Key Takeaways:

Manage your dog’s anxiety, stress, or hyperactivity with enough physical and mental exercise.
Consult your vet if home remedies don’t improve your dog’s anxiety or hyperactivity.
Certain active breeds are more prone to anxiety and may need more activity.
There are holistic ways to help your dog stay calm (you, too!).
Sensory enrichment is a valuable path to consider.

Understanding Your Dog’s Energy Levels

Some dogs can’t sit still, constantly needing to be on the move, while others are perfectly content lounging around as couch potatoes. The breed of a dog often plays a significant role in these behaviors. For example, high-energy breeds like Border Collies and Jack Russell Terriers are more prone to hyperactivity, requiring ample physical and mental stimulation to keep them calm. On the other hand, breeds like Bulldogs and Basset Hounds are generally more relaxed and content with minimal activity. Additionally, certain breeds are more susceptible to stress and anxiety. Herding and working breeds, such as Australian Shepherds and German Shepherds, may experience higher levels of anxiety if they don’t receive enough external stimulation. Understanding the natural tendencies of your dog’s breed can help you better manage their energy levels and overall well-being.

Natural Ways to Calm Your Dog

Dealing with an anxious or hyperactive dog can be challenging, but there are several natural techniques you can try to help soothe your furry friend. These methods focus on providing physical and mental stimulation, promoting relaxation, and using natural calming aids (this includes speacially-designed music). By incorporating these techniques into your dog’s routine, you can help them manage their stress and anxiety, leading to a happier and more balanced life. Here are five effective natural approaches to consider:

Exercise: One of the most crucial ways to manage your dog’s anxiety or hyperactivity is by ensuring they get enough physical and mental stimulation. Can you imagine if you just sat around the house, all day?
• Regular exercise helps to burn off excess energy and can significantly reduce stress levels. Long walks, hiking adventures, and engaging in dog sports can really make a difference.
• Playing with puzzle toys and participating in scent games are all excellent ways to keep your dog active and mentally stimulated.
Massage: Just like humans, dogs can benefit from a calming massage. This technique not only helps to relax your dog but also strengthens the bond between you and your pet. A gentle massage can provide a sense of physical and emotional closeness, making your dog feel more secure and less anxious.
Calming Supplements: There are various calming supplements available that can help reduce your dog’s anxiety. These supplements come in different forms, including powders, gels, capsules, and treats. Many of them contain natural ingredients such as melatonin or CBD, which have been shown to have calming effects on dogs. However, there is a downside to giving your dogs drugs, natural or not. Getting your dog stoned on CBD makes them lethargic and robs you (and them) of their playful and curious personalities.
Music: Music can be a powerful tool in calming an anxious dog. Playing specially designed calming dog music can help to block out stressful external noises and create a soothing environment. This is particularly useful if your dog gets anxious when left alone or during loud events like thunderstorms or fireworks.
Calming Clothes: Products like anxiety wraps, which are designed to apply gentle pressure to your dog’s body, can help reduce anxiety. These calming clothes work similarly to weighted blankets for humans, providing a sense of security and comfort. They can be especially helpful during stressful situations such as car rides, vet visits, or loud noises.

By incorporating these natural techniques into your dog’s routine, you can help them manage their anxiety and hyperactivity more effectively.

Medications for Dog Anxiety

If natural methods aren’t enough to calm your dog’s anxiety, it might be time to consult your veterinarian about medication options. There are several types of medications that can effectively manage anxiety in dogs that fall into the category of either anti-depressants or sedatives.

From a holistic POV, I have to ask why is your pet either depressed of so over-amped that they need sedatives? If CBD chews robs your dog of vitality, you can imagine what prescription sedatives do, especially over a long term. Yes, there are times when we are glad for pharmaceuticals, but the trade-off is quality of life.

If you have to employ pharmaceuticals, it’s essential to work closely with your vet to determine the best medication and dosage for your dog’s specific needs. Your vet will consider your dog’s overall health, the severity of their anxiety, and any other underlying conditions before prescribing medication.

