Energetic Dogs

Hyper dogs can sometimes cause many problems and headaches if one doesn’t know how to deal with them. Many times these kinds of dogs may need more exercise at others they can be calmed down with aromatherapy and massages, but in some rare cases hyperactivity can be a medical condition which would need veterinary assistance. The following page contains more detailed information on how to help alleviate this problem and help you teach your dog how to be more relaxed and calm.

Dogs with too much energy can indulge in a number of unwanted behavior such as digging, chewing, coprophagia, or barking. The cause of hyperactivity will depend on your dog; many breeds such as the jack russell, border collie, labrador, and husky (to name a few) have been bred to have above average energy to be able to do their jobs efficiently. Getting these kinds of breeds without knowing the energy levels can constitute a serious surprise for a dog owner. Other times a dog’s breed may have nothing to do with it, but rather the lack of mental and physical stimulation make the dog redirect the extra energy in something that we may not find amusing in the least.

Hyperactivity as a symptom

In some rare cases extreme energetic behavior can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. If a dog has compulsive/non-stop movements, frantic behavior, panting, and doesn’t stop till exhausted it may be a sign of a physical ailment. If you suspect that this may be your case then the best thing to do would be to take the dog to the vet and have some tests done. They can then give you medication that will counter the compulsive behavior.

Compulsive and erratic behaviors can be caused by the food their eating. Things such as preservatives, food colorings, and other additives can cause a dog to act in strange ways. If the hyperactivity started after making a switch to a food then suspect this to be a cause. Well one might ask, isn’t a food that gives energy a good thing? In a way yes it is, but not when is it causing compulsive behavior and when your dog doesn’t stop till he is literally exhausted. That’s not healthy. However if the food is good quality and your dog is displaying more energy that he used to but he isn’t getting a walk once or twice a day then his active behavior may be due to a lack of physical and mental stimulation in which case we shouldn’t blame the food but rather work in giving the dog the exercise he needs, which leads to our next topic.

A tired dog is a good dog

Sometimes all these energetic dogs needs is daily exercise. The responsibility of a dog owner isn’t limited to giving a dog food and water everyday, it involves meeting all his needs because we may not be all too pleased when he tries to meet his own needs (such as digging in the garden). The following list some easy ways to help your dog release some of that pent up energy in a healthy manner.

Walks & Jogs

An normal dog should be receive at least a good walk every day. Other dogs with special anatomical features such as the bulldog or dachshund should still receive that walk but at a shorter distance. Hyper dogs should receive two good walks or at least a good jog (not walk) in the morning. It’s a good idea to let your dog explore every now and then too, as this helps mentally stimulate him. No cheating with this either, its not the same to put a dog on a treadmill because you are too lazy to go out on a walk. This only fulfills a dog’s physical stimulation needs but doesn’t mentally stimulate the pooch. Although this might be a good option if you are really unable to go out, after all for an active dog a little stimulation is better than none. But its best never to let this become a habit.

Fetch

This is a good game to play with dogs that have a high chase and play drive (such as Labs). The bonus of this exercise is that your dog gets to run back and forth using up his energy while you don’t have to move very much. If you aren’t the best of throwers you can always purchase a throw tool that are sold in pet stores that helps give your throw an extra boost so that the ball flies a little farther.

Other Dog(s)

When two dogs play together they release much more energy than going on a walk would. Now this doesn’t mean that you should go out and get another high energy dog, that might not be a good idea seeing how you might be already having trouble with one hyperactive dog. The best thing to do is look and see if you can set up play dates, find other dog owners that will be willing to bring over their dogs to allow the two to play. Not only does this help with release of energy but it also helps better your dog’s socialization skills. Dog parks may be a good place to start to look for play dates. Remember its best if you find other dogs that are more or less the same size and strength of your dog so that no one gets hurt.

