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"High Energy" Dogs
Would you describe your dog as having high energy? Have you tried increasing her daily aerobic exercise to try to wear her out?
It’s true that different breeds have differing exercise needs. But if we encourage long bouts of high-impact activity, we can actually make it harder for the dog to settle peacefully afterwards.
Instead, you could offer a mix of aerobic exercise (in short bouts), and mental enrichment, including fun training sessions. This mix is often more satisfying to the dog, while making her more pleasant to live with.
What are your dog’s favorite mental and physical games?
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8 Replies
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I love this post and can relate today!
I just worked a 7 month old mix breed (looking sort of like a Catahoula Leopard Dod) in a foster setting who is high energy with a side of skittish (but with quick recovery!). Simply working on some impulse control behaviors, crate desensitization and teaching touch and a down tired her out!
Foster mom was excited that she was in this state of calm with so little physical exercise (1.5 hour session with chatting etc). The mental stimulation is often new (and tiring) to these pups who are constantly bouncing around!
I love using a pvc tube filled with food for my dogs! They get the physical stimulation of pushing it and walking as well as the mental of manipulating it (especially in and out of places when it gets stuck in a corner etc) to get the food!!
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@jenz , “a side of skittish” — LOL!!
You are SO right about how training sessions can tire a dog out, in a good way. I often mention to pet parents with high-energy pups that they’ll probably take a long nap after our training session. They initially scoff at that ‘impossibility,’ until it happens. ????
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@jenz can you please post your DIY food puzzle/pvc toy? We need this! Thanks!
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It takes my 2 dogs an average of 30 minutes to empty them!. The higher grass adds an extra degree of difficulty, too! If they carry it their kennels, there are patio cement blocks so it can go quicker. I use them inside too. They can get a little loud banging into things but it’s for a good cause!
It is a 2” diameter pvc tube. I drill random holes slightly larger than their kibble and cap the ends. Ta-dah!
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Fantastic! Thanks – I’m going to the hardware store this weekend, for sure!
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@programdev
Lowes or Home Depot will have them in the plumbing section, too. You can usually find a ready sized, 2′ section. The end caps will be close by!
I used this for Titan specifically for his anxiety when I first adopted him. He wanted to bust out of the yard for almost 2 weeks. He was literally using his head to push on everything to escape.
I kept using treat scatters and food to try and create a positive association with the yard. It slowly worked. Now he just seems to enjoy sniffaris and the tube!
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Fantastic! And I love the recommendation for dogs who need to uplevel their desire to stay at home. Great tip!
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