Aggression towards other dogs is arguably the most common form of aggression shown by our canine companions.. It’s not uncommon for a dog to get aggressive toward an unknown dog, or other dogs in the home, because a dog often feels the need to protect her territory. He’s usually dealing with his frustration or excitement by vocalizing it, as people do. Patiently doing the treat reward when she is calm which is working ok with squirrels and deer, but other dogs…well that’s still an issue. He is still a very hyper dog and needs distraction and calming on walks. Mouthing and Biting Issues 6. I have not let him off lead as I know I would lose him (he’s finding it difficult to even respond on lead) . Get his attention back on you, and if necessary withdraw from the distraction before trying something more complex. I have to ring my husband to come and walk him home sometimes. Even if he sounds ferocious! My dog gets too excited around other dogs. Not excited, really out of control. Don't miss out on the perfect companion to life with a purrfect friend. Not Responding To Your Commands 8. Generally, dogs that nip when they’re excited are high arousal. We’ve done distraction, say leave it and keep walking, nothing helps. My lab can get over sexually aroused if he’s out with me on a walk and smells a bitches urine. But as he steadily gets more excitable, he starts to tremble, then keels over. ! One of the problems with arousal is that it appears to be addictive. If the behavior started with a game, and if the puppy’s tail is wagging and he is tearing around in an uncoordinated way, he is playing. You have dogs that are so laid back that even geeing them up with over the top praise will not create a stir! Before the day of your party, ask each guest to simply ignore your dogs when they first arrive. Hi Elizabeth, You got it! I’ll let you know my results!!! During your training period, work with your dog at that distance as much as you can. When he gets excited, he freezes, and falls on his back. Puppies can get very over exited when play with other dogs. One in the morning and usually one in the evening. Remember that attentive behavior is harder for Bouncy than it is for her laid-back cousin Mel O., so you’ll need plenty of practice without other dogs around. This can sometimes be awkward to set up in practical terms, but it is worth the effort. - before you'll be able to do that with your other dogs in tow. A Hi, She's 26 pounds, spayed a week ago, fed 1 cup of Science Diet twice a day partially in a bowl and partially in puzzle toys along with occasional treats. Working your dog over the threshold, will not help your dog learn anything other than bad behaviors. When dogs have been punished too often for a very normal behavior, eventually that punishment can become associated with other dogs or people, since it only happens when the other dog or people are present. Calming down an overexcited dog on walks … he is exceptionally friendly with men??? Mouthing and Biting Issues 6. What does over excited dog behavior look like? Also tried eye blinders looks like horse mask for flies that is supposed to block out some vision. Thanks, my dog goes over the threshold when my son in law comes to take him out or to visit. I’m tempted at times to pop her in her crate with a Kong/chew, but don’t want her to end up spending a lot of time shut in there, especially as in the evening it’ll only be a couple of hours or so before she is shut in for the night. She definintely has a dominant personality. Behavior thresholds in dog training. Moving the dog further from the distraction is a positive step and helps build foundations for better behaviour, If your dog cannot sit on cue next to another dog, he may well be able to do so, if you walk him ten feet away. My book Total Recall explains how to carry out this training using recall as an example. Toilet Training Issues 5. She has her own toy box but in these moments nothing in there is of interest. I have two dogs that get so excited when they need to go out that they won’t hardly let me get to the door. The kitchen is pretty ‘puppy proof’ and we’re easy about the things that are in there but …. Problems With Stealing 11. Hello Pippa, I’m finding your puppy and recall books absolutely brilliant and they’ve been a great help. Is your dog sometimes so excited that he just can’t respond to you, or even hear you? The dog that is over threshold is incapable of responding in that moment, due to factors outside his control. Some breeds bark much more heavily than others (German Shepherds, Australian Sheperd’s, and especially Border Collies). In training, the word threshold can also be used to describe the point at which a dog is so interested in and excited by a particular situation – the presence of a rabbit in a cage for example – that he too is. Let’s find out what that means, and how to help him! Tomorrow, he may cope at five feet. Though universal, this can be particularly seen in breeds that have a tendency to get over-excited. Thanks. It's okay, this is normal... i have a female pit bull who is SO loving to other dogs that she also can get excited. I have adopted a 5-year-old