Dear Miss Behavin’: My dog Skip acts like a maniac before we go for walks — he grabs the leash and runs around the house, usually knocking things over. Is there any way to tone down his enthusiasm a bit?
Reply: The way Skip sees things, acting like a maniac gets him outside and on his walks — so what’s the problem?
If you grab the leash and put your sneakers on to go for a walk, but Skip starts getting rowdy and running around, put the leash down and go back to what you were doing. Skip might be confused, but it’s a friendly way of showing him that his rowdy behavior does not result in getting what he wants.
Try again a few minutes later, and if Skip gets excited (which he probably will), repeat the process above. By the fourth or fifth try, you’ll probably pick up the leash and Skip won’t blink. He’ll assume you’re just going to put it down again. That’s your opportunity to clip his leash on and go for a walk.
This type of training works by giving the dog what they’re asking for, but only if they’re well-mannered and polite. For example, if your dog jumps up on you for attention, turn away and ignore him. When he’s sitting or waiting politely, you can then reward him by giving him the petting and attention he’s asking for.
You might have to repeat this type of training from time to time with your dog. When he gets jumpy or pushy wanting to go for a walk, put everything down and wait to take him out when he’s calm and polite.