Doc: Hyperactivity Case Study
As a dog trainer Baltimore, when owners adopt puppies or young dogs, I commonly hear these people using their pet’s age as an excuse for the dog’s behavior problems. While the younger dogs might still need to overcome certain behavior hurdles and learn more appropriate habits, this doesn’t mean you have to wait until they’re several years old before basic obedience is achieved!
Hyperactivity is a very typical behavioral issue, especially within certain breeds and younger dogs. Many people think the puppy will simply “grow out of it”. Without any leadership or direction, it is going to be very difficult for the dog to learn calm and appropriate behavior. Sure, maybe once they reach a certain age, they will no longer have the energy to jump on guests, charge through the door, zigzag around while on walks, or run around the house like a maniac, plowing a path of destruction. But why cross your fingers and wait several years for that? A puppy or young dog can learn this behavior now!
Last week, I had a new client sign up their dog, Doc, for my training program. Doc is only a year old and he has quite a reputation as a home wrecker (not the adulterous type!). A bundle of energy, Doc has destroyed countless shoes and furniture, broken out of his crate numerous times, and can never seem to calm down, even after hour long walks and weekends at doggie daycare. Doc’s owners hoped he would eventually calm down as he aged, but they soon learned that they could not wait any longer if they wanted to keep their home and sanity intact!
While Doc’s owners were going crazy because of their dog’s behavior, think of what Doc must be thinking and experiencing! Hyperactivity is usually caused by severe boredom, anxiety, and lack of direction. At daycare, Doc could run around and socialize with all the other dogs, but there was nothing like that at his home. Consequently, Doc would run amok, and while his owners did their best to command and control him, the foundation of Doc’s obedience was very shaky. It was time to get to the root problems and work our way up from there!
For a hyperactive dog, exercise is EXTREMELY important. However, many people will write off “he runs around in the yard all the time” as exercise. Sure, it can help, but what can really burn the energy is off is by actively engaging with the dog. Through consistent obedience exercises and controlled games, the dog can be both physically AND mentally stimulated. Instead of just mindlessly running up and down the fence, working on commands and interactive games keeps the dog mentally alert, and eventually wears the dog out in a positive, productive way! Exercise is crucial, but leadership and obedience must be present as well!
By working with Doc every day on his training exercises, we sharpen is focus and obedience. Through this, he learns to succeed and also gets a mental workout. Along with this, he gets his exercise through games and controlled walks where Doc demonstrates calm behavior, heeling etiquette, and impulse control. At the end of his training days, he is tired and a behaved dog – and he achieved it through his owners and in his home!
Don’t think hyperactivity is something that will just disappear! Get it under control at once! Call us at 800-649-7297 to set your dog up for a success!