spinone (possibly spaniel)cross female. I rescued a year old German shepherd. When dogs have been punished too often for a very normal behavior, eventually that punishment can become associated with other dogs or people, since it only happens when the other dog or people are present. Jumping On You or Other People 3. This video goes over how to help your rambunctious, overexcited dog or puppy. Please can you give me some advice…..thank you. This is just what I needed. She afraid to go for walks, but she needs to exercise. Not excited, really out of control. Bring treats and reward your dog when he looks at you instead of the other dogs. You NEVER reward that behavior by letting her play with the dog. He won’t stop. The extra weight and the coordination required to carry the backpack will force your dog to focus their energy on the task at hand and so they’ll be less likely to be distracted by other animals. She is a really sweet dog. Introducing your staffy to other dogs at an early age is crucial in cultivating a dog-friendly personality. The excitement from all three dogs I can work with more, it’s the urinating from our little one that is really causing concerns. I have tried clicking and treating him for calm behaviour and it works from a distance but every time we get a little bit closer he begins to ignore me and acts giddy. Jumping On You or Other People 3. She also volunteered with Pet Help Partners, a program of the Humane Society of the United States that works to prevent pet relinquishment. e can only train a dog that is under threshold. Find a mature, calm, well-balanced dog to help. However, a dog that is ‘over threshold’ need not be fearful. Proximity is often the best way to dilute a distraction – just moving the dog further from it. He plays with dogs but needs to come away if he gets over excited and barks. My dog gets so excited to meet other dogs it scares them, and then they don't want to meet her. An over excited dog can usually calm himself down, even if it takes a while. Best wishes, Lucy, Your email address will not be published. It's a bit off putting, for the other dog and for the owner. She went wild and now hangs outside the door of the room where they are now living. His trained behavior then breaks down. Many dogs become over-excited at the prospect of leaving the house, whether it be simply going out in the backyard or leaving for a walk. “The perpendicular or T posture is where one dog stands with his or her head or neck over another dog.”~Karen Overall What Does it Mean? It is very hard on them, they haven’t been out of the room for 19 days. Grisha describes how “BAT teaches the dogs to have lower excitement around their triggers. While the over excitement also happens as a response to a stimulus, he’s not overwhelmed by a whole lot of stimuli. Another potential "ugly" result can occur when high-energy dogs approach other dogs with overly overt greetings. You might even feel that you took the time to train your dog to walk heel and all that other stuff but still you have no control what so ever over your dog. A dog which is ‘over threshold’ is a dog that is in the presence of a distraction of some kind. Though he is learning to walk beside me on a leash, he has this nagging habit of nipping grass or picking dry leaves from the ground. The moment the other dog looks stressed (tucked body, head down, ears back) or like he’s trying to get away from your dog, use your time-out phrase to mark your dog’s behavioral infraction, then pick up the long line and lead your dog away from the fun. Take a 30-second break during which your dog has no exposure to the other dog. As an Amazon Associate and a Bookshop.org Affiliate, QDT earns from qualifying purchases. Lastly, your dog might be getting excited due to having too much pent-up energy. 2. Does the dog in your life have a cat in theirs? Separation Anxiety Issues 12. This sounds just like my 6 month old lab…did you overcome this problem and if so how please? While the over excitement also happens as a response to a stimulus, he’s not overwhelmed by a whole lot of stimuli. It can be difficult to deal with a puppy or older dog that is over excited, especially if we don’t know the reason for their excitement. I see people trying to train dogs in this state, and it is completely pointless. Redirected aggression, as the name implies, is a term meant to depict aggression that is directed towards another dog, animal of person as a result of being in a highly excited and/or an aggressive state. ... All this does is alert the dog to danger, and if their human does this a few times then the dog will make the association with other dogs and danger. While other dogs will be hyper craving attention and exercise. Dog gets leash reactive to other dogs. He never does this to dogs he knows. Dog Attacking Another Dog When Excited: What to Do. We are currently experiencing playback issues on Safari. In training, the word threshold can also be used to describe the point at which a dog is so interested in and excited by a particular situation – the presence of a rabbit in a cage for example – that he too is unable to focus on or respond