Why Is My Dog So Excited When I Get Home? - AnimalWised

From the moment you are near your front door, a dog can get restless and excited. As soon as you step over the threshold they lunge at you, try to lick you, jump to meet your face, roll over for belly pats and may even urinate a little. Does this sound like a familiar situation to you? If so you may be wondering why your pooch goes so crazy when you get home. The first thing to know is that there is probably more than one reason. There are several factors which can trigger this behavior.

The bond between dog and guardian

Many people believe that the affection dogs feel for humans is simply the result of being recognized as a provider of food, but this is unlikely to be true. Studies show that dogs are capable of feeling true affection for their guardians.

In Atlanta, USA, the neurologist Gregory Berns performed some experiments using magnetic resonance in dogs[1]. His conclusion in these studies was that not only do dogs recognize us as another species, but they reserve a part of the brain for information related to human beings which is similar to the affection they reserve for members of their family. The investigation showed that by identifying a human which the dog considers part of the family through smell, a reaction in the brain occurs which is similar to that which happens when they receive a reward.

The scientists concluded that this reaction was similar to that of humans when they are in the presence of a friend or loved one. This means that a dog is happy when you are by their side. It's no wonder that they get excited when you get home.

The stimuli

Think for a moment about your dog's routine when you are at home. Not only do you feed and attend to them, but you give them love, they follow you around the home, you talk to them and have various other interactions. Now think about their routine when they spend their day alone.

How do you think dogs feel when they are left home alone? Dogs think about and miss their owners. There are famous cases such as Greyfriars Bobby and Hachiko who kept vigil for years after their owner's passing. Due to the amount of interaction they have with us when around, it is likely your dog gets bored when you're not there. This is why they may be so excited when you come home as it is more likely they will get a walk or engage in some other stimulating activity.

When excitement becomes troubling

Some dogs experience a disorder known as ‘separation anxiety’. This is an anxious feeling or stress induced by the absence of their owner or guardian. The most common symptoms are that they cry, destroy property, urinate, defecate or bark incessantly as well as showing other signs of stress. In these cases, dogs get excited when we return home, but they do so in an exaggerated and unhealthy way. It is not positive for their welfare and well-being.

It can be a complicated problem to solve as, in most cases, the assistance of a professional canine behaviorist is required. These trainers and ethologists are specialized in helping combat these unhealthy behavior patterns. The use of kong toys might be helpful also.