Any suggestions for a training exercise to control overly excited greetings? My 4-year old female labrador loves everyone. On walks, I do not let her visit with most people or dogs and she's fine with that. But sometimes I run into friends with dogs we know and have played with, and my Lexi just gets so excited. She doesn't jump, but she pulls me over to the dog or person the last three steps and then just goes bonkers. You know the scene - two owners trying to untangle leashes, etc. I've tried standing in front of her, jerking her with a prong collar, and even letting the leash go more slack. Help please - I'm tired of dealing with this.

What about stopping when you see your friend, stepping on the leash so she is only able to down (practice getting her to accept this prior though) then having the friend and dog approach you?

If you have any friends you could line up to meet on a walk, then you could practice. Do everything above, but do not stop to talk until your dog is in a calm down. Most dogs will squirm and some "scream" but eventually they get it. That's why it's better to get them used to the position at home before you try it on the street. Wouldn't want anyone to think you were killing your dog You can reward with "good" and dropping a few treats throughout the conversation, but otherwise she should learn that when you step on the leash she is to maintain a calm down. If giving her treats sends her into a frenzie, just let her keep her calm down. When your friend walks away then you would release her and play with her and you can reward her at that time.

Since this dog is 4, I would place the expectation on her to be neutral to the other dog and that any rambunctiousness will not be tolerated. I think with this conditionning, she may just start to down on her own and maintain it without you having to actually step on the leash anymore. I have a 5 month old pup that figured this out very quickly. I still step on the leash to indicate the down, but now I can take my foot off the leash and talk or move a little without her moving.

I've done exactly what Niomi does with my puppy and it works for me. Just to confirm this idea for you.

Thanks so much. I can't wait to try it with her best doggie buddy. You're right, I have let this go on way too long. She is such a good dog in most other situations (great in the car, no bad behaviors like digging, barking, no separation anxiety, etc.) that I guess I have let this one behavor go. But it is very irritating and I want to do this with positive reinforcement only because of her sensitive nature.

Niomi is right on. Rose used to bark like a mad dog and fly to the door whenever there was a knock. A few sessions of friends knocking, then "leaving" when she'd vocalize, then me finally opening the door when she would be good, then them leaving again if she exhibited the unwanted behavior again... finally sunk in for good. It takes a lot of patience and repetition for some dogs. But once they don't get what they want every time they are too enthusiastic, it really does make sense to them. Just be prepared to walk her away and try again over and over if she wont settle. Once she'll hold a long down with the "friend" near, you're on the home stretch!