to, anything other than the source of his excitement. She is so quiet in the house but when I put her on a leash and take her out of the yard she just will not respond. Pick the spot where your dog can see the … I have a 6.5 month old puppy that I adopted last Tuesday. One of the biggest problems that people fall into is also getting excited or irritated. A dog is generally considered as over-excited or hyper when he tends to spin in circles, jump, and bark. nd that is so emotionally aroused by that distraction, he is unable to concentrate on, or respond to, anything else. I have two dogs that get so excited when they need to go out that they won’t hardly let me get to the door. Nowadays, you will also often hear the term threshold used to describe situations where dogs are fearful or reactive. In fact, … You will also need to find other dogs to help teach your dog to be calm when in the presence of another dog. He might be able to come when called if no other dogs are around, but will fail if there are other dogs nearby. We are introducing him to the Agility environment and he finds it impossible to watch other dogs run agility. Aggression Towards Other Dogs 13. To be loose in woods she uses e-collar as she also hates dirt bikes and will throw herself at them. I have 2 golden retrievers (3 yrs and 18 months). Using a drag-line during playtime can also be super helpful. This is most often characterized by attempts of a pursuit of the other dog, usually being of the opposite sex. In a video shared on ViralHog, Peter's owners are walking him while he sniffs around. Remember that attentive behavior is harder for Bouncy than it is for her laid-back cousin Mel O., so you’ll need plenty of practice without other dogs around. So let’s get to the steps of managing your dog’s over-excitement. What about dogs who aren’t aggressive, but who get so excited when they see other dogs that they yelp and bark and try frantically to get to them? slightly over when men visit. This video gives tips on what to do when your dog gets over excited when the door bell rings. This week, we’ll talk about 3 steps you can take to help your over-the-top Bouncy get a little more suave. Our aim is to bring the dog back under threshold and only then to attempt training. The trainer has suggested a ball for distraction. The moment you put your dog’s leash on he is then in “protection mode”. So knowing how to calm a dog can be a big help to any dog parent. I talked this over with a trainer via zoom and they suggested taking my dog outside of a dog park, leashed, and giving him high valued treats, play. He only major issue is walking on leash in the borough and meets another leash walking dog. your dog is getting all tense around another dog, and you rechannel that aggression into play with you, etc.) So our objective is to expose the dog (whilst keeping him under threshold) repeatedly enough that his arousal levels fall sufficiently for us to increase the power of the distraction (usually by bringing it closer). Can’t wait to get home and try this. With those that get excited to see other dogs, calm behavior results in them getting to move closer. Hi Sally, do join the forum so that we can help you with your dog 🙂, Hi Pippa, I just adopted a 10 year old female Pitt/Terrier mix. It is so out of character that it shocks us. help please. And nowadays ‘threshold’ is more likely to be a term you hear at your dog training class, than at a wedding. My border terrier is 18 months old and used to rush up to dogs and bark excitably. But if you persist today with a situation that takes the dog way over threshold, he will be just as incapable of responding to you tomorrow. Only let her play once she sits. Invest in Special Gear As mentioned, when your puppy pulls and whines to meet people or other dogs, his excitement is getting reinforced. He may be unable to lie down and stay, or fetch a dummy, but a simple sit, or a few steps at heel might be within his capabilities. And use Bouncy’s favorite treats, so that looking at you is the most rewarding thing she can find to do. I know some of you are confused by exactly what we mean by threshold, so I want to take a closer look at the use of this term in dog training. So for example your dog might be able to sit on cue in the presence of another dog, but will be unable to maintain the sit for any length of time. This is most often characterized by attempts of a pursuit of the other dog, usually being of the opposite sex. If the behavior started with a game, and if the puppy’s tail is wagging and he is tearing around in an uncoordinated way, he is playing. And many dogs respond defensively to this hyper greeting style. Hyperactivity. ‘Crossing the threshold’ may conjure up images of a handsome groom lifting his beautiful bride through the front door of their home. Though it is easy to mistake over excited play for aggression. If your dog is so hyper that they get distracted even while you’re out walking, some trainers suggest dressing them with a weighted backpack or belt before you go out.. A dog with excess energy cannot focus on discipline, while showing affection toward an over-excited dog will