Help! My dog is driving me crazy! He is so hyper! How do I get him to calm down?
Before jumping into any training, it’s important to make sure your dog is getting their needs met. Ask yourself these 3 questions.
#1 Has my dog had the opportunity for 30+ minutes of quality exercise today, like running around the yard and tugging? If not, chances are you need to exercise his body!
#2 Has my dog had the opportunity to use his brain for 30+ minutes today? Mental enrichment is a necessary part of your dog’s life, spend some time on mental activities to benefit your dog.
#3 Has my dog been trained to relax? If you’ve done your physical and mental exercise you need to ask yourself if your dog needs training to relax.
Training relaxation!
All dogs rest at some point in the day, but often can’t rest when we’d like them to. Providing their mental and physical needs have been met, start by having your dog on leash, for about 30 minutes. Watch an episode on TV or read a book while they are tethered to you. With a minimum amount of space, they will learn they can not be bouncing everywhere and when you are sitting, it is time for them to relax nearby.
If you don’t want them at your feet, you can tether them to something sturdy near their dog bed. The first few times your dog will likely keep trying to get away. Do not be deterred. Stay calm and ignore any annoying behaviors. Most dogs will learn to settle within a week or two. Once they have strong settle behavior on leash, you can transition to dropping the leash to see if the manners are maintained and eventually doing the activity off-leash.
Keep indoors free of exciting games like fetch, tug or rowdy play with human or animals siblings so that your dog starts to understand outside time is for fun shenanigans, and indoor time is for calm relaxation.
Here’s hoping you get some peace soon!
Emily Garland, CPDT-KA, MFA
Trainer and Behaviour Specialist
Find what works for you and your dog. Always remember, every dog is unique. What works for one dog may not work for another.
Any information contained in this section are suggestions on different training techniques to try. For advice specific to your dog consult a trained professional.
