How to Handle a Hyper-Active Dog?

Imagine working a long day in your working space at home, and your dog is jumping on you, barking, pulling and spinning circles around you without getting tired. These are signs of a hyperactive dog.  Although you are working, you have to check on your dog too, otherwise, it can create mischief in the house.

Also, managing these two tasks is tough and you may also experience a decline in your productivity and efficiency.

At the same time, “hyperactivity” in dogs should not be classified as negative. It is just that your dogs are more curious and tend to explore more than calmer dogs. Here are 7 ways how you can calm down a hyperactive dog.

• Provide Daily Exercise

Arguably the best method to pacify a hyperactive dog, daily exercise is beneficial even for calmer dogs. How much exercise a dog needs depends on several factors and the amount will vary. However, for a hyperactive dog, physical activity of 1 hour per day is recommended. You can take them for daily walks, go for a hike, or play a game of fetch with them.

Don’t ignore mental exercise too. Consider giving your dog interactive toys that stimulate your dog’s mind effectively and keep them engaged for a long time.

• Set a Routine For Them

Setting a smooth-flowing daily routine for your dogs is one of the best ways to reduce their hyperactivity. Often, hyperactivity in dogs crops up from unpredictability and having a lot of free time daily. Having a schedule can make your dog consistent and less likely to do any mischief. For instance, setting up a time for breakfast, bathroom breaks, daily walks sleep etc can tremendously help in managing hyperactivity in dogs.

Remember, teaching your dog when it’s time for play and time is one of the most effective ways to calm your dog.

• Crate Train Them

Crate training is an excellent way to keep your dog’s energy levels to a minimum. Consider investing in a high-quality fibre crate for your dog, one that is easier to carry and maintain. Let the crate training be a slow and gradual process and there will be no problem in putting your dog in the crate several times a day. Small increments daily play a vital role in crate training your dogs effectively.

• Teach Them Basic Commands

Teaching basic dog commands is a great way to calm your hyperactive dogs. Basic commands teach them general etiquette, and manners and prevent them from getting into a lot of trouble. Remember dog training takes a lot of time and you should hurry through the process. Basic commands include sit, stay, come, down etc. Once your dogs learn these commands, you will have more control over them. A hyperactive dog who goes to his owner when called makes the owner’s life a lot easier.

• Serve a Nutritious Diet

What your dog eats has a direct impact on how they are going to behave. A lot of cheap brand dog foods consist of fillers, by-products colourings, etc which can make the dog restless and not able to relax. Studies have also shown a link between certain dog ingredients and hyperactivity and it’s always suggested to feed them high-quality dog foods.

Having said that, you should always consult your vet before making any changes to your dog’s food.

• Your Energy Matters

How a dog behaves is often the reflection of the energy levels of his owner. Haven’t you seen how in nature one dog gets excited, and how the rest follows? Similarly, if your house is chaotic, filled with screaming kids, loud music etc, your dog will absorb the energy and will behave erratically.  This is why you should analyse the vibe of your house and the overall energy as well.

When your dog realises that his owner is calm and composed, he will try to maintain that vibe.

• Consult Your Vet

Sometimes, hyperactivity in dogs can also be a result of certain medical complications. Hence, it is always advised to check in with your vet if you have an extremely hyperactive dog. Sometimes, metabolic diseases can also manifest themselves as hyperactiveness. Talk to your vet and see if any underlying causes in your dogs needs testing or medication.