Managing a Hyperactive Dog

High-energy dogs require ample physical and mental exercise to stay balanced and well-behaved. Here are some effective strategies to help manage their hyperactivity:

Turn Mealtime into a Job: Instead of feeding your dog from a bowl, use treat pouches and incorporate training commands during mealtime. This not only makes meals more engaging but also reinforces positive behaviors. Spend about 20 minutes a day practicing commands they already know and gradually introduce new ones.
Work for Rewards: Encourage your dog to earn their rewards by requiring simple tasks before giving treats or letting them outside. For example, ask them to sit or lie down before opening the door or giving a treat. This approach helps to mentally stimulate your dog and provides structure to their day.
Nose Work: Engage your dog’s powerful sense of smell with scent games. Hide pieces of kibble or treats around the house and encourage your dog to find them using their nose. This activity stimulates their mind and provides physical exercise in a fun way.
Puzzle Feeders: Use puzzle feeders and food-dispensing toys to keep your dog mentally stimulated. These toys require your dog to figure out how to access the food, providing a challenging and rewarding experience. Start with simpler puzzles to prevent frustration and gradually increase the difficulty.
Canine Sports: Many hyperactive dogs excel in canine sports, which provide both physical and mental challenges. Consider enrolling your dog in activities such as agility training, dock diving, obedience training, flyball, or disc dog. These sports allow your dog to channel their energy in a positive and structured manner.

By incorporating these strategies into your dog’s routine, you can help manage their hyperactivity and create a more balanced and happy environment for both you and your furry friend. Remember why you added a pet to your home and life. They require attention, time, and creative solutions. Dogs were not made for being left alone all day in a high-rise. If this is your situation, then breeds are a major consideration, as are solutions. What you’re looking to do is to train your dogs to behave appropriately. This may mean that you have to devote more time to their well-being. Your happy dog, as you know and desire, will provide you with happiness beyond measure.

Signs of Anxiety in Dogs

It’s essential to recognize signs of anxiety in your dog. Watch for these common symptoms:

Destroying Items: Chewing or tearing up household items can be a sign of anxiety, especially if it happens when you’re not home.
Scratching at Windows or Doors: Anxious dogs may try to escape or find their owners by scratching at windows and doors.
Changes in Appetite, Energy, or Hiding: Anxiety can cause a loss of appetite, changes in energy levels, or hiding behavior.
Barking or Whining Constantly: Excessive vocalization is a common sign of stress or anxiety in dogs.
Drooling and Panting: Increased drooling and panting can indicate that your dog is feeling anxious.
Pacing: Constant movement or pacing back and forth is a sign of restlessness often associated with anxiety.
Repetitive Behaviors Like Licking or Chewing: Dogs may engage in repetitive behaviors, such as licking themselves excessively or chewing on objects, as a coping mechanism.
Restlessness: Inability to settle down or relax is a clear indicator of anxiety.
Inappropriate Urination or Defecation: Anxious dogs might urinate or defecate indoors even if they are house-trained.

If your dog exhibits any of these behaviors, it’s important to discuss them with a trusted dog trainer or your veterinarian. They can help rule out any underlying medical issues and suggest appropriate treatment options to manage your dog’s psychological anxiety.

Breed-Specific Tendencies

Certain dog breeds are naturally more prone to hyperactivity and anxiety due to their genetic makeup and historical roles. Understanding these tendencies can help you provide better care and appropriate activities for your dog.

Herding Breeds

Examples: Australian Shepherds, Collies, Sheepdogs, Heelers.
Characteristics: These breeds are energetic and have a strong instinct to herd. They require plenty of physical and mental exercise to stay calm and balanced. Without enough stimulation, they may become anxious or develop behavioral issues.

Sight Hounds

Examples: Greyhounds, Wolfhounds, Whippets.
Characteristics: Bred to hunt and chase prey using their sight, these dogs are high-speed, short-distance runners. They can become anxious if they don’t have opportunities to run and exercise. Sight hounds may also be more sensitive to changes in their environment, leading to stress and anxiety.

