Pillar 1 of Treating Reactivity: Excitement Abatement

The Problem: Many reactive behaviors are fueled by a simple, yet powerful, force: uncontrolled excitement. A dog that is constantly in a high state of arousal is a dog that is more likely to make poor decisions. They can't think clearly when their brain is flooded with adrenaline.

The Goal: Teach your dog to exist in a calm state of mind, even when exciting things are happening.

How to Practice Excitement Abatement:

1. The Place Command: This is your most powerful tool. Teach your dog to go to a specific spot (a dog bed, a mat) and stay there until released. Start with short durations and gradually increase the time. Practice this during moments of household activity, like when you're cooking dinner or when guests arrive. The dog learns to observe excitement without participating in it.

2. Thresholds: Teach your dog to wait at doorways (front door, car door, crate door). Before going through any threshold, ask for a calm sit. They only get to proceed when they are calm and focused on you, not on what's on the other side. This teaches impulse control at a critical moment.

3. Calm Greetings: When you come home, ignore your dog for the first few minutes. Wait for them to calm down before offering calm, quiet affection. This prevents the daily ritual of your arrival becoming a peak of frantic excitement.

Key Takeaway: A calm dog is a thinking dog. By lowering your dog's overall level of excitement, you create a foundation for better decision-making in the face of triggers.