Regulating arousal is not so natural for most dogs. To teach your dog to settle think about it like teaching any other behavior. It is not the most fun lesson but it is well worth your time. Learning how to regulate herself reduces stress and arousal, allowing for clearer thinking. A tether can help teach your dog this lesson.
It had been a while since we finished our training package and when I saw this sweet, energetic standard poodle again she was struggling with calm greetings. We are starting some additional lessons.
For her, being near her mom (or another person) with a treat pouch, kept this dog in high alert mode. She was focused on working, doing behaviors and looking for her treat.
A better approach?
I tethered her about 6 ft away from us. This removed that teaching obstacle, and she was able to relax. That is what I wanted to see – for her to be able to calm herself on her own.
What is not filmed is what happened after she had settled for five minutes.
I then walked over to greet her. It was a much different dog greeting. She stood up and leaned into me as I pet her. Then I moved away again before the possibility of a raised arousal.
This will need to be practiced a lot first with familiar people and in different environments with different distractions.