6 Ways to Channel Your Busy Dog’s Energy

Dogs are undoubtedly some of the most energetic creatures on the planet. As a dog parent, you know this to be true. Just like people, not all dogs have the same energy level. Some dogs are much more hyper than others.

Why Some Dogs Are More Energetic Than Others

Some dogs are more energetic than others because they were bred for different purposes. Some dog breeds were bred to be high energy. When you consider the job the breed was developed for, you can probably guess the energy level of the dog.

For example, herding breeds can be pretty active. They instinctively try to herd people and other animals and can become frustrated with a sedentary lifestyle. Herding breeds, like heelers, shepherds, collies, sheepdogs, corgis and others are known for their high energy levels.

Dogs bred to be hunting dogs are also known for their high energy levels. These breeds include:

• Retrievers
• Beagles
• Spaniels
• Pointers
• Hounds

Dog breeds with a moderate activity level were generally bred to rid barns and stables of vermin, dig out unwanted burrowing rodents, and make themselves generally useful around the farm. Some were bred to be guard or companion dogs. Moderately active dog breeds include:

• Terriers
• Shar-Pei
• Cocker spaniels
• Dachshunds
• Havanese
• Keeshonds
• Leonbergers
• Miniature schnauzers
• Old English sheepdogs
• Shiba inus
• Among other breeds.

Dog breeds with a low energy level were usually bred as companions. Of course, any dog can be a companion dog, but there were breeds who did not work, but provided companionship as a pet, rather than performing specific tasks.

• Bolognese
• Cavalier King Charles spaniel
• Chow chow
• French bulldog
• English bulldog
• Dogue de Bordeaux
• Great Dane
• Pekingese
• Pug
• Bernard
• Shih tzu

are all examples of low energy dog breeds.

Just like people, dogs can have individual differences. Some dogs are laid back by nature and others are vigorous and lively. Puppies and younger dogs naturally have more energy. Older dogs can mellow with age, but not always. Some dogs stay high spirited their whole lives as long as they stay healthy.

Hyperactivity In Dogs

Have you wondered if your high-energy dog might be hyperactive? Is an over-the-top active dog actually abnormal?

Probably not.

According to research conducted for the book Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Small Animals, true hyper activity in dogs is very rare. The symptoms of hyperactivity are extremely uncommon in dogs. These symptoms include:

• The inability to fully relax even in familiar environments
• Reactivity to routine stimuli
• Short attention span
• Physiological signs like elevated baseline respiration and heart rates

Instead of being hyperactive, your high energy dog probably isn’t getting his or her physical, mental, and social needs met on a daily basis. Dogs who are influenced by their breed, lack of stimulation, hormonal factors, or a poor diet may have a hard time settling down. Having this type of active dog can feel like a full-time job, but there is hope for a relaxed, peaceful household.

How to Manage Your Dog’s High-Energy Behavior

So, how do you cope with an active dog? After all, you can’t spend every moment helping your high energy dog channel his or her excess energy.

Keep in mind, many overly active dogs are also highly intelligent dogs. This means you may need to add extra mental stimulation to your dog’s routine.

Here are some ways to help a high-energy dog calm down.

1. Regular exercise

One of the most effective ways to channel your busy dog’s energy is through regular exercise. Exercise not only helps to burn off excess energy, but it also helps to keep your dog healthy and fit.

Depending on your dog’s breed and age, you can choose various types of exercise routines. For example, if you have a younger dog, you can take them on long runs, hikes or play with them in the park.

On the other hand, if your dog is older or has health issues, consider lower impact exercise like swimming, shorter walks, or playing fetch indoors.

In any case, ensure you consult with your veterinarian to choose a safe and suitable exercise routine for your dog.

2. Mental stimulation

In addition to physical exercise, mental stimulation is also essential for busy dogs. You can provide mental stimulation by engaging them in activities like interactive games,  puzzle toys, or scent work.

Interactive games like hide-and-seek or treasure hunt games can help your dog use their senses to find hidden treats. Puzzle toys like Kong or Buster Cube can keep them mentally stimulated while also helping to prevent destructive behavior.

Scent work is another excellent way to keep your dog’s mind engaged. You can hide treats around the house or yard and encourage your dog to find them using their sense of smell. Additionally, you can enroll your dog in scent work classes or nose work training for more advanced training.

3. Agility training

Agility training is another great way to channel your busy dog’s energy. Agility training involves  teaching your dog to navigate through an obstacle course while jumping, weaving, and running through tunnels. Agility training not only helps to burn off excess energy, but it also helps to build your dog’s confidence and improve their coordination.

If you’re interested in agility training, consider joining an agility class or finding a local dog club. Alternatively, you can set up an obstacle course in your backyard using everyday items such as hula hoops, cones, and jump ropes.

4. Dog daycare

While regular walks and playtime at home are essential, dog daycare can provide an additional level of activity and socialization your dog needs to thrive.

One of the primary benefits of dog daycare for high-energy dogs is the opportunity to burn off excess energy in a safe and supervised environment. Daycare provides valuable socialization opportunities for high-energy dogs. Interacting with other dogs and people can help to prevent boredom and loneliness, which can lead to destructive behavior in high-energy dogs. At daycare, your dog will have the opportunity to play, interact, and learn from other dogs while also improving their social skills and manners.

Dog daycare can give dog parents peace of mind, especially if they don’t have the time or resources to provide their high-energy dog with the level of activity and socialization they need. Knowing your dog is in a safe and stimulating environment can alleviate the stress and guilt that can come with sharing your life with a high-energy dog.

5. Obedience training

Obedience training is another excellent way to channel your busy dog’s energy. Obedience training involves teaching your dog basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel. Obedience training not only helps to burn off excess energy but it also helps to build a strong bond between you and your dog.

If you’re new to obedience training, consider joining a class or hiring a professional trainer. Alternatively, you can teach your dog basic commands at home using positive reinforcement techniques.

6. Tug of war

Tug of war is a popular game among dogs, and it’s an excellent way to channel your dog’s energy in a positive way. This game can provide physical and mental stimulation for your dog while also strengthening your bond and improving their obedience and impulse control.

One of the main benefits of tug of war is the opportunity to provide your dog with an outlet for his or her natural instincts to play and tug. This game can satisfy your dog’s desire to engage in physical play, which is especially important for high-energy breeds. By providing a structured and safe environment for tug of war, you can also prevent destructive behaviors arising from boredom and lack of exercise.

Additionally, tug of war can help improve  your dog’s obedience and impulse control. By setting rules and boundaries for the game, you can teach your dog to follow commands, such as “drop it” and “take it”. This game can also help your dog learn to control their impulses and wait for your cue before engaging in play. These skills can translate to other areas of your dog’s life, such as walking on a leash and interacting with other dogs.

In conclusion, having a busy dog as a family member can be a challenge, but with the right tools and techniques, you can channel their energy in a positive way. Regular exercise, mental stimulation, agility training, dog daycare, obedience training, and tug of war are just some of the ways to keep your dog’s energy in check.

It’s important to remember every dog is unique, and what works for one dog may not work for another. Therefore, it’s essential to pay attention to your dog’s individual needs and adjust your approach accordingly.

By providing your busy dog with the right combination of physical exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization, you can help them lead a happy and fulfilled life while also maintaining your own sanity as a dog owner.

Is your dog a high-energy dog? How do you manage your dog’s high-energy behavior?