Advice

Great Ways to Calm an Excitable Dog

The unfortunate truth of the world we live in, is that many dogs are actually handed over to animal shelters simply because their owners can’t quite cope with their behavioral problems. Sometimes, families with small children and fragile elderly relatives can’t manage a dog that’s boisterous and excitable, and that means that these lovely furry friends lose their home.

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It’s important to remember that before you hand your dog over to a shelter, you owe it to them to try everything you can to deal with their behavior issues. There are plenty of things that you can do to calm your excitable dog, that don’t require you to pay through the nose for expensive training sessions. Let’s take a look at some now.

1. Give them Exercise

The first step in having a well-behaved dog is making sure that he or she gets plenty of exercise. That means a long walk in the morning, and a short walk in the evening is ideal. Even simply allowing your pooch to run around madly in the back garden for an hour or two when the weather is warm could be enough to make a difference. In addition to stretching his legs, make sure that you give your pooch time to sniff and experience new things too, as this will help to work his brain!

2. Smart Toys

Speaking of keeping Fido’s brain sharp, make sure that you put your pooch’s brain power to good use with toys that require your dog to use their minds and natural instincts. Toys that can be loaded up with treats and kibble can keep your pup occupied for a while as he attempts to manipulate the toy to dispense food. This can also help to reduce overeating too!

3. Establish a Routine

Sometimes, hyperactivity in a dog can be a sign that he or she feels insecure. This is particularly true in adopted dogs that might have moved around frequently in their past and haven’t had much structure in their lives. Dogs thrive perfectly on routine, and developing one for your pooch could give them the calming reassurance that they need to settle down and behave well.

4. Learn a New Game

Sometimes, signing your dog up for a sport like fly-ball, agility, or something else can be a great way to build your bond with your pooch, while giving them the exercise that they need. These sports are intended to give physical and mental exercise at the same time, but it’s important to remember that formal training can sometimes be expensive and very time-consuming.

5. Teach them a New Trick

Finally, obedience training is something that can bridge the communication gap between you and your dog. You can teach your pooch how to behave in different circumstances, though it’s worth noting that many tricks require hours of effort and dedication. At the same time, learning new tricks is fantastic for exercising your dog’s brain.

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