Settle Down with Wait & Reward Training
Hyperactivity is one of many problems that can be resolved with a simple, reliable Sit- or Down-Stay command. If your dog is sitting or lying down, they’re not jumping-up, running around in circles, chasing their tail, or harassing other dogs, cats, or children.
But hyperactive dogs have great difficulty even paying attention to your instructions, let alone heeding them. So, you need to specifically practice teaching your dog to calm down on cue — to get a grip, focus, pay attention … and execute the instructions.
The easiest way to start is with Wait & Reward Training. It’s human nature to pay more attention to bad behavior rather than good behavior. Most people ignore dogs when they are good, yet give them attention and often, affection, when they misbehave. We tend to ignore dogs when they are calm and quiet but respond when they are active and noisy. So, let’s do the opposite.
Take a bunch of kibble from your dog’s normal daily ration, stand still and don’t say a word. Instead, just wait and watch. It doesn’t matter how long it takes, or how crazy your dog is behaving, eventually, your dog will slow down and stand still. Praise and reward your dog for standing still, with all four paws on the floor.
This might reactivate them. If it does, just keep waiting and watching. It doesn’t matter if your dog barks, paws, runs in circles or jumps up. Ignore all your dog’s antics until they stand still again. Praise and reward. After just half a dozen rewards, you’ll find you have a different dog.
If you keep waiting your dog will eventually Sit. Gently but profusely praise and offer three food rewards in a row. Then take one step backwards, turn away from your dog and stand still. Your dog will probably reactivate but eventually will come round in front of you and sit to look up at your face. Praise and reward and repeat the sequence over and over. With each repetition, your dog will calm down quicker, sit quicker and for longer.
Now see how long your dog will sit and look at you. Praise occasionally and maybe give a couple of food rewards.
Now your dog has a calm, focused sit-stay and the only words you said were, “Good Dog”.