Calm Your Hyper Dog: Tips And Tricks (2024)

Dogs are energetic creatures, but sometimes their energy levels can be too high, causing them to be hyperactive. While true hyperactivity is rare in dogs, their energy can be influenced by various factors, such as breed, age, diet, and environment. So, what can you do to calm your hyper dog?

Firstly, it is important to ensure your dog is getting enough physical exercise. Dogs need to run, walk, and play to burn off their excess energy. Taking your dog for a walk or a run, playing fetch, or visiting a dog park can help tire them out.

However, physical exercise alone may not be enough. Mental stimulation is also crucial in calming a hyper dog. Puzzle toys, scent games, and interactive feeders can provide the mental challenge and engagement your dog needs.

Additionally, a consistent daily routine can help calm your dog's hyperactivity. Having set times for rest, play, and walks can reduce unpredictability and associated stress. Crate training can also provide a sense of structure and security for your dog, offering a calm space for them to retreat.

Training your dog basic commands and impulse control is another effective strategy. Teaching your dog to sit, stay, come, and lie down gives you more control over their behaviour and can help prevent destructive habits.

Remember to be patient and consistent in your approach, as calming a hyper dog takes time and dedication. With the right combination of physical exercise, mental stimulation, routine, and training, you can help your furry friend find their inner calm.

Daily physical exercise

However, it is important to note that for some dogs, exercise can have the opposite effect. Instead of tiring them out, it can amp them up even more. If this is the case for your dog, you may need to implement a cool-down period after exercising. This could be in the form of a structured game or some brain work, such as obedience training or puzzle toys.

If you're short on time, it is better to focus on brain work than physical exercise. Activities that combine physical exercise and mental stimulation, such as agility training, are ideal.

The amount of exercise your dog needs will depend on their breed and age. For example, herding dogs like Australian Shepherds are energetic by nature and will require more exercise than a lower-energy breed. It is always a good idea to consult your vet to determine the appropriate amount of exercise for your dog.

Give them a hobby

Dogs can get anxious and stressed just like humans. There are many ways to address anxiety, stress, and hyperactivity in dogs. Here are some tips to calm your dog down by giving them a hobby:

Turn mealtime into a job

Instead of feeding your dog from a bowl, try placing their food in a treat pouch or a bag that you can easily carry in your pocket. Start by spending 20 minutes a day practicing training commands they have already learned. Then, reinforce their positive behaviour with food. As your dog masters their training, introduce new commands and tricks. This keeps your dog mentally active and strengthens the bond between you and your dog.

Make mealtime a puzzle

Animals in the wild spend much of their time searching for food. Giving your dog the opportunity to hunt for food not only gives them a job but also keeps them mentally and physically engaged. There are several puzzle feeders, treat dispensers, and other food toys on the market that require dogs to figure out how to work the toy to get their treat or food. Remember to start with easier puzzles so your dog doesn't become frustrated.

Practice activities that involve nose work

A dog's nose is thousands of times more sensitive than a human's nose. Scent-smelling exercises give them a lot of mental and physical stimulation. You can put your dog's nose to work with a game of "sniff it out." Hide pieces of kibble or dog treats around the house and encourage your dog to find them by smell. These activities engage both their mind and body in a fun way.

Train your dog to work for everything they need

Once you've ditched the dinner bowl, you can train your dog to work for more than just their food. Require something from your dog every time they want something. Whether your dog wants a treat, to say hello to people, or to go outside, have them work for it. For example, teach them to sit by the open front door and wait for your command before going outside.

Consider canine sports

Active dogs often excel at sports. Basic classes for nearly every dog sport are widely available. Your dog could channel their energy into diving into water to retrieve toys, flyball, or disc dog, which involves chasing a flying disc.

Teach them basic commands

Teaching your dog basic commands is an effective way to calm their hyperactivity. Basic commands will teach them general etiquette and manners, and will also keep them out of trouble. Basic commands include 'sit', 'stay', 'come', and 'down'. Your dog greeting someone politely at the door, coming when called, or walking safely and controllably on a leash are basic desirable behaviours that will help you manage your pet. A hyper dog that's able to come when called and sit when asked makes the pet parent's life a lot easier.

