Overly excited Boxer Pup

[MyTaz]

Taz gets real excited on walks when he sees other people. For an 11 month old boxer that's not surprising. most of the time he is good. but when he sees certain people he knows he goes crazy with excitement. when he meets new dogs he usually starts crouching and stalking toward them, then when we get close he lays down. he acts like all he wanted to do was stay down and he'll stay there as he greets the dogs. but only a minute later he starts bouncing around like a maniac trying to play. this isn't so good on the leash as it jerks my arm around. i use a gentle leader on him and with all his excitement he does these side jumps trying to get the other dog to play. I know he's still a puppy but he sometimes startles and scares other dogs with his excitement. i was wondering if i could get some advice to how to teach him to meet other dogs calmly and know on leash is not play time. with most people he is great. an occasional jump. but with our next door neighbour he gets overly excited. he tries running to him to get pets and being on a leash it always results in his head being pulled to me by the gentle leader so he does these side jumps of excitement. he recently pulled the leash out of my hand and ran circles around me and the neighbor in excitement. the neighbor doesn't mind but i'd like him to be a bit more behaved. any ideas or experiences that could help me? he's never been agressive just playful. and the problem is well just overly excited.

[Caney Creek]

When you see another person/dog try refocusing his attention with treats. They will have to be VERY yummy treats if they're going to distract an 11-month-old boxer but do all you can to keep his attention on you and even get him to sit or lay down as the other dog is passing by. Keep his attention on you until the dog/person has passed.

If that doesn't work (or if you don't have treats on you one day) try changing directions instead when you see someone. That will at least let him know that now is NOT the time to play, he needs to be focused on what you are doing. If you ever get to the point where he can greet a dog calmly, then let him do it (and give him LOTS of praise for it), but as soon as he starts acting up turn right back around and walk in the opposite direction.