My new, 5 yr old American Eskimo mix can't contain himself when he gets excited. When he sees another dog, a person, a deer, or if he hears the doorbell ring, he goes bonkers*. I wouldn't mind it if not for the accompanying (VERY LOUD) barking and whining. I stand in front of him when checking out what he is seeing through the window. He's good about not trying to force his way back in front, but he won't stop the barking; while he's doing it, he just stares at me (?). He'll quickly settle back down when the object of his attention has passed.
I've done doorbell training, and it took about 5 back-to-back sessions before he could mellow out enough to sit behind me while waiting for the door to open. Unexpected visitors get quite a greeting. On walks, I can't control what he is seeing, so I just keep moving. He pulls against the leash, but doesn't fight it. I'm really stumped on how to work with him outdoors.
I use NILIF, and treats to reward calm. Can this technique teach him to rein in his excitement?
*To clarify things a bit: he loves other dogs, likes people... and I have no idea what a 30 lb dog wants to do with a 250 lb deer.