Are you the proud new owner of an over-excited pup? Congratulations! You’re about to embark on a wild ride. For this, you must learn how to calm down an over-excited dog.
It’s true that puppies can be bundles of joy, but they don’t come without their challenges.
From dealing with unruly behavior to ensuring your pup is getting enough exercise and socialization, there’s no shortage of tasks for any pet parent.
However, we believe that with a little knowledge and patience, you’ll be able to keep your pooch in check while enjoying all the love they have to offer.
Read on for some tips on how to deal with an hyperactive dog.
Why Is My Dog Overly Excited?
Many pet owners find themselves asking “Why is my dog overly excited?”
Don’t worry — we’ve got answers!
Here are five common reasons why your pup might be bouncing off the walls and what you can do to help keep their excitement levels in check.
1. They’re Experiencing Separation Anxiety:
Dogs crave companionship, so when they’re left alone for extended periods of time, it can lead to anxiety and therefore over-excitement when someone finally returns home.
2. They’re Not Getting Enough Exercise:
Dogs are natural athletes, and if they don’t get enough exercise in their day-to-day lives, that pent-up energy can manifest itself as excessive excitement when it’s finally released.
Aim for at least an hour of physical activity per day to help keep your pup fit and happy.
3. Overstimulation:
Sometimes simply being around people or other animals is all it takes to hype them up!
If your pup is showing signs of extreme excitability when a certain person or animal enters the room, it might be best to avoid those situations altogether or introduce them slowly so they can become accustomed to the new stimulus without getting too worked up.
4. They’re Excited About Something:
Dogs are incredibly smart creatures, and sometimes they get extremely excited about something new like a toy or a treat.
If this is the case, simply giving them what they want should calm them down quickly.
5. Boredom:
Much like people, dogs can become bored if there’s not enough to keep their minds occupied, and that boredom can lead to all kinds of unwanted behavior — excitement being one of them.
Can You Train A Hyper Dog To Be Calm?
Yes, you can train a hyper dog to be calm! There are several ways to help your hyper pup learn how to chill out. Here are the top 10 ways to train a hyper dog
1. Exercise is key:
Make sure your four-legged friend gets plenty of exercise as hyperactivity in dogs can be caused by a lack of physical activity.
Take them on regular walks and runs, or even better, mix up their routine with different activities like swimming, hiking, and agility training – they’ll get the mental stimulation they crave along with their physical needs.
2. Crate time:
Provide your pup with a cozy crate for naps and rest time to help them pre-condition themselves to relax in certain places whenever needed.
3. Treats are great tools:
If you catch your dog quickly reacting to stimuli (like people walking by), give him some treats as soon as he stops barking/jumping so that he associates good things with being calm.
4. Identify anxiety triggers:
Does your pup react to certain people, animals, or situations? Make a list of these triggers so that you can prepare yourself and your pup for them and know how to best handle the situation.
5. Stay calm and collected:
Dogs are masters at reading our body language and emotions, so try to remain calm in any potentially stressful situation – this will help set an example for him/her to follow.
6. Use distraction techniques:
If your pup starts getting overly excited in a particular situation, use distractions like toys or treats (but not too many!) to divert his attention away from what’s going on around him/her.
7. Practice patience:
Hyperactivity can be a sign of too much excitement or anticipation, so make sure to give your dog plenty of time to calm down before expecting him/her to respond correctly.
8. Train with consistency:
Consistency is key when training – set boundaries and rules for your pup and ensure they are followed so that he/she knows what is expected of them in any situation.
9. Establish a routine:
Dogs thrive on routine and familiarity, so try to establish an everyday schedule that works best for both of you. This will help create structure and give them something consistent to look forward to throughout the day.
10. Set up an escape plan:
If the situation gets too overwhelming, have an escape plan in place that you can initiate to help your pup get away from whatever is causing them stress.
This could mean bringing them back inside or getting into a car – anything that will take them out of their current environment and provide a safe space to decompress.
These tips should help you create a calmer environment for your hyper dog and make life easier for both of you! Just remember to be patient and consistent with your training, as well as provide lots of love and attention to ensure success.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, understanding why your dog may be overly excited can help you better address the issue and make sure they’re living happy and healthy lives.
So if your pup is a bit too hopped up for your liking, try out some of the tips above and let us know how it goes! We’d love to hear from you.
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