6 Ways To Help Your Dog Handle His Excessive Energy

July 23, 2021 • BaxterBoo Team

Who doesn't love man's best friend? You come home from work and your dog greets you at the door. He's there when you're binge-watching your favorite show, there when you need a shoulder to cry on, and always ready to make you feel loved. Of course, dogs often have more energy than humans do. If you find that your pet seems anxious or is being destructive, it's likely because he's bored and has too much energy. Check out these ways you can keep him entertained and save your belongings in the process.

1. Give Your Dog's Nose a Workout

Teaching your dog how to use his nose more efficiently is a great way to exercise his brain and keep him from becoming bored. Nosework is the act of teaching your dog to sniff out certain scents. Start by teaching him how to sniff out treats, food, or other scents in small boxes, moving to larger ones as he catches on. Eventually, you can teach him to find items in cars, large rooms, or even outdoors. Nosework teaches your dog that he has a job to do, allowing him to focus his energy on sniffing rather than being destructive. All you need to do is purchase his favorite treats to get started.

2. Take Your Dog on Plenty of Walks

Daily walks are good for you and your dog. Walking with a pet has shown to boost mood, kep you more active, and of course, keep your dog from becoming too energetic in the house. Grab a harness, a leash, and water for you and your dog, then hit your favorite trails. Even if you can't get to a trail each day, walking around your neighborhood can be just as effective.

Dogs thrive on routine, so for the best results, it's important to schedule his walks at the same time each day. If your own routine cuts into your ability to walk your dog, consider hiring a local walker or pet sitter to do it for you. Popular options like Rover do their own background checks to ensure your pet's safety. If you decide to find someone on your own, be sure to do a background check and verify references first.

3. Visit the Local Dog Park

If your dog loves to socialize and has all his vaccinations, take him to the local dog park. Before heading out, be sure you understand the etiquette of these parks. If your dog is aggressive with other people or animals, the park may not be a good idea. If he's shy, try visiting during low traffic hours (weekdays, very early mornings, or during fall or winter) to see how he reacts first.

Remember to pick up after him (don't forget your poop bags!) and always keep a close eye on your dog. Dog parks are often loud and somewhat rough, so don't worry if things seem rowdy. Keep in mind that some dogs simply aren't as social. If your pet doesn't seem to like the park, don't force him to go back.

4. Play With Your Dog

Sometimes, the simplest thing you can do to help curb your dog's energy is to play with him. A wide variety of dog toys are on the market, making it easy to find something that entertains you and your pet alike. Tug toys like this KONG Dog Tug Toy allow you and your pet to test your strength against each other, while a traditional ball lets you play fetch for hours. There are even toys that suction to the floor or automatically toss balls, allowing your dog to play alone when you're tired out.

5. Teach Your Dog New Tricks

Cure your pet's boredom and curb his energy by teaching him new tricks. Even old dogs like a new challenge once in a while. If your dog loves to spend time in the water, why not teach him the sport of dock-diving? Collies, heelers, and other herding breeds enjoy gathering items or helping on farms, while athletic breeds may like to learn new agility tricks.

Even teaching traditional tricks like how to sit, shake, and rollover can help with boredom. Some dogs learn new tricks best when you provide them with tasty treats. However, too many treats can lead to weight problems, so consider using bells or clicking devices, too. The Clik-R Training Tool is an excellent starting point.

6. Attend an Obedience Class With Your Dog

High-energy dogs are awesome, but they can also be too much for someone who isn't used to them. Whether you're bringing an energetic dog into your home for the first time, or your friends are visiting and don't want to be jumped on, obedience training is especially important for these dogs. Local pet stores, groomers, or veterinarians are great resources for finding training classes.

Obedience training will help you teach your dog both vocal and hand commands. This way, you can teach him to come when called, keep his feet on the ground around company, and much more that will make his life and your life easier.

Remember, no dog is going to be perfect. Accidents happen sometimes. However, with the right training, a wide range of toys, and the ability to run off his energy a few times a week, your high-energy pup can thrive. Keep safety in mind by ensuring your pet is up to date on vaccinations, always leashed in public spaces, and spayed or neutered to prevent aggression problems.