• 'Sit' Command: One of the first commands owners teach their dogs is "sit". You can teach them this by holding a treat by their nose and slowly moving it backwards until their bottom touches the ground. Then, give them the treat. If your dog already knows how to sit, reinforce it with a treat every time they do it. Over time, you can train them to sit by your words and without any reinforcement.
• 'Down' Command: After your dog has learned to sit and stop, you can start teaching them to lie down. This is a useful command when you want your dog to settle down when you're both at home or in a park. To teach this command, let your dog sit while holding a reward in your hand. Put your hand near their nose to let them know you have a treat, then say 'down' or 'lay down' while moving your hand to the floor. Give them treats and praises as soon as they lie down, even if it's just a partial attempt. Practice this command until they regularly go down or have wholly mastered it.
• 'Stay' Command: You can reinforce the 'sit' command by teaching your dog to 'stay'. With your dog sitting at your side, tell them to 'wait' or 'stay'. Hold their bowl (with food in it, topped with tasty treats) chest-high, then move it towards the floor 4 to 6 inches. If your dog stays sitting, click and feed them a treat from the bowl as you raise it back up to your chest. If they get up, say 'oops!' and ask them to sit again. Gradually move the bowl closer to the floor with succeeding repetitions until you can place it on the floor without your dog getting up.
• 'Come' Command: The 'come' command is vital for every dog to learn. A dog that responds well to 'come' can quickly return to your side if it ever starts acting hyper when it shouldn't. Begin teaching this command when your dog is not beside you, such as when they are playing in your yard. Crouch your legs and slap your thighs before saying 'come' in a pleasant tone. Your dog will assume you want to play and will march up to you. Once they come, give them treats and praises as a reward. For a few weeks, practice this command at different times and in different locations.
• 'Quiet' Command: Dogs tend to bark when visitors arrive at your house, but they should also learn how to stay "quiet" when told to. Begin by drawing your dog to a treat, and once they start barking, tell them "quiet". As soon as they stop barking, quickly offer the reward. It may take some time, but your dog will eventually grasp that you expect them to keep quiet once you give the command. Consistency and patience are key.

Provide relaxing scents

Providing your dog with relaxing scents is an effective way to calm them down. Dogs have a powerful sense of smell, and their primary way of exploring their environment is through their nose.

One way to calm your dog is by using aromatherapy sprays or diffusers. Scents such as lavender, vanilla, and chamomile have been shown to promote relaxation. You can keep these scents near your dog's bed by using a scented air freshener or candle. However, it is important to first check if your dog has any allergies to fragrances and consult your veterinarian for advice on suitable scents.

Another way to engage your dog's sense of smell is through "sniffaris". These are walks where your dog can take their time to explore and smell their surroundings at their own pace. This type of activity is especially beneficial for senior dogs who may not have the energy for more strenuous walks but still need an outlet for their energy.

Additionally, you can incorporate calming scents into your dog's daily routine by using licking mats or treat-dispensing toys. Smearing mats with calming treats such as peanut butter, pureed pumpkin, or low-fat Greek yogurt can provide a soothing enrichment activity for your dog.

Reward calm behaviour

Rewarding calm behaviour is a crucial aspect of managing a hyperactive dog's behaviour. It is important to acknowledge and positively reinforce moments when your dog is acting calmly and taking it easy. This can be done through quiet praise, gentle pats, treats, and other rewards. By doing so, you will encourage your dog to repeat this behaviour and help them understand that settling down leads to positive attention from you.

One effective method is to use a clicker to mark and reward calm behaviour. Clicker training allows you to instantly mark the desired behaviour with a "click" and then follow it up with a treat. Start by clicking and treating when all four of your dog's paws are on the floor, gradually increasing the duration of calmness before clicking and treating. You can also incorporate verbal cues, such as "chill out", and eventually phase out the clicker, replacing it with other rewards such as calm praise or a gentle massage.

Another strategy is to teach your dog the "sit" command, which can become their default behaviour when they are unsure of what else to do. You can reinforce this by holding a treat near their nose and slowly moving it backwards until they sit, or by shaping it with a clicker by clicking and treating for slightly lowered hind legs until they touch the ground. Once your dog has mastered the "sit" command, you can use it as a foundation for other training exercises, such as impulse control behaviours like "wait" or "stay".

It is also beneficial to create a consistent daily routine for your dog, as this provides a sense of safety and calmness. Feeding, walking, and playtime should occur at roughly the same time each day. Additionally, providing a safe space, such as a cozy crate or a specific corner of the house with their bed and favourite toys, can help manage their energy levels.

By combining these strategies with adequate exercise, mental stimulation, and a well-balanced diet, you will be well on your way to creating a harmonious and peaceful coexistence with your furry friend.

Frequently asked questions