Although we'll always love them, some dogs can undoubtedly become a handful if their personality is too boisterous. As young, excited pups, wild and high-energy behaviour should be expected and tolerated. However, as your pup ages, extremely high energy can become a little too much - potentially impacting your family's lifestyle.
An excitable pooch can become an increasingly noticeable distraction during our current isolation-influenced lifestyle, as we all spend more time around the home, cooped up with our loved ones. Like young children, dogs crave our attention and require daily mental stimulation to feel content and happy. While exercise may be an obvious solution to relax an active and excitable pup, it's not always practical. Here are six of our best tips to calm your high energy dog.
Dogs are influenced by their surroundings, just like our little ones. Our pets look to us for behaviour queues and learn to replicate their owner's energy. So speak to your dog calmly!
If you teach your dog that a loud, high-pitched voice and erratic movement displays love and affection, then that's precisely what they'll do to show you how they feel.
Practically, when you speak to your pet, use a monotone yet assertive voice to convey your mood and how you expect them to react. When starting a walk, play or training session, start slow and ramp-up. You need your dog to understand that this is regular, quality time you'll spend together and it doesn't need to be a rush.
A well-trained dog is a manageable dog. Training your dog communicates what is and what is not expected of them. The earlier you can ingrain these positive habits in your pet, the less behaviour-related trouble you'll have later. Training can start from as young as 7-8 weeks old, and they learn fast!
“Training your dog is an excellent way to bond and teach them the behaviours you expect”
Training your dog is an excellent way to bond and teach them the behaviours you expect. Instead of your playful pooch jumping all over you and your visitors, command them to "Sit". While walking, keep them by your side with the "Heel" command. Training your dog makes pet-life easier!
Mental exercise is just as important, if not more essential than physical activity. Our brain uses over 20 percent of our daily energy requirements, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you want to tire your excitable pup out, get them using their brain!
In addition to the training commands discussed above, consider how to keep your dog occupied when you have other tasks to do. One of the best solutions is to provide them with an interactive toy, puzzle or another responsive plaything. A great example is the Foobler Self Reloading Puzzle Feeder. Toys like the Foobler automatically reload treats on a timer to keep your pet engaged throughout the day. By stimulating your dog's olfactory system, puzzle-solving abilities and rewarding them with a tasty treat, treat-dispensing toys are perfect for keeping your excitable pup entertained for hours.
Much like other methods of training, positively reinforce desired doggy demeanours. Instead of giving your canine attention when they are excited, wait until they are calm. Dogs love attention, so this reversal of your behaviour signals that calmness is what's worth your reward, not their crazy antics. Try surprising your dog with a healthy treat when they're relaxed and chilled out!
When you are able to exercise your pet, get the most out of it! Instead of walking your dog on the same route every day, try mixing it up and get your star athlete involved and engaged with the task at hand. Find an obstacle course you can lead your dog through with a tasty treat. Try your local park, or if you're stuck at home, create one using old boxes or furniture. Make exercising fun and intense. Mix in training commands, such as "Stay" and "Down" - the more your dog has to think, the better!
Electronic training collars, or e-collars, can be extremely useful in training your dog by discouraging poor behaviour, such as unreasonable excitation or extreme high-energy. When you're not around, or busy with another task, the collar can do the conditioning for you. Many experts believe dogs are commonly over-talked and over-excited by trainers or owners. E-collars allow for a less intrusive approach to help your dog learn 'good,' calm behaviours from 'bad' or overly-excited reactions.
Patpet offers anti-bark and training collars that are affordable, but also of the highest quality standards. We offer free AusPost delivery, 24-hour dispatch, dedicated customer support and an Australian Warranty. Still not sure what's best for your furry friend? Contact us today.
