When dogs are excited, it is difficult for them to respond or learn.

Prepare for attention-stealing events such as a person approaching your door or a cat running by within sight by teaching your dog a working vocabulary such as "sit," "watch me" and "quiet." Teach what the words mean when your dog is hungry and is motivated to learn. Then practice using those words in many locations.

Help your dog learn to respond when distracted by setting up circumstances you can control, such as a doorbell ringing. Use the words your dog knows in a firm voice to gain compliance when the situation demands it. Having a working vocabulary your dog understands helps you insist on acceptable behaviors.

Animal behavior experts Susan and Roland Tripp are the authors of "On Good Behavior." For more information, visit their Web site at AnimalBehavior.net.