Doggy Dan, why is my dog overexcited? Also, how to calm overexcited dogs?

I often get this question from dog owners dealing with dogs that are always all over the place, jumping on the couch, on them, and on other dogs.

They bark, run, and lunge all because they are excited… something that causes a lot of stress not only to their owners but to other dogs as well.

These overexcited dogs often get shouted at or barked at because they're constantly invading space, always not listening.

In other words, these dogs always get into trouble.

And who wants that for their dogs, right?

You're in the right place if you have an overexcited dog and want to get to the bottom of the issue.

If you're looking for ways to calm an overexcited dog, I have important tips.

Read on.

Key Takeaways

• Overexcitement in dogs can manifest in various behavioral signs, including incessant barking, hyperactive jumping, pacing, and the inability to remain still. This behavior often arises from underlying issues related to the dog's perception of its role as the pack leader, a lack of physical and mental stimulation, and overstimulating environments.


• Establishing yourself as the pack leader is crucial to calming an overexcited dog. By taking charge of mealtime, attention, walks, and all aspects of the dog's life, you communicate that you are the one in control, which can help reduce the dog's overexcitement and restlessness.


• Additional strategies to calm an overexcited dog include providing regular physical exercise and mental stimulation, consistent obedience training to establish a stronger bond and outlet for the dog's energy, and creating a tranquil home environment that includes a safe space for the dog.

LEARN HOW TO HANDLE OVEREXCITED DOGS WITH THE DOG CALMING CODE
Table of Contents:

1. How to Calm Overexcited Dogs: What Are the Signs to Look Out For


2. What Causes a Dog to be Overexcited?


3. When You Show Leadership, You Calm an Overexcited Dog


4. Apart From Being the Pack Leader, How Do You Calm an Overexcited Dog?


5. How the Dog Calming Code Can Change Your Overexcited Do

How to Calm Overexcited Dogs: What Are the Signs to Look Out For

Is your dog really just happy or are they starting to show signs of being an overexcited dog?

The easiest way to tell is to look at the signs. From non-stop barking to hyperactive jumping, here are some critical signs that you have an overexcited dog who needs help.

Sign #1: Incessant Barking (AKA A Dog Who Just Can’t Stop Barking Because of Excitement)

This dog is relatively easy to spot. An overexcited dog barks at other people or dogs to get their attention.

It's like saying, "Hey, I want to play. Notice me! I'm here!" And when attention is not given, the barking gets more and more persistent.

An overexcited dog may bark persistently and excessively, often without reason. This non-stop barking behavior is always a manifestation of heightened arousal, and these dogs often continue barking despite attempts to calm them down.

In short, simply telling your dog to "Stop barking!" does not really work.

Sign #2: Hyperactive Jumping

When faced with excitement, a dog might jump uncontrollably, especially when greeting their owners or encountering new visitors.

This jumping can become particularly overwhelming, making it challenging for the dog to focus or listen to commands.

UNDERSTAND OVEREXCITED DOGS BETTER WITH THE DOG CALMING CODE
Sign #3: Hyperactive Pacing

When your dog gets their excitement meter through the roof, they often engage in rapid and erratic pacing, making them unable to settle down or relax.

Once your dog gets piqued up, they will find it hard to really calm down or tune in.

Sign #4: Inability to Remain Still

Overexcitement may render a dog unable to remain still, even for short periods.

You can see it in how they fidget, shift positions, or show restlessness.

Sign #5: Overzealous Playfulness That May Escalate Into Rough or Aggressive Behavior

Overexcited dogs might demonstrate excessive enthusiasm during playtime, which can sometimes turn into overly rough behavior or even aggression. Especially when the other dog don't share their excitement!

This behavior can result from the dog's inability to regulate their excitement levels, leading to potential behavioral challenges during interactions with other animals or people.

What Causes a Dog to be Overexcited?

Understanding the underlying triggers contributing to a dog's overexcitement is CRUCIAL in devising the best training plan for managing their exuberant behavior.

When you understand the cause of dog overexcitement, it helps you address the issue clearly. You'll also know how to correct this issue in its roots.

Reason #1: Your Dog Thinks They’re the Leader, Thus the Heightened Energy

If you don’t establish yourself as the pack leader, dogs will take on that role. And when they do, they will find it difficult to regulate their excitement levels.

Without clear guidance and reinforcement of desirable conduct, these dogs may become easily overwhelmed and struggle to remain composed in various situations.

(I teach the nitty gritty of how you can combat this through my online dog training program, The Dog Calming Code.)

Reason #2: Pent-Up Energy

A surplus of unused energy due to insufficient exercise or mental stimulation can contribute significantly to a dog's overexcitement.

Always calling rain check on your walks and exercise? Don’t!

A lack of movement and exercise cause dogs to exhibit restlessness and hyperactivity, making it challenging for them to maintain a state of calmness and relaxation.

TEACH YOUR DOG HOW TO SWITCH OFF BY BEING THE PACK LEADER WITH THE HELP OF THE DOG CALMING CODE
Reason #3: Overstimulating Environment

Environmental factors such as loud noises, crowded spaces, or frequent disruptions can overstimulate a dog's senses, leading to an increase in their overall arousal levels.

In such environments, dogs may find it difficult to focus or remain composed, resulting in heightened excitement that manifests through various behavioral cues.

And if you, their dog owner, come home with a frenetic, overexcited energy, your dog will absorb that.

Reason #4: Lack of Mental Engagement

Dogs, especially those with high intelligence or specific breed traits, require regular mental stimulation to prevent boredom and subsequent overexcitement.

Without engaging activities or interactive play that challenge their cognitive abilities, dogs may resort to hyperactive behaviors as a means of seeking stimulation and attention.

When You Show Leadership, You Calm an Overexcited Dog

The very root of overexcitement is this: your dog feels that they are in charge.

It's not only the aggressive, fierce dogs who think they run the show… even the hyperactive, overly playful one feels the same.

Why?

Because they think they're in charge of playtime. They are the leader in their minds, so when they lunge, jump, or bark excitedly to signal to everyone it's playtime, they think everyone should listen.

And if the other dogs don't respond as your dog wants them to, they won't stop lunging or jumping at them.

You may have already seen this scenario play out in a park.

The excited dogs are working up every other pet in the vicinity because they can't stop asserting their authority through overexcitement.

What you expect as a quiet, calm, chill day with your dog at the park turns into a bark-fest, with your dog as the instigator.

WITH THE DOG CALMING CODE, YOU CAN HELP YOUR DOGS CALM DOWN AND SWITCH OFF
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