The information on this page was also written by my mentor, Donna Conroy. Thanks Donna.

The word hyper is used as frequently in relation to dogs as it is to children. And just as often as the term is misused when referring to humans, so too with dogs...particularly certain breeds. Simply because a young, exuberant pup does not behave with the same decorum as an older, mature dog, does not necessarily mean that the dog is hyperactive. Many active puppies learn to settle with maturity.

Some dogs such as hunting dogs and herding dogs are bred for high activity levels. When these dogs are doing the work for which they were originally bred, their boundless energy is seen as a positve characteristic. After a full day, hunting in the fields or herding the cattle or sheep, these dogs settle down, having expended their energy. However, when such dogs are acquired strictly as pet/companions, without being given the opprtunity to do the things that are instinctual, problems arise.

More dogs deemed to be hyper, end up in animal shelters than any other problem dogs. Breeders who sell their puppies without advising the new owner that the dog will have a high energy level does a disservice both to the puppy and the buyer. However, after making that comment, it is also the responsibility of the new owner to do research on the breed that they are considering, to make sure that it is the right one for their lifestyle.

The following is a guide to dealing with such dogs...


TRAINING

If your dog is a non-stop, non-listening machine, obedience training is a MUST. Learning to obey commands, knowing his place and understanding the rules will help almost any dog calm down.

Keep training sessions low-key...use a calm voice, and be verbal, rather than physical, with praise.

The Stay command will require patience on your part as this will be the most difficult for the 'busy' dog to master...but it is the most important lesson in learning self-control for the dog.

The energetic dog usually has a short attention span...spend only a short time on each exercise, then go on to the next.


EXERCISE

All dogs benefit from exercise...for the hyper dog, it is a daily must.

Long walks at a brisk pace, ball and frisbee playing, fetch and 'find-it' games, will help him to expend some of his boundless energy.

Provide him with safe, chewable toys in your absence, preferably with your scent on them.

If he likes to dig, provide him with a 'sand box'...a place where he can dig without destroying your lawn or garden area.


TIME OUT

Confinement to a crate or portable kennel is not a jail sentence to a dog. Dogs are denning animals and a crate can provide the same measure of security that the den offers in the wild. 'Busy' dogs often need a 'time-out' period, both for their own sakes, as well as for their owners. Allowing the dog a cooling off period is easier on him, as well as on you, than engaging in all too frequent shouting matches.


DIET

Food may affect hyperactivity in dogs, just as in humans. Avoid preservatives, food coloring (those techicolor dog treats), and overly high protein and of course sugar. This of course precludes pizza, desserts and handfuls of Smarties.