She wants your attention, avoid petting her when she does this! Wait for her to calm down.

You have to desensitize that slowly for maximum effectiveness.  I usually "set them up" == meaning I ask friends to come by at specific times.  People who know we are "training" and know not to interfere and who will be patient with repetition.

I start when they come to the door.  Don't open the door until the dog "sits" and is quiet.  (we have a "no bark" rule in the house generally -- they get a bark to inform us of a problem but simple barking to make noise isn't tolerated and that gets you separated and ignored until you behave.)

But mostly you have to let your visitors know that they can't interact with the dog until it is behaving acceptably.  To respond to pawing, barking enforces it.  In fact with me that gets the dog segregated  (being denied it's toy can be serious business).

Thanks for all of your advice! I think this is the missing piece to the puzzle. After a few minutes she is a perfect lady but she is way too excited when I get home. The  biggest hurdle will probably getting guests to ignore her when they get in the door. At a whopping 25 lbs, my guests sometimes think she is  eternally a puppy. That being said, I don't think her size should excuse her behavior .  I will update you with my progress! :)