You’re knee deep in a marathon workday at home, and your furry friend has a wild case of the zoomies, licks, barks and bites. They’re bouncing off the walls, rummaging through your belongings and turning your peaceful sanctuary into a circus. Your pup is hyper… too hyper!
Have you ever wondered how you can calm your overly energetic dog? We have! In this blog we’re going to explore not only how to calm your pup down, but where this bundle of energy comes from in the first place.
So, let’s take a paws, and breathe.
1. Identifying Hyperactivity
What is hyperactivity in dogs? Firstly, let’s start with what hyperactivity in dogs can look like. Below are some of the symptoms your over-energetic pup can display:
- Excessive barking
- Inability to stay still
- Destructive behaviour
- Jumping
- Short attention span
- Seeking too much attention
- Restlessness
- Aggression
If these symptoms are not addressed from the start, they may cause further problems down the line. Therefore, it is best to recognise the signs early on to support your dog’s overall wellbeing and happiness.
Hyperactivity in dogs, also known as hyperkinesis, may be caused by their genetic makeup. A dog’s DNA can be a big part of the picture. What can we say…some breeds are just more wired for action than others! For example, Border Collies and Jack Russel Terriers naturally have more energy due to their history working alongside humans. Non-working dogs are usually lower maintenance and enjoy being the perfect lap dog!
Additionally, we can teach our pet’s to be the life of the party, without even realising it. Our pup’s quickly learn that being hyper gets them noticed. Hyperactivity usually gets your dog the attention they want (good or bad, it doesn’t really matter to them- attention is attention!). That’s why it is important to reward good calm behaviour as a positive reinforcement.
Lastly, psychological factors such as anxiety or boredom can lead to hyperactive behaviour. It is important to provide a stimulating environment for your pup to unleash energy in a healthy balanced way. By addressing these factors, you can help your pup lead an overall better healthier lifestyle.
2. How To Train Hyperactive Dogs? Effective Management Strategies
Routine and Structure
Hyperactivity can often stem from unpredictability and your pup having a free reign over their day! Providing your pup with a consistent daily routine is a great way to reduce hyperactivity and promote a sense of calm. Having a consistent time for feeding, physical activity and sleeping allows them to understand there is a time for everything, including crazy mode!
Adequate Exercise and Play
Regularly exercising your pup not only expends a large amount of physical energy, it also acts as a mental stimulation to keep your pup happy and engaged. Setting aside one hour a day to provide your dog with a solid form of exercise not only aids their sleeping habits and supports digestion, it helps you to properly bond with your pet! We recommend taking a portable pet water bottle with you to keep them hydrated and temperature regulated whilst unleashing all of their energy.
Some ideas for outdoor activities include:
- A long walk around the park
- Agility training
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Dog training classes
Reward Calm Behaviour
It is essential to use positive reinforcement when your dog displays calm behaviour. By using treats, praise and affection, your pup can learn that attention can be given for the right reasons. For more tips on training your pup with commands and positive reinforcement, take a read of our blog here!
Keep Calm And Talk Softly
Remember that you are the leader of the pack, and your pup will most likely mirror the emotions and energy that you are giving out. By maintaining a calm demeanour, and using soft and gentle tones, your pup is likely going to take that in and display a similar nature.
3. Creating a Calm Home Environment
If your home is full of blasting music, shouting and chaotic energy, your dog is likely to pick up on this and react to its environment.
As a tidy space equals a tidy mind, creating a laid-back space for your furry friend is an essential step in reducing hyperactivity. We recommend creating a cosy area for your pup to relax and feel safe. Our Brooklyn Calming Beds provide anxiety relief when needed and improve deeper sleep for our restless pups. You could also consider adding in calming scents or pheromone diffusers into the mix to reduce overstimulation. Dog’s tend to respond well to soft gentle tunes or a soft hum as white background noise. Music can also help to block undesirable sounds that can cause anxiety in our pups. After all, who doesn’t enjoy a spa day after a ruff day!
Final Thoughts on Enhancing Your Dog's Well-Being
Don’t forget that each of our pups have different unique personalities and that hyperactivity isn't always a bad thing! If your pup's energy isn’t impacting your homelife in a negative way, celebrate the bundle of joy and energy they bring!
If your dog’s energy remains high the entire day, it’s important to dig into why your pup is bouncing off the walls. By understanding the root cause, you can help towards their overall happiness. With patience, good energy and the right tools, a relaxed pup can be achieved. Establishing routine and structure, with a balance of proper exercise and a calm home can all play an important role in reducing an over expenditure of energy. However, if you still have concerns, it’s never a bad idea to chat to the vet and see if there are underlying reasons for the madness!
