Leash walking
How do I stop my dog getting overexcited when meeting another dog on a walk?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Practice calling your dog away from a dog it is excited to see before it reaches full arousal, rewarding heavily for disengaging while still 3 to 4 meters out rather than waiting until noses are already touching. Overexcited greetings, marked by jumping, spinning, or a high pitched whine, often escalate into rude behavior that annoys other dogs even when your own dog means no harm. Practicing calm approaches with a familiar, patient dog first builds the skill before testing it with unfamiliar dogs.
Interrupting excitement before it peaks
Watch your dog's body language as it spots another dog, a stiffening tail or bouncing gait usually appears several seconds before the excitement becomes unmanageable, which is the window to call your dog back and reward for checking in with you instead.
Practicing with a calm, familiar helper dog
Ask a friend with a steady, tolerant dog to help practice controlled approaches, rewarding your dog for a calm greeting rather than the usual jumping or spinning, over several short sessions before moving on to unfamiliar dogs on regular walks.
Key takeaways
- Interrupt excitement before it peaks, usually a few seconds after your dog first spots another dog.
- Reward disengaging and checking in with you rather than only managing the greeting itself.
- Practice with a calm, familiar dog before testing the skill with strangers.