Buzz
Dogs with high energy levels can sometimes become overly excited and struggle to calm down! They might jump around incessantly, run in circles, or sprint at full speed. Some large breeds are naturally energetic, so you might have to deal with this behavior for a long time. Other dogs may act this way due to boredom or lack of mental stimulation, so it's essential to take steps to ensure they get regular physical and mental exercise.
Steps
Calm Your Dog Through Physical Activity
Take your dog on a long walk. One effective way to help your dog burn off excess energy is by taking it on an extended walk. Keep in mind that a short stroll around the neighborhood might not be enough to calm your dog. You'll need to walk it for about an hour, or even jog alongside it if possible.
- If you're unable to walk your dog for long periods, consider creating a long pathway in your backyard where your dog can run back and forth.
Play hide-and-seek or fetch with your dog. Help your dog burn off some energy by engaging in games like fetch or hide-and-seek. Play with your dog in the backyard, toss its favorite ball or frisbee, or have someone hold the dog while you hide some tasty treats around the house for it to find.
- You can teach your dog hide-and-seek by hiding a treat in front of it and saying “find it” a few times.
- Remember to take short breaks during playtime to prevent your dog from getting overly excited. Teach your dog the “look here” command to help it focus on you if it doesn’t already know it. The “look here” command can also help your dog take a short pause during play. Wait a few minutes for it to rest and catch its breath before resuming the game.
- Reward-based training devices like the Manners Minder can also keep you and your dog entertained for hours.
Invite other dogs over or take your dog to a dog park. If your dog is sociable and gets along well with other dogs, arranging playdates or trips to the dog park can be an excellent way to help it release energy. Ensure the play areas are securely fenced and well-maintained.
Consider enrolling your dog in daycare to provide it with the exercise and mental stimulation it needs. Your dog can play all day to burn off energy and relax when it returns home with you at the end of the day. Visit a service provider to see if this approach helps reduce your dog’s hyperactivity.
Use Training Methods to Help Calm Your Dog
Use positive reinforcement to teach your dog to stay calm. Praise and rewards can be an effective way to train your dog to remain calm. For example, if you ask your dog to sit and it obeys, immediately praise it to let it know it did well. Say “Good job!” or something similar, and pair the praise with a pat or a treat.
Ignore your dog if it becomes overly hyperactive and uncontrollable. One way to calm your dog down is to simply ignore it. If your dog gets excessively excited (barking, jumping, running around, etc.), avoid paying attention to these behaviors. Your indifference will teach your dog that you are not pleased. This method can work quickly for some dogs. Try the following tactics the next time your dog can’t control its hyperactivity:
- Avoid eye contact.
- Do not speak to it.
- Refrain from petting or touching it.
Use a leash to train your dog to stay calm. If your dog tends to run around the house energetically, keeping it on a leash for a short period each day can help. By keeping your dog close, you’ll have a better chance to reinforce good behavior and correct bad behavior more easily.
- Try leashing your dog during its most hyperactive moments. For example, if your dog gets overly excited when guests arrive, leash it whenever visitors come over.
Incorporate breaks during playtime. Introduce short “time-outs” during play to prevent your dog from becoming overly excited. To do this, teach your dog the “Look here” command to make it pause, focus on you, and cool down for a moment.
Consider enrolling your dog in obedience classes. If your dog doesn’t respond to your commands or struggles to calm down, an obedience course might be beneficial. A professional dog trainer can teach your dog to follow commands and remain calm when needed.
Create a Calming Environment for Your Dog
Use baby gates to manage areas designated for your dog. If your dog tends to roam around the house or gets overly excited when looking out the front window, installing baby gates can help calm them down. These indoor barriers can prevent your dog from entering areas that might make them more hyperactive.
Provide your dog with plenty of toys, including chew bones. When surrounded by toys, your dog may redirect their energy toward playing rather than running around the house or engaging in other mischievous behaviors. Chew toys, in particular, are essential to keep your dog from gnawing on things they shouldn’t.
Maintain a calm demeanor around your dog. Dogs can pick up on your emotions and mirror your energy. For instance, if you feel anxious, your dog may sense it and become restless as well. To prevent your dog from absorbing your negative emotions, try to exude positive energy when you’re around them.
Advice
- Consult your veterinarian about your dog’s diet. Dogs with high energy levels may become less hyperactive if fed a lower-protein diet, but always consult your vet before making any changes.
- Consider using aromatherapy to help calm your dog. Similar to its effects on humans, certain scents can also benefit dogs. Discuss with your vet or a holistic health expert about relaxing scents and the safest methods to use them.
- Engaging your dog in a task that requires focus can be highly effective. Hyperactivity in dogs can stem from psychological needs as much as physical ones. Assigning your dog a task helps redirect their excessive energy. For example, having your dog carry a weighted backpack can help them concentrate on the task rather than getting distracted by squirrels or other stimuli.
- Professional dog trainers can be expensive, so consider exploring YouTube channels dedicated to dog training before seeking professional help.
Warning
- Avoid using an excited or loud tone of voice, as it can cause your dog to become overly excited and hyperactive.