Mentally Stimulating Games

Sometimes all a dog needs is to be tired mentally. Games that mentally stimulate a dog usually don’t have to involve too much movement or physical activity. Doubt that this works? Well ever heard teenagers in middle or high school complain about being tired? They obviously don’t spend all day doing jumping jacks and push ups so why are they tired? Because they are put to use their heads in problem solving. This same technique can be adapted to your dog. For example, one mentally stimulating game can be finding under which of three cups a treat is under. Then switching the order and having the dog paw whichever he thinks contains the treat. There are many other games that you can find or invent that may greatly help your problem with over active dogs.

Kong

A kong is a hollow rubber toy that can be filled treats and given to a dog for them to work out. This can really help a dog settle down and work on some problem solving (thus providing an excellent mental stimulation activity). Many advise putting pieces of meet, cheese, or kibble treats then sealing the opening of the kong with peanut butter. Freezing it may even make it more interesting and longer lasting. This option tends to work well especially with dogs with good food motivation.

(For more ideas on how to physically and mentally stimulate your dog visit the Dog Games Page)

Training your hyperactive dog

There is a way to train a dog to be more relaxed and teach him that he isn’t going to get everything he wants by jumping and running in circles. However its note worthy that we have to watch ourselves too because we may want to calm our dogs but inadvertently making the problem worse by encouraging active behavior.

The way we say something can have some effect on the way other people and creatures react. Activity can be encouraged by high pitched and repeated sounds such as consecutive tongue clicks or “Go! Go! Go!”. So with hyperactive dogs we want to avoid using high pitched and repeated words or sounds. Verbal communication that discourages activity usually include low pitched, high punctuated, or slowly pronounced words such as “Stop!” or “Noooo…”, always in a serious tone. So if your dog is running back in forth in the house like a maniac what effect would our saying “Hey hey hey! Stop that!” (while we are trying to catch the him), have on the dog? Its simply going to stimulate him to keep going faster. So sometimes its beneficial to stop for a second and think about the way we are reacting the dog’s actions.

Its also worth to mention that crate training can help some dogs learn to relaxed, especially if their hyperactivity is caused by anxiety. After some positive training a dog may go there to have some alone time and calm down a bit, for tips on crate training visit the Crate Training Page.

Training your dog to be patient and calm may take some times but if your dog is highly food motivated the following exercise can help a great deal with helping your dog to learn that good things come to those who wait (and to a lesser extent to those that are relaxed). These steps not only teaches a dog to be calm but also builds their frustration tolerance which helps the dog avoid problem behaviors when they aren’t getting what they want the instance they want it.

This exercise is going to involve the dog deciding what to do, your response should allow him to figure out if what he is doing is right or not. During this whole exercise you shouldn't say a word nor give clues as to what he is doing wrong or right. Its worth noting that you are going to need very high value treats for this to work (e.g. pieces of ham or cheese). Here goes steps 1-10:

1. Put a tidbit of food in your closed fist, and put your first in front of your dog. Allow your pooch to sniff it and try to get the treat but don't give it to him. The second that he steps away from your hand drop the treat and give him the cue to "get it". Do this until your dog doesn't shove into your hand for three consecutive times.

2. Next, hold the treat in your open hand in front of your dog. If the pooch makes an attempt to get it close your fist. Once he pulls back and stays back you can drop the treat and cue him to get it. When he doesn't try to get it from your open hand three times in a row you may go on to step #3.

3. Place a treat on the floor and cover it with your hand, once he stops trying to get it from you pick up the treat and feed it to him. Once your pooch stays away from your hand 3 times in a row you can proceed.

4. Once again place a treat on the floor but this time don't cover it with your hand, simply have your hand right next to it. If your dog tries to get it then quickly cover it and allow the dog to back off. Once he backs away, uncover it and if he stays away from the treat pick it up and feed it to him. Once he stops going for the treat three times consecutively then you may move on to step number 5.

5. Do the same thing as mentioned previously only this time wait for the dog to look at your face. You may make a noises to get your dog's attention (no more than two times) but don't say his name. After this is done successfully three times you may move on.

