How to Train a Dog Not to Get Excited When Returning Home

You leave to go to the store, and upon return your dog attacks you in excitement. He wants all of your attention and won't let you get past him until he gets it. Animals learn by repetition and they remember your routine. The trick is to use this to your advantage as you train your dog not to get excited when you leave and return home. Share this secret with all of your friends who have pets too.

Instructions

1. Bring your dog into the room from which you usually exit your home. Allow the dog to get comfortable with you in the room. Once she is comfortable, begin to gather the items you normally bring with you when you leave your home.

2. Allow the dog to watch as you gather, but don't say anything about what you are doing. When you have finished gathering your items, put them back. Continue this until the dog no longer watches your actions.

3. Feeling comfortable, the dog now is ignoring your actions. Next, gather all the items you normally leave the home with and step outside the door. Close the door all the way. As soon as the door is closed, step back in. When you step back inside, ignore the dog if or when she approaches you. You can say her name but do not pet or comfort her. Continue this until your dog no longer waits at the door for you and does not approach the door when you return.

4. Now you are ready for the big test. Gather your items and leave the house. Do not go back in immediately, but wait 2 to 3 minutes and return. Again, do not comfort the dog when you return. Say her name but do not pet her. Repeat this and lengthen your absence each time by a minute. Continue this until you have lengthened your time to a period with which you are comfortable. You have succeeded when the dog no longer jumps and claws at you upon your return.

Tips & Warnings

• It may take more than just a few times for your dog to calm down permanently. Remember, dogs learn from repetition.

• Do not reward the dog for jumping on you. It is tempting to give him a treat so he will go away and let you in, but this sends the wrong signal.

• Do not try to stop the dog from following you out the door. Simply ignore her and close the door in front of her.

• The author of this article is not a professional and is not responsible for mishap while performing tasks in this article.