[First, remember why we get Monday off. Hug a vet, thank you to anyone who has lost a loved one defending our freedom.]
Okay then …
I often joke about it, and so do others, but it is often true. Dogs know when they are going hunting. Or simply, out for a training run. Our actions, routines, body language all provide clues that quickly become cues for them. If you doubt me, just watch your dog carefully for a couple days.
A quiet word from his great-uncle calms the little guy.
At our house, it’s as simple as lacing up a pair of boots. The distinctive rattle as I take a whistle lanyard off the hook prefaces a run in the woods behind our house. Unless I’m careful, I’ll say something to my wife such as “outside.” Then, it’s off to the races.
Our unwitting cues can amp up the energy level and create a free-for-all, setting back whatever training accomplishments we’d achieved previously.
While excited dogs are often a good thing, when the intensity level gets too high, bad things can happen. Base instincts take over, rationale thinking goes out the window. In turn that leads to inattention or worse, disobedience. We often fight fire with more fire, raising our voice, resorting to physicality, Like the cold war arms race, it just escalates with no end in sight. All hope of a productive training session or relaxing day afield fly out the window … we, or our dogs, have a meltdown.
Mellowing the vibe is critical.
It’s easier said than done, and flies in the face of human nature. We expect dogs to “listen to reason,” see our point of view, or simply simmer down when we tell them to, loudly and frequently. But a psyched-up critter is beyond the point of reason, so we need to take it down a notch via the same, baser level of communication. Using the same cues that set things off can set things right.
Body language, your voice, your actions can be used strategically to bring down the energy level in your dog. It requires discipline on your part, but the rewards are worth the effort: a calm dog, ready to take direction and less inclined to do something that could lead to embarrassment (for you) or injury (for him).
How do you do it?
Scott Linden Outdoors 
Yep! Mine too. Same age and all except a female. We usually have to have an initial out-of-the-box listen-to-me talk. She is a bit softer but I’ve found the French Brittany think they are smarter than the owner. Maybe so…. Awesome little dog thought….
You are so right. My 1-year old French Brittany knows his commands and what to do in the field and around the house. However, he only does them when he wants to. I sure hope he matures soon with hunting season fast approaching.