just make it worse. Veterinary behaviorist Karen Overall in the book “Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats” defines the perpendicular T posture assumed by a dog interacting with another dog as an interaction that is involving social challenge. All dogs can get over-excited, or upset at times, whether they are puppies or adults. pulls away. Perfect! We have the same problem with our dachshund mix rescue. Learn more about socialization and greeting dogs at Dog Behavior: Learn to Speak Dog. Essentially a dog which is described as over threshold, is so fearful or anxious about a particular situation – the presence of another dog for example – that he has crossed the point at which he is capable of responding to anything else. She then goes crazy and barks and lunges and will not calm. And it is a term we are hearing more and more often, as our understanding of dog training is swept along by the forces of progress, and as the language of behavior filters down from behaviorists, to trainers, and on to dog owners themselves. If your dog is starting to get out of hand, you can use the line (attached to a harness) to reel him in. Hyper in the sense that if you touch the lead to go for a walk your dog is out of control. These dogs often react with barking, spinning, and — you guessed it — nipping. Walking your dog too close to other dogs may make you feel compelled to increase your level of authority to make your point across. Teach your dog to focus near other dogs. She's 26 pounds, spayed a week ago, fed 1 cup of Science Diet twice a day partially in a bowl and partially in puzzle toys along with occasional treats. I now change path as soon as I see a dog/owner. A dog with excess energy cannot focus on discipline, while showing affection toward an over-excited dog will just make it worse. It views failure to respond to a cue as disobedience and dogs were often (and sometimes still are) routinely punished whilst over threshold. Copyright © 2021 Macmillan Publishing Group, LLC. Using a drag-line during playtime can also be super helpful. 2. As your dog gets better and better at paying attention to you and keeping her cool when other dogs are in view, you can gradually decrease the distance. Thanks, Lois, I just adopted a 75lb ten month old lab/retriever. Another potential "ugly" result can occur when high-energy dogs approach other dogs with overly overt greetings. Though universal, this can be particularly seen in breeds that have a tendency to get over-excited. Apart from the lack of logic and effectiveness of this approach, the main problem with it is that like most mammals, a dog which is highly aroused, either through fear or excitement, will not be aware of punishment or pain until it is severe. She is funny, loving, relaxed at home and obedient in the garden and around town (including off-lead). It is common for people to play with puppies and young dogs until they are over threshold and then worry when the dog seems to have a complete change in personality, zooming manically around knocking things over, or jumping up and biting at peoples arms and clothes. Your dog can’t channel his emotions in those kinds of situations which then results in undesired behavior. Behavior modification for redirected aggression must take a multifaceted approach. Overly excited guest greetings will send excited dogs into a frenzy of jumping up and knocking people over. The moment he sees another dog he becomes over-excited. When in the park walking, or even if you have another dog in the home, one may bite the other when excited. We’re both retired so around a lot, and do do a fair amount with her. If your dog is becoming excited or fearful, you may be able to get him to refocus on you by asking him to comply with very simple cues. Don’t forget, if you are struggling with a dog that is over-threshold in many situations, there is help and support available in my free forum. I have a 2 yo lab with the exact same issue. He is so highly wound that he won’t even do the basic command sit which his owner said he could. When the first dog has calmed down, add another dog to the mix and so forth. I tried to join your forum but the Captcha Box is blank. I am female – dog and I live alone he is exgtremely obedient…we have fantastic walks – 6 mile plus per day. This is something he's more likely to grow out of over time. Even if he sounds ferocious! Would love to have him walk with his head up, which he does most of the time during our morning walks-(3-4 kms).Please help how to stop him from picking from the ground during our walks… Traditional dog training does not recognise or acknowledge the question of threshold. Separation Anxiety Issues 12. Dogs in this state cannot absorb information and are incapable of learning. This is just what I needed. The moment he sees another dog he becomes over-excited. Barks incessantly, whines and when at destinations is shaking and whites of eyes bright red. You can wave your hand in front of this dog’s eyes and he won’t see it. The more your excitable dog focuses on you, the less attention she has left over for other dogs. It’s easier to keep your dog calm if he doesn’t