How to Handle Your High Energy Dog

by Katherine Khoo March 15, 2024 5 min read

Living with a high-energy dog can be an exhilarating experience, but it comes with its unique set of challenges. High-energy dogs, often belonging to specific breeds bred for work, bring boundless enthusiasm into our lives. However, when they don't receive the appropriate outlet for their energy, it can lead to behavioural issues. Understanding their energetic nature and employing effective strategies to manage their exuberance is crucial for fostering a harmonious relationship with these furry companions.

Know Your Breed

Certain dog breeds are renowned for their high energy levels, a trait ingrained in them through generations of selective breeding. Breeds such as Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Siberian Huskies are among those that come to mind when thinking about high-energy dogs. These breeds were originally developed for various purposes, including herding, hunting, and pulling sleds, requiring a surplus of energy to fulfil their duties. Border Collies can run all day herding sheep. In races like the Iditarod, which is around 1,000 miles, teams of Huskies may cover 100 miles or more per day during the peak of the race. For some of these active dogs, a ‘normal’ walk on a leash may not do the trick. They require more exercise like running in a dog run.

To effectively manage high-energy dogs, it's crucial to understand the root cause of their exuberance. It's also essential to acknowledge that a dog's high energy is not a sign of disobedience or hyperactivity but rather a natural expression of their breed-specific traits. Dogs bred for work possess an innate drive to perform tasks, and when this energy is not channelled constructively, it can manifest as restlessness or even destructive behaviour. Recognizing that these dogs thrive on mental and physical stimulation is the first step in addressing their needs appropriately.

Strategies to Diffuse Energy and Promote Calmness

Embrace the Reality

Recognize that your dog has a need for exercise and mental engagement that surpasses the norm. The sooner you embrace this reality, the more effectively you can navigate the situation. If your dog's high energy levels are causing a bit of chaos, consider it a positive sign – you've got a highly intelligent and motivated companion eager to embark on exciting activities with you.

Start with Basic Obedience Training

Energetic dogs require more than just daily walks and playing with a ball. However, before introducing them to new activities, it's crucial for your dog to grasp the fundamentals - sit, stay, come, leave it, and down. Basic obedience training also includes instilling good manners, such as not jumping on people and other pets. Basic obedience commands, when reinforced consistently, provide mental discipline and create a sense of purpose for these dogs. Positive reinforcement techniques work particularly well, rewarding good behaviour to reinforce desired habits. These basic training exercises establish a foundation for good behaviour. Engaging in basic training exercises establishes a solid foundation for further training in various areas.

Regular Exercise Routine

As you're aware, high-energy dogs demand a substantial amount of physical activity. While walks are a beneficial option for most dogs, it's essential to explore additional avenues. Engaging in activities like tug-of-war or fetch can provide variety and mental stimulation. Your active dog will love this Ruffwear Hover Craft™ Long-Distance Flying Disc Dog Toy. This high-performance flying disc is crafted to maintain a true and consistent trajectory during long-distance throws, providing your pup with an exhilarating running workout.

After concluding a workout session, it becomes crucial to ensure your dog experiences a cooling-off period. High-drive dogs are often left energised and eager for more activities post-exercise. Without a deliberate effort to calm them down, they might display destructive behaviour. This phase presents an opportune moment for tasks that require calm and mental focus. Consider incorporating obedience training, grooming sessions, or puzzle toys during this time to channel their energy into constructive outlets and promote a sense of calmness. This Pawzler Innovative Modular Dog Puzzles set includes treat-hiding mechanisms that require slide pushing, lid lifting, pulling, and lid turning. It’s definitely the toy that will keep your dog focused and entertained as they use their natural hunting skills to find hidden treats.

Provide Mental Stimulation

In addition to physical exercise, high-energy dogs benefit greatly from mental stimulation. Incorporating puzzle toys, nosework toys, obedience training, and interactive games challenges their intellect, keeping them engaged and less likely to exhibit destructive behaviour out of boredom. High-energy dogs often excel in activities that involve problem-solving and decision-making. Introducing activities like agility training, scent games, or even advanced obedience tasks taps into their natural instincts and provides a productive way to expend energy.

Give Your Dog A Job

Don’t be intimidated by the idea of putting your dog to work. It’s not nearly as hard as it sounds. Any time you teach your dog a new trick, and work with her on a regular basis, you are fulfilling her need to work. Your dog’s ‘job’ may be playing hide-and-seek games seeking out his treats, or playing frisbee or hiking. One of the simplest ways to give your pup a job is to make him work for his treats. A great method is to use a Kong classic and fill it with a mix of treats. This not only stimulates him mentally but also offers a productive outlet for his energy, especially when you're not available to entertain him. It's essential to understand that not every dog will grasp the concept immediately. Dogs accustomed to traditional food bowl feeding may initially be sceptical to try the Kong. Begin with a simple task, such as placing loose bits of treats in a Kong, and gradually increase the complexity as your pup becomes more adept. Remember, the key is to set your pup up for success, providing challenges that are achievable and progressively advancing as he gains proficiency.

Interactive Play and Socialisation

Engaging in interactive play and ensuring ample socialisation opportunities are crucial for high-energy dogs. Playdates with other dogs, visits to dog parks, and participation in organised canine activities provide an outlet for their social needs and energy.

Keep Your Routine Consistent

Dogs thrive on routine, and high-energy breeds are no exception. Establishing a consistent daily schedule for feeding, walks, playtime, and rest helps create a sense of predictability, promoting a calm environment for both the dog and their owner.

A high energy dog can be a ton of fun. There’s a reason that dogs like breeds like collies, labs, and huskies are so popular: they love to play and learn and accompany you on all your adventures. But to get to the fun parts, you have to accept the challenges that are part of the deal. Understanding the breed-specific traits and acknowledging that their high energy is a result of their heritage rather than a behavioural issue is a good start. Effectively handling high-energy dogs involves a holistic approach that integrates physical exercise, mental stimulation, and structured training. By combining these elements, you can harness the exuberance of a high-energy dog, turning the experience into a positive and gratifying journey, ultimately fostering a well-balanced and contented furry companion.