I have a 1 1/2 year old golden retriever who is very well behaved in everything but greetings. She loves EVERYONE and gets overexcited whenever someone comes to the house. She literally races to the door and is pushy and wild acting often nipping gently at hands. If we try to keep her away from people with a leash, she gets worse. Although she calms down after a few minutes, the initial greeting can be dangerous if it's a small or elderly person. We have tried everything and been consistent since she was a puppy in not encouraging it. We tell people to totally ignore her, make her sit or down when people come(which she does for a few moments then races to them), give her treats and praise when she's behaving, and even used spray bottles and an electronic collar at low levels. The behavior is of shorter duration but still a pain. Everyone says she's "just a golden" or will outgrow it, but I would really like to stop it. Has anyone figured out how to stop this behavior which I know is quite common in this breed? Thanks for any help.
It is good that you are completely ignoring her and making her sit when people come. You will need to persist with this, and although it will take some time, your efforts will be rewarded in the end. Make sure you are not even making eye contact with her when you ignore her, because even small things like that will be perceived as success in getting her getting your attention. You should make your attention a prized reward, one that she will strive towards. This is done by generally only patting her or playing with her after she has behaved well or obeyed a command, and not just whenever she comes up and asks for it.
A good way of stopping dogs from jumping up is to lift up your knee as they jump so that you just catch them in the chest. This doesn't hurt them but will stop them from achieving what they wanted, which is for you to pay attention to her. You should do this without looking or yelling at her.
When your visitors first arrive, put your dog into another room and greet them. Once they are settled in, you can introduce her to them. Bring her to them and make her 'sit-stay'. If she then gets really excited, take her by the collar and lead her to a 'time-out' zone, where you leave her for 5-10 minutes or until she has calmed down. Don't talk or look at her when taking her there. This should be a quiet place, free from all other distractions. By doing this, you are removing her from all the action, which is where she wants to be. She will soon realize that by not sitting quietly and listening to you, she will lose the chance to receive attention, which is something she really values. Before letting her out of 'time-out', make her obey a command, such as 'sit-stay'. If she gets over-excited again when she comes out, put her straight back into 'time-out' again. She will get the message, although it may require quite a lot of patience on your behalf.
Eventually she will realize that she has to behave herself if she wishes to be present when guests are present. I hope this helps and all the best with the training!
Wow, Pinetree, I actually had to scroll up to check the name of the poster to be sure it wasn't something I posted & forgot! With the exception of the fact that your dog is a Golden & mine is a Collie mutt, the situation is eerily the same. Shep is 3 & acts the same when we have anyone over (oh, & we have a wonderfully calm but friendly 11 year old Collie mutt, Clyde, too). He barks & bolts to the person just desperate for their attention. Absolutely nothing calms him other than time - usually within 5 minutes or so he settles in - unless the guest does not greet him. If he does not have access to the guest he will cry & whine to no end. Unfortunately, the majority of our guests are kids & they are petrified - even their parents. It is extremely upsetting because he is 1000% harmless other than the potential of getting jumped on - absolutely no biting, ever. People think he's bad & they call him the "bad" or "crazy" one and Clyde the "good" one - that actually offends me but what are you going to do. I cannot lock him in another room because he will cry & whine & scratch on the door - I'm afraid he'll work himself into a full blown leap over the edge & hurt himself or my house (more than he has). He can open most of our doors - he's WAY stronger than me & yanks my back out when I try to hold him back. So I appreciate your pain because it's socially alienating us - my 2 kids' best friends will not come to our house.
KoPSRobyn, if your good advice does not resolve the problem, what else can we do??
Have you tried a dog mat in the living room, far from the couch and other seats, which will be your dog's "place." Teach them to go and lie down on the mat when you tell them "place." They are to stay there until released. You would first teach them this with no one around. Then practice with someone ringing or knocking on the front door. When you first hear that knock or ring, you thank the dogs for alerting you, then tell them to "place." Treat them when they go. Gradually require them to stay in place for longer and longer times. Just the act of lying down will quiet them a bit. It is too easy to stay alert when sitting.
Thanks, kjd. I'll try but truly, just thinking of it makes me feel defeated already! I would think it will take a while & it's hard to get one alone but we'll take a shot & I will certainly follow up with the results.
Yes, coop522, it is going to take a while. But, once done, you have your dog under control. When I was growing up, we went through periods when the dog was not allowed in the living room, other times she was. When people came to the house that were afraid of dogs (or even allergic to them), having the dog stay out of the living room gave these visitors a safe haven. I think the dog mat would do the same thing. Once the dog learns "place," and it will take time and consistency, he can stay there when a visitor who fears dogs is around. For most people, both your dogs are large dogs, so many will be unsure around them. It is amazing how your "friendly dog, begging for a pat" is a "ferocious animal, eager to bite" to these people. IMHO, people always outrank dogs, so I believe in catering to these people. [OK! I empathize with them since I was terrified of dogs until I was 10 and have never forgotten that.]
So start with Robyn's suggestions, but do work on that "place" command. I think you will find your visitors will appreciate it.