Sporting Dogs

Examples: Spaniels, Pointers, Retrievers, Setters.
Characteristics: These intelligent and alert dogs were bred to work closely with hunters and enjoy outdoor activities. They thrive on physical activity and mental challenges. Without sufficient exercise and engagement, sporting dogs can become restless and anxious.

By recognizing the specific needs of these breeds, you can tailor your approach to their care, ensuring they receive the appropriate amount of exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction to prevent anxiety and hyperactivity.

Indoor Sensory Enrichment

Creating a balanced sensory environment for indoor dogs involves considering their natural behaviors and providing stimuli that cater to their senses. Here are some sensory devices that can enrich your dog’s life:

Visual Enrichment

Window Access: Dogs enjoy looking out the window and observing their surroundings. Being near a window can offer your dog entertainment and reduce boredom.
Television for Dogs: Some channels and videos are specifically designed for dogs, showing scenes of nature, other animals, or calming images.

Auditory Enrichment

Music or White Noise: Calming music can help reduce anxiety and provide a soothing environment. White noise machines can be helpful during non-patterned stressful events like thunderstorms or fireworks.
Talking Toys: Toys that make sounds or talk can engage a dog’s auditory senses keep them occupied.

When indoors, take a sonic inventory. Make sure you provide your dogs with a sensory environment that works for them, just as you have ticks and tools for your own self-medication. Specially-designed calming music is a very important and an easy fix. I created iCalmPet Music to specifically cater to your canine’s nervous system and age-range.

Olfactory Enrichment

Scented toys (that you may have to take away at certain times…) and snuffle mats that you can fill with treats or different scents encourage dogs to use their sense of smell to explore and find rewards.
Scent Games: Hide treats around the house to encourage your dog to use their nose and search for the hidden treasures.

Tactile Enrichment

Interactive Toys: Puzzle toys that dogs can manipulate with their paws or mouth provide mental engagement.

Different textures provide surfaces for your dog to explore, such as soft beds, mats with different textures, and carpets.

Taste Enrichment

Varied Chew Toys: Toys with different flavors or chew textures can provide taste stimulation and satisfy the dog’s natural chewing instincts.
Puzzle Feeders: These devices make mealtime more challenging and fun, providing both taste and mental stimulation.

By incorporating considered sensory elements into your indoor dog’s environment, you can create a more stimulating or calming space that caters to their needs and keeps them engaged.

Bottom Line

Your dog’s anxiety, stress, or hyperactivity can be significantly influenced by their breed and potential underlying medical conditions. Different breeds have varying levels of energy and mental stimulation needs, which, if unmet, can lead to behavioral issues that really affect your household. Remember, your household is now their household – usually by your choice! For instance, herding breeds like Australian Shepherds and Collies are naturally high-energy and require plenty of physical activity and mental challenges. Similarly, sporting breeds such as Retrievers and Pointers thrive on vigorous exercise and engaging tasks. Therefore, it behooves you to select a kind of dog based on the amount of energy (time, money, involvement) it will require for you to help them have a balanced co-existence with your human self.

Outdoors

To help manage your dog’s anxiety or hyperactivity, it’s crucial to ensure they receive sufficient physical and mental exercise. Regular physical activities like long walks, runs, or play sessions can help burn off excess energy. Mental stimulation is equally important; activities like puzzle toys, scent games, and training sessions can keep your dog’s mind engaged and satisfied.

Involving your dog in specific activities that cater to their instincts and energy levels can be particularly beneficial. Consider nose work, which taps into their natural scent-tracking abilities and provides a fulfilling mental challenge. Agility training is another excellent option, offering both physical exercise and mental stimulation through obstacle courses. Other canine sports, such as flyball, dock diving, and obedience competitions, can also provide the necessary outlets for their energy and intelligence.

Indoors

When your best furry freind is indoors, consider their sensory environment, especially if they are left alone. Canine sensory tolerances are very different than yours and mine. Their hearing and sense of smell is far greater than humans. Do they feel safe? Are they cared for? Do they need to be cared for? The age of your dog can have make a big difference with their needs.

At the end of the day, your dog is valuable and possibly out of their natural, inbred or genetic environments. The better you understand and take care of them, they will greatly reciprocate.