Hyperactive dog: what should you do?

Are you dealing with a hyperactive dog and looking for effective solutions? 

Just like people, dogs have their own unique personalities and sensibilities. Every dog has specific traits, and learning to manage them from puppyhood is essential for shaping certain behaviors. 

Some dogs, by nature, are more lively and active than others. Recognizing and managing your dog’s unique personality traits from the very beginning of your life together is essential for a happy relationship. When it comes to hyperactive dogs, there are a few simple tips you can follow to manage this behavior.

When can we say our dog is hyperactive? How can we tell if a puppy is hyperactive?

Before we delve into this topic, we need to define hyperactivity. 

We can define hyperactivity as a state of constant restlessness in dogs. If left unmanaged, this constant restlessness can lead to behaviors that are sometimes considered overly intrusive. It would be helpful to build a healthy relationship by alternating between playtime and managing moments of boredom.

There are two types of hyperactivity in dogs: pathological and physiological.

Once a veterinarian has ruled out any underlying medical condition, we know that physiological hyperactivity can be caused by various factors, often related to the absence of the mother or early separation from her.

What are the symptoms of physiological hyperactivity? 

• Overstimulation
• Poor concentration
• There's always something going on at home, too
• Light and restless sleep
• Excessive liveliness around children, adults, and other animals 
• Difficulty learning and following instructions
• An exaggerated response to any stimulus 
• Constant demands for attention

How to Calm a Hyperactive Puppy

Puppies are adorable, and we often find ourselves charmed by their sweetness. There’s nothing better than coming home to be greeted by a playful puppy that jumps on us to show how happy it is.

If your puppy is too energetic, it’s important to help him calm down. The younger the dog, the easier it will be to use behaviors that help him relax. If your puppy is agitated, it’s not a good idea to start playing with him right then. It’s best to wait until he calms down before interacting with him; by making him feel secure, he’ll tend to relax instinctively.

You might also be interested in the article " Vacations with Your Dog: Tips for Enjoying Your Time Together."

How to calm an adult dog

An adult dog has a well-established personality, so it’s a bit more difficult (but not impossible) to intervene and change its temperament. A lively, hyperactive dog can be fun, but also challenging to manage. Dealing with a hyperactive dog also means having to cope with a dog that tends to interact with family members by jumping on them or getting overexcited during walks and playtime.

Getting angry and yelling at a dog is counterproductive, as it is unlikely to understand that it has done something wrong and will not understand why it is being punished. On the other hand, the opposite approach is also counterproductive. Cuddling and petting it when it jumps on us or when it is excited upon our return will encourage it to repeat the behavior in order to receive a reward. 
It’s important to remember that our behavior will influence the dog’s mood. If we’re agitated and noisy, the dog won’t be able to stay calm and relaxed.

Conclusions: What should I do if my dog is hyperactive? 

Dealing with a hyperactive dog can be a challenge, but with the right strategies, you can improve your life together and your four-legged friend’s well-being. Here are some helpful tips:

• Don’t punish him or speak to him in an aggressive tone: a hyperactive dog is already very stressed, and an angry tone of voice can make the situation worse;
• Ignore him when he’s overexcited: even though your instinct might be to push him away or scold him, try to ignore him completely. Wait for him to calm down on his own, and only then go over and pet him to reward him;
• Take him outside as much as possible: give your dog the chance to play more energetically at specific times and in specific places that we’ve set (for example, by always taking him outside at the same times to safe places where he can play and interact freely). This helps him burn off excess energy;
• Keep him occupied with quiet games: provide toys that require him to use his brain (scent-based and search-and-find games) or give him something to chew on to keep him busy;
• Work on your dog’s attention and motivation: before communicating with your dog, make sure it is paying attention and can understand your message, which should always be clear and consistent; 
• Encouragement and rewards: Praise your dog often and reward him when he’s calm. Rewards reinforce positive behaviors;
• Stability and safety: Establish a consistent routine for play, walks, and rest. A predictable routine helps prevent your dog from getting overexcited for no reason.

By following these tips, you can lay the groundwork for building a great relationship with your dog, effectively managing his hyperactivity, and, as a result, making life at home more peaceful for the whole family.

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The post " Hyperactive Dog: What to Do? " first appeared on Dog and Cat Food | Alleva .