Is Your Dog Hyperactive or Overly-Excited?

We can help!

An Excited Dog is Not A Happy Dog

There is a common misconception that many humans have about dogs which is that “An excited dog is a happy dog”. This could not be farther from the truth.

The reason this is a common belief is that oftentimes when a human is excited, they are also happy at the same time.  Dogs are different psychologically than humans in many ways, this being one of them.

When dogs are overly-excited, that emotion is paired with anxiety. When you understand that, it helps you understand that a dog who is excited is not a happy dog. This really helps you to stop reinforcing this state of mind.

Dogs repeat behaviours and states of mind that they receive positive reinforcement for.

The vast majority of dogs you see who appear to be hyperactive are actually not like that naturally. This behaviour is almost always created by the pet parents. 
Dogs repeat behaviours and states of mind that they receive positive reinforcement for. Positive reinforcement for a dog can be as simple as attention of any kind from their human. They will learn quickly that if they are over-excited or obnoxious, that they are much more likely to get attention than if they were calm and sitting by themselves minding their own business. 

Your State of Mind can affect your dogs behaviour

To learn more about how your state of mind can affect your dogs behaviour click here.

This is why we see so many dogs that have become ‘over socialized’, meaning that they have learned that every time they see another human or dog, if they get overly excited and start jumping and pulling on the leash, that they will inevitably get attention from them. 

In order to stop this cycle, you must first figure out what it is your dog is getting out of being this way. If attention is the answer, you must make sure that when they are like this you are not giving the attention they seek. 

There are many different techniques to how to do this. Each dog will be different in which methods are successful in helping them understand this concept. What is for sure, is that if your dog is exhibiting a behaviour you don’t like, using treats at that moment is likely to make them believe that this behaviour is what leads to them getting a treat. Dogs are far too intelligent for this, and will always figure out the pattern that leads them to the food. 
This is why a one size fits all training methodology just doesn’t cut it. It really depends on your dog’s personality on what will and will not work.
Kristina and dogs

When working with dogs who are overly excited (or who have what's called impulse control issues), I use a lot of calming exercises that will help your dog learn how to calm themselves when they get this way. Many dogs with this issue really struggle to turn off their excitement when they get this way, and so it is up to us to teach them how to do it.

Kristina Rapson
The Hairy Dogmother
Book A Session
Back To Main Services Page

Check Out More of Kristina's Different Training Specialties

Adolescent boxer puppy running wild. Hairy Tales helps dogs and owners navigate the challenging teenage phase effectively.

Doggy Teenagehood

11 December 2024

Doggy Teenagehood When your perfect puppy suddenly starts acting out. Why do you feel like everything you taught your puppy

Read More »

See what people are saying...

  • Before we consulted Kristina about our rescue dog Stella’s leash reactivity, we couldn’t take her for a walk without her barking/lunging/snarling at LITERALLY EVERYTHING. We’re talking — we leave the door of the condo building and it was non-stop snarling at everything she could see. People, cars, bikes, dogs. If you could name it, Stella was trying to bite it. After just the initial consultation session with Kristina and being given homework on relationship building/the correct tools (and being taught how to use said tools), we saw a considerable improvement in Stella’s leash reactivity and her leash walking manners. It’s been 3 weeks since our first session, and today Stella walked so casually in a loose leash position, I thought I must’ve brought the wrong dog home from the groomer. She does not bark at people and cars anymore (sometimes she’ll tense up at cars, but we can redirect her now). Her threshold for seeing dogs without reacting has considerably improved and we can even walk by many of them on the sidewalk without issue — a massive improvement from seeing them even across the street and reacting. I don’t feel scared to take her on walks anymore and my confidence as a handler has also greatly improved. AFTER ONE SESSION!!! Aside from Kristina’s expertise in training, my partner and I are extremely grateful for how gracefully Kristina communicates with us. Kristina never shamed us for not knowing better or not already seeing Stella’s signs of guarding (which is related to the reactivity issue). She never made us feel badly about Stella’s behaviour issues. She teaches in such an easily understandable way. We have another session with Kristina booked soon, and I imagine we’ll sign up for more in the coming weeks/months to continue to help Stella live the best life she can. I can honestly say that it’s probably the best money we’ve ever spent. Highly recommend!!!

