I can empathize with canine caretakers who live with high-energy dogs, whether puppies, adolescents, or adults (yes, they come in all ages). Last week, a client brought me Abby, her 14-week-old Belgian Shepherd with concerns about high-energy behavior and mouthing. The only time Abby settled during the entire session was for about five minutes when she was chewing on a cow ear. Had it not been for my assistant who kept her busy with toys, this adorable but energetic canine child would have been launching herself at me and spearing me with her needle-sharp baby teeth for two hours.
High-Energy, Hyper, or ADHD?
High energy dog antics are often mistaken for symptoms of canine hyperactivity/ADHD. While this pathological condition does exist, itโs rare, and isnโt the same as high-energy. Hyperactivity, or โhyperkinesis,โ can be defined as โdisplaying frenetic activity, abnormally short attention spans, and high impulsiveness.โ If you think your dog really has canine ADHD, seek the assistance of a veterinary behaviorist to determine appropriate diagnosis, treatment and medication. (For a more in-depth article about this, see โHyper Hounds: Think Your Dog Has ADHD?โ in the October 2003 issue.)
Dealing With High-Energy Dogs
I know our very active baby Belgian didnโt have ADHD because she could stay focused and engaged for a reasonable time, and demonstrated an appropriate degree of impulse control for a high-energy puppy. At the end of our session, I suggested the following:
- Canine playmates. Find well-matched playmates (puppies or adults) to defray some of Abbyโs energy and teach her social skills (including appropriate use of her mouth.)
- Good manners training. Continue a program of training basic good manners with a qualified force-free trainer.
- Mouthing/nipping management. Teaching your dog to go to and relax on her mat is helpful. (See โMat Training Tips,โ January 2020, to learn how.) Remote-controlled treat-dispensing tools such as the PupPod (see โGear of the Year,โ January 2023) and/or a Pet Tutor (see โGear of the Year,โ January 2016) can be used to easily move her away from you when sheโs being mouthy. You can also teach her the โWalk Awayโ exercise to move her away from other people. (See โHow to Teach Your Dog to Just Walk Away,โ September 2018.)
- Increase exercise. Being careful not to overdo impact on puppy joints, increase your dogโs aerobic exercise โ running in the back yard, chasing toys, playing tug, etc. โ to include several 20- to 30-minute sessions of active exercise per day. (See โWays to Calm Down Your High-Energy Dog,โ September 2017.
- Teach your dog to do scent work. Using their noses (and brains) is excellent for a dogโs mental and physical enrichment. (See โHow to Teach Your Dog to Play Nose Games,โ September 2019.)
- Play cognition games with your dog. Cognition games โ such as object, shape, or color discrimination โ are also terrific for mental and physical enrichment that will help focus and tire your dog. (See โAre Canines Cognitive,โ October 2017.)
- Practice impulse control. Behaviors that strengthen a dogโs ability to control her own behavior, such as Wait, Leave It, and Go to Your Mat, are invaluable. (See โControl Yourself! Dog Impulse Control Training,โ November 2021.)
- Use management tools such as an exercise pen or crate. Donโt be afraid to use a crate or exercise pen as an option to manage your dogโs behavior so you can give yourself a break from having to constantly monitor her energy and activity. Help her be comfortable with this arrangement by giving her a long-lasting chew object or frozen, food-filled toy to enjoy. (See โCreative Confinement: Dog Crate Alternatives,โ March 2022.)
You Can Do It!
The level of energy a dog like Abby has can be daunting, but donโt give up! Find activities that your dog loves, give her plenty of appropriate enrichment outlets for her mental and physical energy, help her learn how to control her behavior, and the two of you can have a long and active life together.
