How to calm a dog. 3 ways to help hyper and over excited dogs relax.

Summary

This script discusses the challenges of living with highly energetic and hyper dogs, emphasizing that increasing physical activity is not the solution and can exacerbate their behavior. It delves into the role of adrenaline and stress hormones like cortisol, which can be triggered by both positive and negative stimuli. The video offers three strategies to help these dogs: increasing nose work and enrichment to naturally lower stress hormones, ensuring adequate rest and sleep, and limiting their exercise and obsession with toys like balls or frisbees. It stresses the importance of helping dogs self-regulate their energy levels and the need for patience as improvements may take time.

Takeaways

• 🐾 High-energy dogs require more than just physical exercise to manage their energy levels.
• 🏃‍♂️ Increasing physical activity can actually fuel hyperactivity rather than alleviate it.
• 🤔 The script suggests that adrenaline and stress hormones play a significant role in a dog's hyperactivity.
• 👃 Engaging dogs in nose work and enrichment can help lower stress hormones and encourage relaxation.
• 🧠 Teaching dogs to use their nose more can be a calming activity that aids in reducing hyperactivity.
• 🏡 Creating a quiet space for dogs to rest and sleep is essential for helping them switch off and regulate energy.
• 🍯 Using a Kong with peanut butter or other engaging treats can help dogs relax and sleep.
• 🚫 Limiting exercise and ball or frisbee play is necessary to manage a hyper dog's energy and stress hormone levels.
• 🧩 Puzzles and interactive toys can provide mental stimulation and help in reducing a dog's need for physical activity.
• 🐕‍🦺 Training and trick learning can engage a dog's brain and help in managing their excitement levels.

Q & A

Why do some dogs continue to show high energy even after being exercised?

Dogs may continue to show high energy because they have not been adequately mentally stimulated or because they are seeking the adrenaline rush from activities like chasing a ball or frisbee.

What are the signs of a dog being overly excited or hyper?

Overly excited or hyper dogs exhibit poor impulse control, difficulty listening, mouthiness, jumping, spinning, barking, and a fixation on moving toys. They may also pant excessively and have a manic look.

How can adrenaline and stress hormones like cortisol affect a dog's behavior?

Adrenaline and cortisol can be released in response to both positive and negative stimuli, which can lead to sustained high energy levels and increased cravings for activities that trigger these hormones, making it hard for dogs to relax or be calm.

Why is increasing physical activity not an effective solution for hyper dogs?

Increasing physical activity can actually fuel the behavior by releasing more adrenaline and stress hormones, which the dogs may crave, thus exacerbating the issue rather than solving it.

What role does nose work play in calming hyper dogs?

Nose work helps dogs relax by engaging their sense of smell, which naturally lowers stress hormones. It redirects their focus from high-energy activities to a more calming, mentally stimulating task.

How can enrichment activities like using a snuffle mat or puzzle toys benefit hyperactive dogs?

Enrichment activities tire hyperactive dogs by mentally stimulating them, which can be more effective than physical exercise in reducing their high energy levels and helping them relax.

Why is rest and sleep important for hyper dogs, and how can owners encourage it?

Rest and sleep are crucial for hyper dogs to switch off and self-regulate their energy levels. Owners can encourage rest by providing quiet areas, using calming aids like a Kong toy with peanut butter, and creating a conducive environment with reduced sensory input.

How should owners approach limiting exercise for hyper dogs?

Owners should gradually reduce the duration and intensity of exercise while incorporating more nose work and enrichment activities to ensure the dogs still get adequate mental stimulation without overstimulating them physically.

What is the significance of limiting ball and frisbee play for dogs with high energy?

Limiting ball and frisbee play is important because these activities can trigger the release of stress hormones, leading to further excitement and difficulty in calming down.

How can training tricks and other brain-engaging activities help hyper dogs?

Training tricks and other brain-engaging activities can help hyper dogs by providing mental stimulation, which can be a more effective way of tiring them out and reducing their need for high-energy physical play.

What is the long-term impact of implementing these strategies for hyper dogs?

Consistently implementing these strategies can lead to significant improvements in a dog's ability to self-regulate, reduce stress hormone levels, and achieve a more balanced and calm demeanor, improving the quality of life for both the dog and its owner.