Help! My Dog Gets Too Excited When He Hears the Word ‘Walk’! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“Dear Dr. Paola,
My dog Tilly does a full-body wiggle dance the second I say the word ‘walk.’ We know that he loves walks, but he does this even if we say the word right after we’ve gotten home from a walk! Is there anything we should do?” – Sarah
Quick Info about Tilly
Hi Sarah,
It sounds like Tilly’s wiggle dance is his version of a happy dance, and it’s a lovely sign of how much he enjoys that special time with you. Dogs are very quick to form emotional associations, and the word “walk” has clearly become a trigger for excitement, much like how some dogs react to the sound of a treat bag or the jingling of keys. Even if he’s just been out, the word itself still sparks that anticipation because it’s tied to a positive experience rather than a physical need.
If you’d like to manage his excitement or avoid over-stimulating him, you can introduce a more neutral or less emotionally loaded cue. For example, instead of saying “walk,” you could start grabbing the leash silently or use a word that sounds nothing like your usual commands, such as “pineapple” or “boots.” You could even try a word in a different language such as“¡Vámonos!” (Spanish for “let’s go”) or the French version, “Allons!” Since it is unlikely you will use these words in other contexts, this is an easy way to help him distinguish real walk times from casual conversation.
Remember that dogs tend to respond better to changes in routine when they’re introduced gradually, so you will need to pair this new cue with the actual walk until Tilly understands the connection. This way, you’re preserving the joy while also helping him stay calm and focused.
By the way, since he is presenting this cute wiggle to you, if you introduce a random cue to it such as “wiggle” and give him a treat, you can very likely capture this behavior. Then he can learn to perform it under stimulus control, meaning whenever you ask him to. This is an alternative way to stop him from doing the wiggle in response to the word “walk.” However, you don’t want to tease him if he is not actually going out.
Happy training! Dr. Paola