    Taylor Medeiros Avatar Taylor Medeiros

  • Kristina is the dog whisperer. I started working with her when I was at wits end with my golden doodle puppy -jumping, biting, leash pulling, barking. Over a few sessions she helped us curb the undesirable behaviors and make him an obedient calm puppy. Results were immediate and her follow up helped make sure we were making continued progress on our own. I"m so so so glad I worked with Kristina. My pup turned one today and he's a really well behaved guy,

    Kristine Coco Avatar Kristine Coco

  • Kristina was amazing in helping us with our dogs' sudden fights for attention. Our lives are now back to normal and we can happily cuddle with both of our girls once again. Consistency is key. Thank you!!

    Anel M. Avatar Anel M.

  • Kristina did a wonderful job with my dog, Simon. After just one session I have already noticed a difference in his behaviour. His anxiety has noticeably gone down, and he is much more calm than before. She also gave me some great tips to potty train him and get him to stop pulling on his leash when we are out for walks. She really understands dogs and how they think and she knows how to get to the root of the issues you're having with them.

    Shir Zisckind Avatar Shir Zisckind

  • Highly recommend Kristina as a dog trainer. We have only done two private sessions and seeing immediate improvement with our 6 month puppy. Already we are seeing big improvements with his obedience, loose leash walking, mouthiness, jumping, reactivity, and overall manners. Kristina works hard to understand who you are, and who your dog is, and works to strengthen your bond and relationship with your dog first and foremost. She is attentive, calm, and very knowledgeable, and has pointed out things that I didn't know were contributing to certain behavioural issues, and more importantly, what I can do to address them. She sends detailed homework which was extremely helpful, and it includes tips and step by step guidance on how to address certain problem areas. Kristina's training philosophy is balanced and works to strengthen the relationship between you and your pup, establish your role and teach you how to better communicate with your dog. This was incredibly important for us, since we tried other training schools and approaches, and dedicated a LOT of time, and it still wasn't working. I'm so glad we found Hairy Tales and Kristina, I am enjoying seeing the positive changes, and most importantly I know I will have a well mannered dog who I can keep safe and happy.

    Christina Chaaya Avatar Christina Chaaya

  • Working with Kristina has made a major difference in our home. Our older dog came to us incredibly fearful and anxious. The strategies and homework we did with our training has helped him really come out of his shell and develop confidence. Our younger dog can be reactive but after each session we see improvements in behaviours. Overall we have seen a lot of improvements in both our dogs and I’m really thankful for all we have learned from Kristina.

    Chiara Tari-Arnold Avatar Chiara Tari-Arnold

  • We had our first session with Kristina and it was very eye opening, she is very professional and knowledgeable. We feel confident that our rescue dog will be able to overcome his anxiety and we already have homework to do, so now we feel that we know how we can start to communicate better with our sweet little guy.

    Karen Azuara Avatar Karen Azuara

  • We rescued an anxious possessive hound mix. We knew we were out of our depths and needed help. We turned to Kristina and have not regreted. Kristina is very knowledgeable and pragmatic in her advice. She listens well and tailors solutions. She is available to us between sessions. I have hope that we can train our dog to be a great dog

    Anne Hayes Avatar Anne Hayes

  • I have 40 angry chihuahuas needed ingredients training?!?!.! I here your the specialist

    Tyla Langenecker Avatar Tyla Langenecker

  • My favourite thing about Kristina’s training style is her supportive/interactive nature, articulate and honest communication. I started working with Kristina on my dogs leash reactivity/aggression ~1month ago, and I have seen tangible and consistent improvements in my dogs obedience, engagement, and our relationship in general. This was previously a big source of stress in my journey as an owner, and something I have struggled immensely for quite sometime. If you are having difficulties with your dog or maybe you have a dog with behavioural issues that is above your current skill level, she’s your gal!

    Elaina X Avatar Elaina X
Jack Russel Dog beside a kids telephone toy to signify free phone consultation

FREE 15 Minute Discovery Call

Want to speak directly with the trainer before committing to book? We offer free 15 minute discovery calls to make sure we are a right fit for your dogs needs.

Book a discovery call now