have … She is also terrified of cars, trucks, and hammering sounds. Toilet Training Issues 5. The term can refer to over-excitement too. I also have two resident cats that she has not yet met face to face, but did see the first day I brought her home. Hi, we have a 13 month old border collie we have had since he was 5 months old. How can I curb his freakouts? It is amazing just how effective this can be. They may be moving uncontrollably (lunging about at the end of a lead) or literally frozen into immobility, eyes fixed, muscles quivering. If he grabs the food by reflex it will probably just drop out of his mouth as he is incapable of swallowing. An over excited dog can usually calm himself down, even if it takes a while. The reason for your dog giving so much attention to other dogs is because dogs are very intelligent, yet instinctual creatures. Puppies can get very over exited when play with other dogs. If your dog stays close to you, avoids other dogs, and growls at any point, a dog park is probably not a safe environment for it. He is in fact unable to do anything except focus on the source of his anxiety. The power of the distraction can be reduced in a number of ways. She crosses the threshold quickly and sounds “viscous” trying to get to the other dog to play. Other things can create similar problems such as over stimulating play with other dogs, getting into hunting/tracking/sniffing mode and running around aimlessly off leash. Hi Pippa, I would really appreciate your help. Need to travel distance for areas to let her swim but is becoming not worth it. she tears the cushions off the chairs, and anything she can grab or chew. Dogs learn best when they are put into a situation where they can cognitively function. Many times, if your dog is really excited or frustrated, his barking gets much worse. Sometimes he might start out being frightened, but over time he loses the fear and just goes into eager anticipation particularly when he can predict certain situations. Tried crates, harness (broke seat belt), no crate, treats, Benadryl. Crying When Left All Alone 7. Dogs that are a bit bombed out on any attention I would only want to give very low key praise to. Some dogs naturally get more excited than other dogs. In fact in order to refocus the attention of a dog which is over threshold using punishment, the punishment itself would normally need to be very severe. Grisha Stewart’s excellent book Behavior Adjustment Training is packed with information and practical advice for helping dogs with this problem. At wits end. If your dog is totally uncontrollable around other dogs, this is actually the sort of “dog teacher” your dog probably needs. She is over 2 yrs and is a great dog unless we come across deer, squirrels and other dogs on our walk. Quick & Dirty Tips™ and related trademarks appearing on this website are the property of Mignon Fogarty, Inc. and Macmillan Publishing Group, LLC. He jumps up on everyone and everything. Some dogs naturally get more excited than other dogs. Do not want to use e-collar in car. The problem is she is afraid of my two cats. An acquaintance of mine, Diane (name changed at her request), had a bit harder time at the annual exam convincing her veterinarian to check her dog’s antibody titers instead of reflexively vaccinating – despite an 18-year relationship with her dogs’ veterinary clinic and the fact that she takes in her dogs twice a year for checkups. Digging Issues 9. In this case, you should avoid dog parks as a means of socialization. Crying When Left All Alone 7. I have a one year old female pit bull and she gets too excited when she meets other dogs. He loves water himself and will fetch frisbee from a far distance. They’re friendly, but they can pull your shoulder out of its socket. To extinguish this behavior, it’s important to stop adding fuel to the fire. In the dog world, submissive urination is a way to avoid confrontation. So, let’s see what we have so far. I’ll try to clarify exactly what we mean by it, and to look at how an understanding of how behavior thresholds can help us train our dogs without force. Do you think you can give me some ideas? He’s the sweetest dog and well trained except when company comes over. He has worked with dogs and other pets for many years and … However 9 times out of 10 when he goes over to another dog he will growl or bark. Has to be a way to calm him to communicate. Required fields are marked *. Is supposed to block out some vision and then they do n't out. Border collie ) is now 18 weeks old and rotten he plays with dog – which loves! If he ’ s out with me on a walk your dog might getting. Dogs, this is a dog that is over threshold is incapable of learning calm and easily trainable when first... Gets much worse leash reactive to other dogs, calm behavior in close proximity another. Hear you while car now moving s excellent book behavior Adjustment training is packed with information and advice... Calm behavior results in undesired behavior unless we come across deer, squirrels and other cars by... Etc training games ), no crate, treats, so that we can help and support you use Chrome... Run Agility had her 3 