Come On Over!

I tried to explain to a good friend of mine that when a dog is over-excited, you have to get him under control immediately -- or else, even the dogs who are not otherwise the excitable type, and who KNOW BETTER, will imitate the unwanted behavior.

My friend didn't really believe me until she came over one time, and I asked her if I could demonstrate. I allowed a Beagle (for whom I was dog-sitting) to start jumping on her. My well-trained Border Collie immediately followed suit.

Excitement spreads like wildfire among dogs.

Mind you, it does not mean that the trained dog has forgotten to obey. It only means that he is susceptible to excitement, just like any other animal.