Dogs, like humans, can all be very different in character. Therefore, when it comes to choosing a canine companion, it is essential to choose one that has the qualities and temperament that you are looking for in a pet. While this could be a relaxed, calm demeanor or being particularly good with other animals or small children, some people specifically choose dogs that are high-energy and as such, are great to take out on walks, runs and other active pursuits.
If you are looking for a canine companion that is full of boundless energy, you should consider one of the following breeds:
For many owners, one of the best things about canine ownership is being able to enjoy long walks, runs, and other forms of exercise with their pet. However, if you choose a high-energy pet, it is essential to be consistent with the amount of physical activity you offer them. This is because without adequate mental and physical stimulation, dogs that are full of energy are prone to developing behavior problems, which could take some of the enjoyment out of your relationship with one another.
So, what is the best way to ensure that your furry bundle of energy gets enough physical exertion each day? Here are our top tips for exercising your high-energy dog.
One of the most important things that you should do before exploring any activities beyond walking on the leash is to ensure that your canine pal has mastered the art of basic obedience. This will include following commands such as sit, stay, walk to heel and drop, as well as making sure that his recall is perfect. The last thing you need to worry about is him running off and not coming back to you when you call his name.
Once basic obedience has been achieved, your dog will see you as a leader and be prepared to follow your instructions. This will make taking part in other forms of exercise much easier and more importantly, safer for your pet. Push the boundaries of walking
While walking is by far the most common way to exercise your canine, many owners only take their dogs for walks long enough for them to empty their bladder and bowels on work days and save longer excursions for the weekend. However, a short walk around the block is unlikely to be enough to burn off the excess energy that your dog has.
Try and offer longer walks whenever possible, but if you don’t have the time, increase the intensity of the walk instead. This could mean choosing a route that provides more physical challenges, such as inclines or walking across sand, or increase the pace so that you are both jogging or running instead.
Although your furbaby may find holding a baseball bat a little tricky, there are many alternative sporting activities that he can participate in and you may enjoy doing together, like obstacle courses, hurdles and even swimming. Tracking is another popular sport, and you don’t need to have a canine that is a tracking breed to participate. Tracking involves following a scent trail to find an object– an activity which engages his brain as well as his body.
Many dogs also enjoy flyball, a very high-energy sport in which dogs compete in teams in a manner similar to that of a human relay race.
Socialization skills are extremely important for your dog. Training, agility or other types of classes or clubs provide opportunities to both socialize and exercise your pet.
If there are likely to be times that you can’t get outside too much, for example, because it is sub-zero temperatures, or the ground is too hot to walk on, you could consider investing in a treadmill. They may be principally human exercise equipment, but it is possible to train a dog to walk or trot safely on a treadmill too.
After exercise, it is important for your furbaby to know that playtime is over, and they must calm down. The best way to do this is to train your dog to understand and respond to a specific command such as ‘calm’ or ‘finished’. Canines can actually learn the right behavior for any given instruction over time, and a treat and positive reinforcement is usually the best way to teach them.
If you have a particularly high-energy dog and need further tips on how to calm him down, be sure to speak with the experienced professionals at Noblesville Pet Wellness Clinic for advice.
10475 Crosspoint Blvd Suite 220
Indianapolis, IN 46256
(317) 516-5921
