My dog Lucie is a sheperd/beagle mix, and is very energetic. She is two years old and we're still having a problem with discipline. She is very well behaved, however is over-excited when she meets new people and dogs. We can't seem to get her to stop jumping up or bouncing around when she meets anyone! She also won't calm down when we are eating. We never feed her from the table, and waiting patiently umtil the end of our meal for a doggie treat just doesn't happen. Are there any special tips you can give me? -

Training... Enforce "sit" and "wait" when people arrive. She gets no contact until she waits. Leave her on leash and don't let her greet anyone until she can do it calmly. This will be a battle of wills; she believes she can get attention by throwing a "spaz-fit". You need a good in-home trainer to work with you. When the person approaches the dog to (finally) pet her, he takes a step towards her. If she spazzes, he stops - even if only inches out of her reach. She MUST be CALM when he reaches her and pets her head. If she freaks, he backs up and waits again for her to relax (a time out). To approach her, you must be consistent, and repeat this with any and all new people. One relapse (meaning she freaks when a visitor's hand touches her) and you will have to start the long process over again. Confine her in another room while you eat. She cannot be there with you if she cannot be calm.

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