Dealing with High Energy Dogs for the Low Energy Individual

Dogs, especially herding breeds, are almost impossible to keep up with. Even the fittest person will have their pets run circles around them (sometimes literally). So when choosing a dog for adoption, make sure that the dog you are looking for is one at your energy level. Meaning, that if you’re a couch potato, don’t get a high energy dog like a Border Collie or a Greyhound. If you’re a runner looking for a companion, a Yorkie or a St. Bernard probably isn’t for you. Do your research, and don’t be afraid of the mutt!

But, for those of you who got that puppy, who grew up into a dog that tears around the house at lightning speeds, or adopted that dog because it was cute, but not so much after it chewed half your shoes – here are some tips to bring your dog down to a manageable level.

 

Go on a Walk

Or Run. Bike. Roller Blade. Skateboard. Exercise is the absolute best thing you can do for your dog to wear them down. Find the time every day when your dog is at their worst (my dog has his about 7 pm after dinner) and take them out to burn some of that excess energy. Make sure you go regularly to get optimal results.

 

When you can’t Walk

The treadmill (if you have one) is a fantastic tool for channeling a dog’s excited energy. Though it will never replace the walk, it is good for rainy days, or times when you just can’t take them out. Just remember to never tie a dog to a treadmill, or leave them alone on it, because they may injure themselves. Make sure to keep it at a steady walking pace as well, don’t make your dog run.

Here are a few treadmills that we think are perfect for your dog, and some are real space savers!

Another option is if you have a pool, and Fido likes to swim, toss a stick for them for a bit. It’ll be twice as fun for them as a game of fetch, and twice as exhausting!  Don’t have a pool?  Sometimes, just chasing the sprinkler can wear your dog out, and you can water your lawn at the same time – now that’s multi-tasking!

Or teach your dog the names of his toys, and play a game of “find it!”

 

Take them on Adventures

Nothing wears out a dog like a trip to the dog park (or the vet). So to help with a dog’s insatiable energy, every so often take your dog somewhere. Dogs like nothing more than to hop in the car and go for a ride. If you’re going to pick up take out, bring Fido along, or if you’re going to the kid’s soccer games, bring the pup to help cheer them on. Your dog will be ecstatic to go anywhere with you!

 

Organize a play date

If there are dogs that your pup gets along with, have them come over for an afternoon. You can even take turns trading off dogs to give the other owner a break too! Your dog will be thrilled to have a friend over, and will have a buddy to play with to his heart’s content, or until he collapses happily on the floor.

 

Treat toys 

Most people know of the Kong, but online, and at the pet store, there are plenty of other treat balls that are a bit more difficult, and can be filled with less expensive (and less sticky) treats. If your dog needs constant entertainment, try putting their dinner into one of said treat toys and let them work for it. Not only is it hours of entertainment, but it’s mental stimulation for them as well.

Border Collies especially, are real brainiacs!

 

Extra tip: If the treat toy is emptied faster than you’d like, try filling a Kong with treats in different layered combinations, add a bit of water and put it in the freezer overnight before giving it to your pup. It’ll take them twice as long to clean it out.

Here are some extra sites for filling up that Kong to keep your dog entertained

http://www.petco.com/assets/pdf/kongrecipes.pdf

http://www.caninemind.co.uk/kong.html

 

Herding 

If you have a herding breed who is about to drive you insane, you might want to consider taking them to a herding class. These training facilities can help you teach your dog to herd sheep (usually) or other “herd” animals. This will challenge your dog both physically and mentally, and help them to fulfill their basic herding instinct. Dog owner beware: if you choose this option, it is important to make sure you go often for the sake of your dog, because if they take to it – herding is all they are going to want to do.

Note: It might be difficult to find herding trainers in your area, so if google doesn’t work for you – try to find an event where herding might be on exhibition, and talk to the trainers there.

 

Agility

“Agility” is a type of dog training where the handler leads a dog through various obstacles in a charted course in a certain amount of time. This is a great mental and physical exercise for your pet since not only do they have to run obstacles (a feat in itself) but they have to do them in the order in which you tell them. Of course that doesn’t happen overnight – so it’s best to take some classes first. Taking your dog to an agility class can be a blast for both you and your pet. The best part is, any dog can do it big or small (and relatively fearless).

Here is a video of a dog agility competition (though you only need to watch the first minute to get the drift)