Adolescent Behaviors
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      Hyperactivity

      How to address hyperactivity in dogs.

      Introduction

      Hyperactivity is a common behavior in dogs, and it can be caused by a variety of factors, including breed, age, and environment. Hyperactive dogs may have a hard time settling down, be highly energetic, have a short attention span, and be impulsive. While hyperactivity can be managed, it is important to first identify the cause of the behavior in order to develop a treatment plan.

      Common Misconceptions

      • Some people believe that all puppies are hyperactive. This is not true. Some puppies are more energetic than others, but not all puppies are hyperactive.
      • Others believe that there is nothing you can do to stop hyperactivity. This is also not true. There are a number of things you can do to manage hyperactivity in dogs, such as providing them with plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and a structured environment.

      Hyperactivity - Video Walkthrough

      Steps to Address

      Teaching Phase:

      1. Identify the cause of the hyperactivity.
      2. Provide the dog with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
      3. Create a structured environment with clear rules and expectations.
      4. Teach the dog self-soothing techniques, such as "place," "down stay," "heel," "focus/watch," recalls from distractions, and crate time.

      Reinforcing Phase:

      1. Hold the dog accountable to the commands they know.
      2. Correct for disobedience.
      3. Reward the dog for self-soothing.
      4. Make different protocols to help manage for different situations you may find yourself and your dog in; public, home, guests over ect.

      Proofing Phase:

      1. Gradually increase the difficulty of the commands and the amount of stimulation in the environment.
      2. Continue to reward the dog for self-soothing.
      3. Make adjustments to the protocols as needed.

      Maintenance Phase:

      1. Continue to practice self-soothing protocols.
      2. Introduce new and fun stimulation activities or games.
      3. Monitor the dog for signs of hyperactivity and adjust the protocols as needed.

      Case Studies

      • Case Study 1: Charlie is a 2-year-old Labrador Retriever who is very hyperactive. He has a hard time settling down and is always on the go. His owners tried providing him with more exercise, but it did not seem to help. They then tried providing him with puzzle toys and games, and this seemed to help a little bit. Finally, they enrolled Charlie in a training class with a certified dog trainer, and this has helped the most. Charlie is now able to settle down for longer periods of time and is much more manageable.
      • Case Study 2: Sadie is a 10-year-old Beagle who has always been hyperactive. She is very energetic and has a short attention span. Her owners have tried everything to manage her hyperactivity, but nothing has seemed to work. They have tried providing her with more exercise, mental stimulation, and a structured environment, but nothing has helped. They are now considering seeking professional help from a certified dog behaviorist.

      Pet Parent Coaching Tips

      • Be patient. It takes time and patience to manage hyperactivity in dogs. Do not get discouraged if you do not see results immediately.
      • Be consistent. It is important to be consistent with your training and management plan. If you are inconsistent, the dog will not learn what you are trying to teach them.
      • Be positive. Use positive reinforcement when the dog is behaving well. This will help them learn that the desired behavior is rewarded.
      • Do not punish the dog for being hyperactive. Punishment will only make the behavior worse.

      Conclusion

      Hyperactivity is a common behavior in dogs, but it can be managed. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can help your hyperactive dog live a happy and healthy life.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Q: What if my dog is only hyperactive when they are bored?
        A: If your dog is only hyperactive when they are bored, it is likely a sign of boredom hyperactivity. You can help your dog stop boredom hyperactivity by providing them with more exercise, mental stimulation, and a structured environment.
      • Q: What if my dog is always hyperactive, no matter what I do?
        A: If your dog is always hyperactive, no matter what you do, it is possible that they have a medical condition that is causing the hyperactivity. In this case, you should consult with your veterinarian.