A hyperactive dog can easily knock over lamps, rip your clothing and terrorize your other pets in a few brief seconds. Hyperactivity is very common in puppies, and some dog breeds, such as huskies and border collies, are especially prone to high-energy behavior.
Things You'll Need
- Dog treats
- Training clicker
Instructions
Teach your dog a simple command such as "sit." Hold a treat directly above your dog's nose until he sits down to look at it. When the dog sits, say, "sit," then click the training clicker and give your dog the treat. Continue practicing this command for several days, gradually adding in more distracting circumstances such as being outside or sitting when a visitor comes over.
Tell your dog, "sit!" as soon as he begins displaying hyperactive behavior. Do not give the dog any attention until he sits, and do not raise your voice. Any excited behavior by you can actually encourage your dog to be hyper. When your dog sits, give him a dog treat and lavish him with praise. Over time, this helps your dog learn to associate calm behavior with rewards. Many dogs are hyper because they're desperate for attention. When your dog learns a healthy way to get attention, he's less likely to be hyper.
Provide your dog with regular exercise. Dogs are much more likely to be overactive when they don't get enough exercise. At minimum, most dogs need at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, and highly energetic breeds need much more. Playing in the backyard isn't enough. Your dog should get a brisk walk, a game of fetch or some other activity that requires extended periods of running or jumping.