Energetic dogs can be overwhelming, and many dog owners didn’t realize they were adopting what seems to be a crossbreed of Tigger and the Tazmanian Devil.
The good news, though, is that there are things you can do to help your dog chill out. Try these simple techniques to disperse some of your canine companion’s excess energy.
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Exercise
By far, the number one thing you can do to help your dog calm down is to make sure he or she gets lots and lots of exercise. Many dog breeds have been purposefully bred to work all day.
Herding dogs had to have the energy to chase sheep or cattle all day. Hunting dogs needed to be able to chase down deer and other game. Even many smaller breeds were designed to be high energy ratters and all around varmint controllers. For many dogs, a quick walk around the block is not enough exercise to meet the needs bred into them.
Fortunately, making sure your dog gets enough exercise doesn’t have to mean you have to go for two runs a day. Try letting your dog run on a long training leash, playing fetch and catch games, and playing hide and seek with “find it” games.
Training
Exercise isn’t just for your dog’s body. He or she needs to engage his or her brain, too. Training for your dog is a continual puzzle as he or she tries to work out what you want him or her to do.
Working out puzzles takes a surprising amount of energy and really can help calm them down. Remember how exhausting it can be to spend the day studying? A hard training session can be just as tiring for your dog.
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Any training is excellent for your dog and your relationship. But there are some training techniques related to calming down. Start with really getting “sit” and “down” nailed. It can also be beneficial to work on impulse control, like waiting for permission to eat or go through a door.
When your dog goes crazy, have treats and a clicker on hand. Reward your dog for any calm behavior, even something as simple as having all four feet on the floor. When he or she begins to get it, give rewards for more extended periods of calm behavior.
Natural Remedies
If your dog is getting enough exercise and mental stimulation but is still very high strung, it might be time to try some natural remedies. Calming treats with all-natural ingredients, like these from petness.com, can take the edge off your dog’s wild energy.
You can also try aromatherapy. Scents that calm humans, like lavender and chamomile, can also help relax your dog. There are even canine acupuncture practitioners out there.
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If you’re worried about your dog’s excess energy, remember that it can never hurt to consult your vet. Excessive energy can indicate an underlying medical problem.
Also, don’t forget why you have a dog in the first place. Getting your dog enough exercise, working on training together, or even just cuddling up with calming treats and a diffuser with lavender oil are all great ways to strengthen your bond with your canine companion, which is great for both of you.