How to Fix Overexcitement in Dogs – Practical Training Guide

Introduction

Does your dog get overly excited at the worst times—jumping up on guests, barking excessively, or losing focus during walks? Overexcitement can be frustrating, but with the right training techniques, you can teach your dog to remain calm and focused. This guide will show you why dogs become overexcited and how to fix it with practical training steps.

 

Why Dogs Get Overexcited

Overexcitement often comes from a lack of impulse control, excessive energy, or unclear boundaries. If a dog learns that excitement gets them attention, play, or access to things they want, they will keep repeating the behaviour! Inconsistent responses, such as sometimes giving attention for jumping and other times ignoring it, can actually increase their desire to jump. The unpredictability of the reward—whether it’s touch, pushing them down, or even just eye contact—makes them seek it even more.

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Calming an Overexcited Dog

1. Manage Their Environment

• ✅ Use a lead to restrict immediate access to guests and only allow greetings when your dog is calm.
• ✅ Use structured walks to reinforce calm behaviour rather than allowing pulling or lunging (please see my Loose Lead Guide).
• ✅ Create a calm zone at home where your dog can settle when excitement levels rise (please see Crate Training 101).

2. Teach Impulse Control

• ✅ Practice “Sit & Wait” before meals, walks, or playing with toys.
• ✅ Reward calm behaviour instead of excitement—ignore jumping and reward when all four paws are on the ground.
• ✅ Introduce “Leave It” and “Place” commands to help redirect excess energy. A solid “Place” command is a game changer for a calmer dog.

3. Is Your Dog Exercised Enough?

• 🐶 How does their behaviour differ when they have had a really long walk or run?
• ✅ Off-Lead Opportunities – You will notice a huge difference in calmness if you allow your dog more off-lead opportunities to run! (If they don’t yet have recall, try a private field.)
• ✅ A structured pack walk can be incredible for teaching calmer behaviours around dogs (please see “Day Training” for the perfect solution).

4. Calm Greetings & Social Interactions

• ✅ When guests arrive, ignore jumping and wait for a calm sit before greeting.
• ✅ Use a lead indoors to guide behaviour rather than physically pushing them down.
• ✅ Reward calm engagement with treats and gentle praise—no hyped-up voices.

5. A Fun Game to Teach Calmness

A great way to build impulse control is the Calm Release Game:

• Step 1: Ask your dog to sit or lie down.
• Step 2: Hold a treat in your hand and slowly lower it.
• Step 3: If your dog moves before being released, bring the treat back up.
• Step 4: Only give the treat once they wait patiently for your command.

This teaches your dog that calm behaviour leads to rewards!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Unintentionally Rewarding Excitement – Stroking or talking to an overexcited dog reinforces the behaviour.
• ❌ Giving Too Much Physical Exercise Without Mental Stimulation – Too much running with no control work can increase hyperactivity.
• ❌ Inconsistent Boundaries – If you sometimes allow excitement (e.g., jumping when happy) but punish it at other times, it confuses your dog.

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

Overexcitement is fixable with the right balance of structure, training, and calm reinforcement. Stay consistent, and you’ll see huge improvements in your dog’s ability to focus and remain relaxed! If you want a calmer dog, reward calmer behaviours.

Need extra help? Book a 1-to-1 training session today!