Are you tired of dealing with a hyperactive dog that never seems to calm down? It can be exhausting, right? But did you know that your furry friend doesn’t have to be in a constant state of excitement? While exercise is crucial, both mentally and physically, calmness is a state of mind. Being overstimulated and under-exercised can lead to stress and anxiety in dogs, which can cause behavior issues such as excessive barking, destructive chewing, and acting out.

If you’re struggling with a hyperactive dog, you’re not alone. It’s a common issue that many dog owners face, and it can be stressful for both you and your pup. But don’t worry, there are some simple and effective ways to help your dog relax and behave better.

In this article, we’ll share some tips and tricks that you can try at home to calm your hyperactive dog down without medication.

What are sign of hyperactivity in dogs?

Here are signs that your dog might be hyperactive:

• Constantly fidgeting, pacing, or jumping
• Excessive barking, whining, or chewing
• Reacting to every sound, movement, or stimulus
• Difficulty with focus, learning, or obeying commands
• Seeking too much attention or being aggressive when stressed.

Why is My Dog Hyperactive All the Time?

Do you have a furry friend who seems to be over-the-top excited all the time, running around in circles, barking, and jumping incessantly? Well, that’s not a sign of a happy dog. In fact, all that hyperactivity is just a manifestation of their pent-up energy and frustration. But don’t worry, there’s a simple explanation behind it. 

If your pup is always on the go, the most probable reason is that they are bored, under-stimulated, and have too much energy bottled up inside. Remember, even an active breed needs their moments of tranquility.

Before we dive into the solutions, let’s first understand why your dog might be hyperactive in the first place. There are many possible reasons, but here are some of the most common ones:

Breed

Some dog breeds are naturally more energetic and excitable than others. Breeds like terriers, herding dogs, and hunting dogs were bred to work hard, and as a result, they need plenty of physical and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. You can read about The Surprising Origin of the Remarkable Cattle Dog if you would like to know more about this herding breed.

So, if you have one of these pups as your companion, make sure to give them plenty of opportunities to run, play, and exercise their brains.

High energy breeds include Border collies, Australian Shepherds, Jack Russell terriers, Miniature Pinschers and Australian Cattle Dogs. 

Age

Puppies and young dogs are usually bursting with energy and curiosity, which can make them appear hyperactive. As they explore their new surroundings, they also need to learn the rules and boundaries of your home and how to behave properly. So, be patient and provide them with plenty of love and guidance

Lack of exercise

Regular exercise is not just about keeping them fit and healthy – it’s also about maintaining their mental well being. When dogs don’t get enough exercise, they can quickly become bored, restless and, let’s be honest, a little wild.

Lack of training

 Sometimes teaching your dog how to behave can be a bit of a challenge. But don’t worry, with consistent and positive training, your pup can learn to follow your commands and be on their best behavior. If your furry pal doesn’t get enough training, though, they might act out of control or disobedient, which can be frustrating for both you and your dog.

And that’s not all; teaching them impulse control is also crucial, so they can quickly transition from a highly excited state to a calm and relaxed one.

Lack of socialization

 Dogs are incredibly social animals and need to interact with other pups and humans to learn how to behave and communicate effectively. Without enough socialization, your furry friend may become anxious, aggressive, or over-excited in unfamiliar situations. So, it’s important to make sure your pooch gets plenty of opportunities to socialize and have fun with others. 

Stress or anxiety

Dogs can get super hyper due to stress or anxiety. There are so many things that can cause stress in our furry friends, like loud noises, being separated from their favorite humans, changes in their environment, or even health issues.

When your pup is feeling anxious, they might become nervous, restless, or overly excited. You might notice them panting, pacing, whining, or trembling. It’s important to keep an eye on your pup’s behavior and help them calm down when they’re feeling stressed.

What can I do about my Hyperactive Dog?

Provide Sufficient Exercise

Did you know that the first step in taming your dog’s energy is to make sure they’re getting enough exercise? So, if you’re wondering why your dog seems to be bouncing off the walls, it’s probably because they’re not getting the physical activity they need. If you’re looking to have a happier and more relaxed dog, then it’s important to meet their needs.

Your dog needs plenty of exercise to keep both their body and their mind active. Not only will exercise help your dog release their pent-up energy, but it will also reduce their boredom and improve their mood and behavior. Let’s work together to help your dog feel calmer and more relaxed!

Depending on your dog’s breed, age, and health, they may need anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours of exercise every day. You can take them on long walks, runs, hikes, or bike rides. Get organized for dog walks with a Dog Walking Bag.

You can play fun games like fetch, tug-of-war, or frisbee with your dog. I recommend the Nerf Dog UltraPlush Trackshot Toss and Tug Ring Dog Toy for a fun and durable toy.

If you want to take it up a notch, you can even enroll them in sports classes like agility or obedience, or take them to a dog park or daycare where they can socialize and play with other cute pups. I highly recommend reading Unleash the Fun: The Power of Dog Training Games to find out more about dog training games.

How to use a flirt pole to exercise your dog

Have you heard of the flirt pole exercise? It’s not only a fun game to play with your pup, but it’s also an amazing way to help them learn impulse control. By chasing the lure on the flirt pole, your pup will burn off a ton of energy in no time.

A flirt pole, often also called a flirt stick, is a pole with a bungee-type rope with a lure or toy attached to the end. You simply move the toy around in different directions and watch your pup try to catch it.

