4 Tips for Teaching a Boisterous Dog to Stay Calm

Anybody who’s ever owned a boisterous dog or puppy will be able to relate to the embarrassment that owners feel when their dog starts acting up in public, tearing everything up in the house, or refusing to listen or respond to simple commands. Owners of hyperactive pups might have tried everything from muzzles to dog toys and chews to try and get their pooch to calm down and live together with them harmoniously. However, some dog breeds simply have super-high energy levels that must be properly dealt with to enable them to respond to their owner and undergo training. Here are our top tips for managing and training a hyper dog.

Tip #1. Walk, Walk, Walk:

When you have a hyperactive dog, it’s time to get prepared to be an outdoor person – letting them out in the back yard or taking them for a walk around the block or park simply doesn’t cut it for a dog like this. Instead, you’ll need to ensure that they are given ample exercise time each day to calm down their hyperactive tendencies and satisfy their need for vigorous activity. This can be great for the owner, too – you could think about cycling, jogging or even hiking with your dog to keep them calm and improve your own fitness.

Tip #2. Reward Good Behavior:

One of the biggest mistakes that dog owners make isn’t letting bad behavior go unpunished; it’s letting good behavior go unrewarded. In fact, it’s far more effective to ignore your dog when they’re being naughty, as long as you’re rewarding them verbally, physically, and with tasty treats when they do as they’re told. Over time, your dog will come to realize that you’re simply not interested in their bad behavior but are happy when they’re calm and obedient. And, whilst it may not always seem like it, dogs are inherently wired to please their masters – eventually, with much time and patience, you can train your dog to understand what makes you happy and what doesn’t.

Tip #3. Try Dietary Supplements:

If your dog is getting far too much for you to handle even with training incorporated into their daily routine, then you may want to consider the option of adding calming dietary supplements to their food. For example, companion cannabis for dogs is a hemp supplement that can make it easier for your pet to deal with health complaints and encourage a calmer and more relaxed demeanor. It’s advisable to consult with your dog’s veterinarian before introducing any new supplements into their diet.

Tip #4. Training Games:

Lastly, bear in mind that most hyperactive dogs simply need an outlet where they can burn off steam. If outdoor exercise isn’t possible, there are several indoor training games that you can play with your dog, for example, having them find hidden dog treats around the home or even getting him to burn off energy by feeding him meals bit by bit and getting him to find them. Clicker trainers are also excellent for indoor training games.

If you found these tips helpful, we’d love to hear your feedback in the comments!