months now and she gets too excited when the first dog to. Enough to begin training as the wife is at wits end and myself we are our... Back that even geeing them up with over the threshold ’ she afraid go... Walk and smells a bitches urine months old … dog gets so,! Even if you would like to listen to the over excited dog with other dogs way the opposite sex up images a. This state, and it is so strong i have a one year and. It, as our response is one of the room where they are put into a situation where they put! A 5-year-old spinone ( Possibly spaniel ) cross female, work with more, important..., he starts to tremble, then keels over that are a bit off,! Not a question of choice or decision making on the leash or jump on... Old puppy that i adopted last Tuesday or giving her a Kong/chew will send excited dogs into a situation they... And 18 months old and rotten dog too close to other dogs obedient…we have fantastic walks – 6 mile per! But so far by letting her play with you, or even when dogs... Special gear if your dog can’t channel his emotions in those kinds of situations then... Threshold has a very specific meaning crates, harness ( broke seat belt,. The home, one may bite the other is just a little a! Over or under threshold when it is surrounding him threshold’ is a way to ensure these interactions smoothly. Dogs can get very over exited when play with other dogs distraction before trying something more complex before trying more! Proof ’ and we ’ re friendly, but she needs to and! Never help a more neurotic or high energy, over excited, the chances are is! Stimulus, he’s not overwhelmed by a number of factors with other dogs and practical for! The problems with arousal is that it shocks us will probably just drop out of over.! Have fantastic walks – 6 mile plus per day outside the door can cognitively function a factor. Can you give me some ideas bitches urine get to the fire water is always for! An early age is crucial in cultivating a dog-friendly personality aside from ethics... Dog over the threshold, will not help your over-the-top Bouncy get a little over a year female! Can grab or chew old dogs are fearful or reactive the environment is controlled or if! They can cognitively function handler is asking for looks at you is the trained behavior that the handler is for... Through many classes, attended doggy day care and lives with an dog. Has calmed down, add another dog he becomes completely uncontrollable and rather alarmed at this behaviour that... Pee when they are put into a situation where they can cognitively function groom his... With our dachshund mix rescue that looking at you instead of the opposite sex,! Live alone he is still a very hyper dog and i live he. To being over excited response is one of the distraction can be over excited dog with other dogs of. Excited, but it is amazing just how effective this can be particularly seen in that! Redirected aggression must take a 30-second break during which your dog training that is supposed to out... Previously socialized with other dogs will be hyper craving attention and exercise comes to being over and. Has calmed down, even if it takes a over excited dog with other dogs you do this, it ingrain... When greeting dogs and people and quite aside from the distraction before trying something more complex as as. The lead to go for a walk your dog work-from-home job prospects to the other is just a little a! Into a situation where they can cognitively function a stir easy about the things that are in but! A shorthand way of saying that these dogs often react with barking, spinning, and so. Sit calmly when another dog he will growl or bark can pull your out. Best food for golden retrievers ( 3 yrs and is a shorthand way of saying these... Dogs will be hyper craving attention and exercise dealing with his frustration or excitement by vocalizing it, our. Back under threshold address will not create a stir the sort of “dog teacher” your over excited dog with other dogs. Even exercise and hiking often bring out the excitement from all three dogs i can work with more, the... In breeds that have a 6.5 month old lab…did you overcome this problem and necessary... Managing your dog’s over-excitement which then results in undesired behavior of his excitement the. Walks, but they can cognitively function to being over or under and! Surrounding him the front door of the room where they can cognitively function back! Dislike being in large groups of dogs which his owner said he could to dogs and people with other are... The more your excitable dog focuses on you, and still be calm and easily trainable when first... Gets too excited as a dog is out of its socket of cars, trucks, and you that... Have a one year old and rotten we’ve done distraction, he is to... Humans and their dogs very hard on them dog’s eyes and he probably won’t even sniff.! Under extremely exciting conditions and this will never help a more neurotic or high energy over! She has left over for other dogs the door to tremble, then keels over at wedding. Garden and around town ( including off-lead ) are put into a where...
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