There are numerous benefits to using a flirt pole in your dog’s exercise routine. It burns a lot of energy in a short time. Ten minutes of flirt pole exercise is enough to tire any dog fast. It takes limited effort on your part while your dog gets a solid workout. The rapid movement and change of direction work the core and the entire body. It’s also a good muscle conditioning and strengthening exercise.

A flirt pole is an excellent training tool for teaching your dog control and responding to commands such as “leave it”. It’s an excellent way to train calmness in even the most reactive dogs. It teaches the dog’s brain to go to high arousal and come back down to a calm state.

It caters to a dog’s hunting instincts as the movements are similar to those used in the pursuit of prey. And let’s not forget about the sheer joy it brings to see your pup jump and play like they’re chasing prey. I recommend every active dog owner should give flirt pole exercises a try!

Mental Stimulation and Enrichment

Did you know that mental exercise and enrichment can be just as tiring for dogs as physical exercise? The smartest pups need plenty of mental stimulation and enrichment to stay happy and healthy. If you’re dealing with a hyperactive pooch, providing them with lots of mental challenges can do wonders for calming their mind.

Mental stimulation means challenging their brain and providing them with plenty of entertainment. You can do this in so many ways, like giving them puzzle toys, interactive toys, or treat-dispensing toys. Or you can take it up a notch and hide treats or toys around the house for them to find! 

I personally love the TRIXIE Dog Activity Poker Box 2 Dog Puzzle Toy, and I’ve written a full review about it here.

Another fun way to keep your pup engaged is by teaching them new tricks, commands, or games – or practicing the ones they already know! Mental stimulation will keep your dog focused, entertained, and satisfied, and they’ll love you even more for it.

I also love the Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Lickin’ Layers Interactive Dog Puzzle Game and Slow Feeder and the Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Puppy Hide N’ Slide Green Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy.

Three Ways to Provide Mental Stimulation and Calm a Hyper Dog

Learning and Training

Regular and consistent training can do wonders for your dog! Not only will it make them more obedient, but it will also sharpen their focus and provide a much-needed mental workout. And the best part? You don’t need to have a puppy to teach them new tricks! Dogs of all ages are brilliant learners and can pick up over 165 different words or signals. 

So why not spice up their routine by teaching them a new command or trick regularly? Not only will this keep them engaged and happy, but it will also impress your friends with your dog’s impressive skills. Trick training is one of the best ways to provide cognitive enrichment for your loyal companion. 

Nose and Scenting Games

When it comes to entertaining your furry best friend, nothing beats the power of their sense of smell. Playing games that involve their nose can actually tire them out mentally. 

And it’s no surprise, considering that dogs have an incredible sense of smell, with millions of olfactory receptors in their nose. So why not try out some fun nose games with your pup and see their sniffer in action?

This Race&Herd Sniff and Seek Dog Scent Training Kit is excellent for tiring out your scent focused dogs, particularly dogs like hounds.

Puzzle Toys

Who doesn’t love a good puzzle? And what if I tell you that puzzle toys aren’t just for humans but are also great for dogs? Puzzle toys are an excellent way to provide your pets with mental stimulation and enrichment. 

From simple ones to more complex ones, these toys come in various shapes and sizes, making it even more exciting for your pets to figure them out. You can even use them as a form of reward during training sessions. 

I love the Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Snoop – Tough and Durable Interactive Dog Ball Treat Dispenser Game to start out with if your dog has never tried puzzle toys before.

Provide a calm environment

If you’ve got a hyperactive dog, you know how tough it can be to keep them calm. But did you know that sometimes, all it takes is a little adjustment to their environment? Here’s how to help your dog relax and chill out: 

First, create a cozy and comfy spot just for them. Think a plush bed, a soft mat, or even a crate if that’s what they like. Fill it with their favorite toys, blankets, and pillows, and consider playing some soothing music or using calming scents to really set the mood. 

Next, try to limit their exposure to anything that might stress them out or get them too excited. Loud noises, strangers, and other animals can be overwhelming, so introduce them gradually and positively. 

Finally, if you really want to go the extra mile, try giving your pup a gentle massage. It might sound silly, but it can actually work wonders for helping them unwind and feel more relaxed. 

Provide positive reinforcement

One of the most effective ways to calm down your furry friend is to use positive reinforcement. This means rewarding good behavior and redirecting bad behavior. You can shower your dog with treats, toys, or even just some much-needed attention to reinforce their good behavior. And don’t forget to use a clicker or marker word like “yes!” or “good job!” to mark the exact moment your dog does something right. 

With consistent and immediate positive reinforcement, your dog will learn what you want and be motivated to repeat it. Remember, punishment is not the answer. Yelling or hitting your dog will only make them more anxious and fearful, and can damage your relationship with them.

Conclusion

Dealing with a hyperactive dog can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be. By following these tips and tricks, you can help your dog calm down and behave better without using medication. First and foremost, make sure your dog is getting enough exercise, mental stimulation, and enrichment. One exercise that works well is the flirt pole exercise. You can also play games and train your dog to tire them out mentally. Remember that every dog is unique, so what works for one dog may not work for another. Be patient, consistent, and reward good behavior.

Always remember that your dog isn’t trying to annoy you or cause trouble; they’re just trying to express their needs and emotions. By understanding and fulfilling those needs, you can help your dog become happier, healthier, and more balanced. 

Further Reading