Hyperactive Behavior

As with many other canine behavior problems there are different causes of hyperactive behavior, and so there are different ways to deal with it.  It’s important to identify what’s causing your dog’s hyperactive behavior so you can find the proper solution.  Some breeds are known for their high activity levels so it is perfectly natural for them to behave with plenty of energy most of the time.  This is something you should consider before you get a dog.  Find the kind of dog that fits your lifestyle.

If you live a quiet life you probably don’t want to bring home a Border Collie or one of the Sporting breeds with a high energy level — not unless you plan to change your lifestyle and devote yourself to making sure your dog will get lots of exercise.  What you may consider to be hyperactive behavior will be quite normal for some breeds, especially if they are cooped up in the house or in a small yard and not allowed to get enough exercise.

So, for many dogs displaying hyperactive behavior, the solution is to increase the amount of exercise they receive.  As the saying goes, a tired dog is a happy dog — and a happy owner.  Tired dogs are less likely to get into trouble by chewing or destroying things in the house, or by digging or doing other destructive things in the yard.  You can make your dog even happier by doing things with him, whether it’s a game of fetch or taking him for long walks.  Walking a hyperactive dog can be a challenge since they often pull on leashes.  You may want to consider a Gentle Leader-type harness for your dog since they provide you with control without hurting your dog’s neck when he pulls.

If your dog is showing hyperactive behavior you should also look carefully at what you’re feeding him.  Many commercial dog foods are created for different activity levels and life stages.  If you are feeding your dog food for a performance lifestyle instead of adult maintenance your dog may be getting much more protein in his diet than required.  You could be feeding your dog like an athlete and all that extra energy has to go somewhere.  I may be manifesting in hyperactive behavior.  Feed your dog a food that is appropriate for his age and circumstances and you may see a reduction in his hyperactivity.

It’s not at all unusual for puppies to be hyperactive.  Puppies typically have boundless energy so, if your young puppy is running circles around you, don’t give up on him.  His youth and high energy level won’t last forever.  If you can make it past the first few months he will begin to settle down and act more mature and become a little more sedentary.  He’ll start taking a few more naps.  In the meantime, for all hyperactive dogs, whether puppies or not, you can help by making sure they have plenty of toys and safe things to chew on in the house and in the yard.  If your dog is a digger you may want to consider providing your dog with his own little sandbox where it is all right for him to dig.  All of these things keep your dog occupied safely.

An obedience class may also help your dog.  If he has normal hyperactive behavior he may be a very smart dog who is easily bored when he has nothing to do.  Taking him to a class where he can actually start putting his brain to work could be very good for him.  But beware very repetitive lessons.  Look for classes that are fun and taught by creative trainers.  Repetition will likely bore your dog and he will quickly lose interest.

If your dog displays more than normal hyperactive behavior you should seek out a veterinary opinion.  Abnormal hyperactive behavior would include running in circles, barking at nothing, pacing, excessive panting, licking his paws continually, or other obsessive or compulsive behavior.  If you observe this kind of behavior in your dog it’s time to see a vet for help.  Your dog may need medication.  Fortunately, most hyperactive behavior is the result of too little exercise, puppy hood, or too much protein in the diet.

Hyperactive behavior of one kind or another is fairly common.  Unfortunately it leads to many dogs being discarded at animal shelters because people don’t know how to deal with the behaviors.  The solutions to it are not difficult.  They just take a little work on the part of owners.  Spend some additional time with your dog on a regular basis to make sure he gets lots of exercise and most hyperactive behavior cures itself.

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