Do you have a hyper dog? Dogs that are naturally more energetic can sometimes be a challenge to deal with. They may be aggressive, destructive, or simply hard to control. If your dog’s high energy is causing behavioral problems, you may need to work with him to be calmer. In this article, we will discuss how to condition and calm down your hyper dog using a variety of methods.
Don’t let the dog repeat his violent reaction.
As much as possible, avoid or redirect the situations that usually trigger his bad behavior. If you can’t avoid it, try to manage it by teaching your dog how to respond properly in those situations. For example, if your dog gets too excited when people come over, start by having visitors come for short periods of time and gradually increase the duration of their stay.
Find out what they need.
Dogs are just like humans, they need physical and mental stimulation. Without it, they can become bored and destructive. If your dog is hyperactive, he may need more exercise than the average dog. A good way to find out how much exercise your dog needs is to talk to your veterinarian or a professional trainer.
Don’t show your dog your frustration.
Yelling, hitting, or using other forms of punishment will only make your dog’s behavior worse. Dogs can sense when their owners are angry or frustrated, and this can cause them to become more agitated. If you’re having trouble dealing with your dog’s hyperactivity, seek out professional help from a trainer or behaviorist.
Practice consistency.
Dogs thrive on routine and predictability. If you are consistent in your commands and expectations, your dog will be more likely to behave the way you want him to. For example, if you only allow your dog to jump on people when they come into your home, he will learn that jumping is only acceptable in that particular situation.
Reward your dog.
Positive reinforcement is a great way to train your dog. When your dog exhibits the desired behavior, be sure to praise him and give him a treat. This will let him know that he is doing what you want him to do and will encourage him to continue the good behavior.
Impose some cues.
Just like humans, dogs need some cues to help them calm down. Cues can be anything from a certain word or phrase that you say to your dog when he is getting too excited, to a piece of clothing that you put on him when it’s time to settle down. Once your dog learns the cue, he will be able to calm himself down when he hears it or sees it.
Learn to ignore your dog.
One of the best ways to calm down a hyper dog is to simply ignore him when he is acting up. This may seem counterintuitive, but often times, dogs will act out for attention. If you give your dog the attention he wants when he is being hyper, you are only reinforcing his bad behavior. Instead, wait for him to settle down before you give him any attention. This will teach him that he will only get attention when he is calm and well-behaved.
With a little patience and effort, you can condition your hyper dog to be calmer and more manageable. By using positive reinforcement, consistency, and cues, you can teach your dog to control his energy level and behave the way you want him to. If you’re having trouble dealing with your dog’s hyperactivity, seek out professional help from a trainer or behaviorist.
