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UNCONTROLLED ENTHUSIASM IN OUR COMPANION ANIMALS

With uncontrolled enthusiasm, the problem to be solved is the behavior of unrestrained ardor - unchecked fervor or wild fanaticism and may include symptoms like unruliness, destructive behavior, excitement urination, excessive and high pitched barking and/or whining, inability to relax, constant activity, severe meddling and possibly self injury. Stress related physical problems may result in more complex cases. The constant state of hyper behavior the animal habitually displays robs him/her of the ability to relax, to pay attention or to learn. A life lived in extremes is not good for any species. UNCONTROLLED ENTHUSIASM (commonly called hyperactivity) IS NOT A NATURAL BEHAVIOR FOR DOGS.

To correct this problem you must first realize that your dog's actions are only symptoms of the problem, not the problem itself. To attempt correction on just the jumping or the whining or the meddling or the pacing or the destruction (you hopefully get the idea) without lengthening the attention span or lowering the activity level is , more times than not, an effort in futility (No win situation). Your goal should be teaching your dog to relax and wait patiently within it's environment. One of the best ways of beginning this is to realize that quality time does not always mean play time. In cases of uncontrolled enthusiasm quality time means teaching, thereby changing pacing and meddling habits into lie down and chew a bone activity. Take that leash out of the closet or drawer and put it on the dog. Teach your dog to lie down and stay using your favorite technique. Don't be distracted. Pay enough attention to catch any mistakes. Be patient, remember habits are not learned in a day and they are not changed in one. Take whatever time necessary and keep in mind the more time he/she spends lying down, the less time there will be for doing rude things and the more his/her activity level will adjust. Once your dog begins to learn calm you have a much better chance of teaching behavior modification in related problem areas. Remember to approach and interact with your animal on a calm adult level - if your interaction is high pitched and infantile -STOP & THINK- this could be one reason your dog's actions are the same. The best place to work on these long downs and stays is right by your chair or wherever you spend long periods of time within the home.