Over excitement on walks

3 August 2023

Your dog’s arousal level may be just too high to be able to focus on training. Here are some things to consider.

Have they had a walk today yet? They may have had a lot of pent up energy and are releasing it on their first walk of the day.


Think about the stress in daily life and try and minimise these. Integrate chews that they can enjoy, sleep time, changes to noises that they experience such as alarms going off or noisy doorbells.


If you are working on disengagement away from something then move further away from it. Don’t completely remove the trigger because that could reinforce barking behaviour from your dog but make sure they are further away.


If you are using treats on walks and your dog is seeking them out, then think about using some that are less exciting as they may be too enticing for your dog.


How to hold a long lead


A long lead can be a great tool to prevent frustration on walks and allow more freedom of movement. Loop the lead into sections and let it out as needed. Keep it over your wrist and inbetween your thumb and forefinger -this will keep your hand safe if they see something very enticing such as a squirrel!


Rewarding them for being in your magic circle

Reward your dog for being beside you and in the area that you are walking in so they are being reinforced for staying closer to you.



by Lisa Sinnott 8 September 2026
Is your dog regularly barking and lunging at other dogs on a walk? There could be a number of reasons this occurs including frustration at not being able to access a dog or if they are worried and saying move away
by Lisa Sinnott 1 September 2026
Reasons behind repetitive behaviour in dogs such as licking of surfaces can be due to a host of reasons. As a behaviourist it is my job to work out why it’s occuring!
by Lisa Sinnott 3 August 2026
Everyone Has an Opinion, But Confidence Doesn't Always Mean Competence
by Lisa Sinnott 27 July 2026
Information on mounting/humping
by Lisa Sinnott 7 July 2026
This is when a dog ingests non - food items such as rocks, stones, dirt, fabric.
by Lisa Sinnott 24 June 2026
A dog barking at night can feel frustrating and annoying – you know they need sleep and you need it too.
by Lisa Sinnott 15 June 2026
Here is some information about aggression.
by Lisa Sinnott 12 June 2026
If your dog barks, lunges, growls, or becomes overwhelmed around other dogs, people, or situations, you're not alone. Reactivity is one of the most common challenges dog owners face, and understanding why it happens is the first step towards helping your dog feel calmer and more confident.
by Lisa Sinnott 3 June 2026
Initia l meetings are like first impressions.= they count. Make sure the interaction is away from the house and in a neutral space. When they initially see each other have a treat ready to give but allow them to just watch each other too. Having toys on the floor (if your older dog does not guard can help take the social pressure off. Walking parallel with each other with both dogs on lead can help reduce frustration. If they engage in play, it should be mirrored and matched - always avoid any teeth on body parts. Coming home Dogs shouldn't be right next to each other on the way home. Just like we like personal space on a tube dogs's want this too! Here are some ideas that I got from Canine Arthritis Management for older dogs: If there is a back seat cover for mud an anti not slippy cover is important. Bolsters and cushions can help prevent moving around Harnesses to keep still when you go around any roundabouts can help too. Ramps and steps to get out of the car to prevent lots of pressure on joints ie caravan steps can help too At home Having a safe space for your older dog that your puppy cannot access is key. Feeding times can be over exciting. Just like, us all, older dogs need some tlc. Here are some home adaptations that can help:
by Lisa Sinnott 18 May 2026
Often people describe resource guarding and possessiveness over items when a dog has snapped or bitten.