6. Place a treat in both your hands, offer one to the dog meanwhile you let the other one drop to the floor. If the dog takes the one that fell don't give him the one that you are holding, just start over.

7. This is almost the same as # 6 but have the dog look at you before you hand feed, then drop the treat and make the dog stay for a little while, pick up the treat and give it to him.

8. Do the exact same thing as in the step before but after you drop the treat say "leave it" and not till after may the dog have the treat.

9. In one had place multiple treat and in the other hand only place one. Drop the one treat on the floor, move away from it, and say "Leave it!". Then say "Come" and if the dog comes you may give him the multiple treats in the other hand.

10.This one will be more different from the rest. Place a low value treat on the floor (e.g. food bowl filled with kibble), then next start to walk next to it with your dog on a lead (make sure your dog can't reach the bowl), if the dog goes towards the bowl stand as still as you can and don't budge, the second the dog looks at you, give him a high value treat.

(Doggy Zen by Virginia Wind)

Helping a dog relax (Holistic methods)

There are many different holistic methods that you can use to help your dog relax a bit such as acupuncture and medication but we will discuss two of the easiest methods that you can do at home. If you wish to check out some other options check out the holistic websites down in the “Further reading & Reference” section.

Aromatherapy

Smells can have an interesting way on the way we act and feel. Ever notice how lavender is a popular smell in soaps and clothes softeners? That’s because its one of the scents that help people relax! Some essential oils can be used to scent your house and car, so take advantage of these, give them a try and see if you notice a difference in your dog’s behavior. According to some holistic websites the following scents are used to help calm and sooth: lavender, chamomile, sweet orange, vanilla, green mandarin, and ylang ylang. Because every dog is different try different scents or combination of scents to see which ones work. Some sites say that these oils can be diluted with water and rubbed on your dogs coat. However its best to do more research on this as some essential oils can be toxic to dogs if applied to the skin.

Massages

Just as in people, massages can have a soothing and healing effect on dogs and may even help some dogs to not be so hyperactive and compulsive. These massages should generally be very gentle and while the dog is relaxed. There are some great books that you can check out in your local library that discuss some massage techniques that you can use on your dog. Never force your dog to be massaged as this can be counterproductive, if your dog likes them then that’s great if not try something else.

Conclusion

These methods discussed above aren’t necessarily quick fixes and may take some time to see results. The results aren’t also going to stay there after initial treatment, so if taking your dog out for a morning jog works then you need to keep doing this over and over else the problems related to hyperactivity may return. However everything described above doesn’t only benefit your dog, there is a lot in it for you too! For instance, running keeps you in top shape, aromatherapy can help you relax, and giving dog massages lower your blood pressure and is very therapeutic. So keep up the good work and you’ll see the benefits.

Steven L.

If you have any questions or comments about the content above or would like to discuss other dog/pet related material, feel free to visit K9domain's K9Academy Dog Message Board, registration is free and easy! There you will find knowledgeable members that are willing to help you with any problem you may have.

Further Reading and References

Bell, Kristen L., Master Aromatherapist. Using Aromatherapy to Calm Your Frazzled Fido.< http://vetmedicine.about.com/library/viewers/uc-aromatherapy.htm >

Canine Concepts. Why is my dog Hyperactive?<http://www.canineconcepts.co.uk/ccp51/cc/dog-behaviour/hyperactivity.shtml>

Natural Dog remedies. Hyperactive Dogs.< http://www.natural-dog-health-remedies.com/hyperactive-dogs.html>

Natural Dog Remedies. Natural Remedies for Hyperactive Dogs.<http://www.natural-dog-health-remedies.com/remedies-for-hyperactive-dogs.html#top>

Reisner, Ilana R. , DVM, PhD, DACVB. Dealing with the hyperactive dog.<http://www.ttlntl.co.uk/3/BehAdv/hyperactive_dog.htm>

The Dog Bowl. Hyperactive Dog?< http://www.thedogbowl.com/PPF/category_ID/0_341/dogbowl.asp>