*Squirrel!* Does your dog struggle with hyperactivity and impulse control?

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Is this Issue

• Common causes of canine hyperactivity and how to calm your pup

• More vet-approved tips around hyperactivity

• Service of the week - In need of dog training? Try Canine Trade Group!

Does your dog struggle with hyperactivity and impulse control?

Certain doggy demographics are more energetic than others. Young male dogs make up the most significant percentage of reported hyperactivity, and it probably comes as no surprise that active breeds, such as Border Collies, are particularly susceptible to problems in this area.

Luckily, there are ways to let your dog remain his usual, perky self while also teaching him not to jump on guests, zoom through the house, or run after small animals (like squirrels, for instance) during daily walks.

Sit & Stay Pro Tip

The first step in mitigating your dog’s hyperactive behavior is to figure out why he’s so over the top. Is he anxious? Bored? Did he have one too many puppuccinos?  

If your dog is anxious:

It may be anxiety taking the form of hyperactivity if your dog paces, has difficulty controlling his bladder, or demonstrates excessive behaviors (like scratching, barking, chewing, or digging).

Often, dogs get stressed without clear instructions. For example: You sit down at the computer to get some work done, and the dog is free to roam. It sounds nice, but he paces, scratches, and whines instead of relaxing. If you don’t tell him what to do, he won’t know what to do. Reviewing basic commands so you can instruct him to lie down or spend time in his crate may help.

You can even teach your dog how to respond when someone comes to the door (since strangers often trigger anxiety and hyperactivity). It may be enough that he will reliably get down when you tell him, but it is possible to go so far as to use the doorbell as a cue for him to go to his bed.

A structured schedule can also help your dog overcome anxiety-related hyperactivity. If your dog knows when to get excited about food, walks, and car rides, he’ll be more likely to remain calm during other parts of the day.

If your dog is bored:

If the issue is pure boredom, there are plenty of ways to get that excess energy out—and none of them involve tearing up your couch cushions. In addition to playing with your dog and taking him for an extra walk, you can utilize toys.

Even when you aren’t available to interact with your dog, you can keep him busy with bones and squeaky toys. You might also consider a puzzle toy, snuffle mat, or filling a Kong with peanut butter to keep your pup occupied and out of trouble.

If you aren’t sure of the cause:

It’s a safe bet that taking the training back to basics will help. There is never a downside to reconnecting with your dog, reinforcing basic commands, and reintroducing a structured schedule.

The Smile Section

Vet Recommendations

This article by PetMD has great advice on how to work your dog’s body and brain to counteract hyperactive behavior–and when it might be time to seek a medical evaluation.

Service of the Week - Need dog training?

Who do we look to when our pup needs training? Canine Trade Group. This nationwide group of dog trainers focuses on reward based training and has helped tens of thousands of dogs and owners reach their goals. Here’s what owners are saying:

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