How to Care for a High-Energy Dog

A high-energy dog can be draining to handle, even for the most energetic person. If your dog is anything like this reporter’s, she can go from zero to 60 in just a few seconds. These “zoomies” can seem comical, but sometimes they can lead to worry. Does my dog need more exercise? Is she stressed? Sometimes I fear she could hurt herself—especially as she gets older and her body becomes more susceptible to injury.

It can feel overwhelming (and exhausting) trying to determine what’s causing your dog’s energy level to be so high, and how to help them through it—and things can become extraordinarily stressful if your dog’s pent-up energy leads to destructive behavior. But there are simple ways you can give your dog an outlet for that energy, and make both of your lives easier.

Know your dog

Every dog is different. For every bulldog lying flat on the ground, refusing to finish their walk, there’s a border collie who would seemingly retrieve, herd, and play 24 hours a day if they could. Dogs are individuals—you can’t look at their breed and know for sure how they’ll act, and there’s nothing wrong with them if they don’t meet your expectations—but those bred for certain demanding tasks will often require more physical and mental exercise.

“Most working dogs who were bred to perform tasks like herding and retrieving will be higher energy. They were bred to live in highly stimulating roles. So, yes, you need to be prepared to engage these dogs more often,” says Maddie Messina, a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist and Founder of Paws for Thought Dog Training.

It’s also fair to assume that puppies will be more energetic than adult dogs. But most dogs should start calming down by age 1 or 2. If they don’t, they may need mental or physical stimulation to channel their energy in a constructive (and nondestructive) way.

Exercise their body and their mind

It makes sense that a dog with a lot of energy to burn would benefit from a lot of exercise. But while it’s always a good idea to get your dog outside to move around and explore the world, be sure to balance that with some calming activities that will give them a chance to decompress and settle down afterward. 

“Rely on a mix of high-arousal activities—[like] hikes, dog play, obedience, [and] agility; and low-arousal—like mat relaxation practice, scent work, massage, and low-activity enrichment like chews and frozen lickable items,” says Messina. This way, your dog burns energy off—but doesn’t stay stuck in that hyped-up mode. The mental stimulation can calm a dog’s mind.

If your dog is reactive, work at their pace

Some dogs struggle with issues like reactivity in social situations. Messina suggests that the best approach to handling stimuli that trigger your dog is making sure you start at a distance and only get closer when your dog is ready. “Work on building manners from a distance around other dogs and slowly decreasing that distance as your dog is able to engage with you and feel more comfortable,” she says. For much more on desensitization and counterconditioning, read our guide to helping a fearful dog.

Find the right playmates

In general, Messina says that the right friends can go a long way for young, high-energy puppies. “If you have a high-energy breed,” she says, “take your puppy to plenty of puppy play groups so they learn how to play with dogs appropriately and satisfy the developmental play need. Find equally matched playmates in energy.” 

Messina also recommends exercising your dog both mentally and physically through play and training before taking them into a social setting—so they’re not coming into that situation full of energy that will end up focused on the dogs there.

Reward good manners with people, too

Behavior that may seem to be the result of an overabundance of energy—like unwanted jumping on people, for example—can stem from a lack of impulse control. Setting expectations and being clear about what you want can make it easier for your dog to behave in a way that works for you.

The idea here is to make sure your dog is settled before they get what they want—whether that’s a treat, a ball, their leash clipped on for a walk, or their food bowl placed on the floor. First, ask them to sit for a few seconds. Once they sit, reward them with the treat or activity they’re waiting for. This will help calm their energy level in anticipation of the things they most enjoy. If they sit and remain calm, they get those things. Remember that consistency is key in this type of training.

Also remember that it’s perfectly fine to reward your dog even when they haven’t done something you’ve asked for. If you want your dog to be calm and agreeable, tossing them an occasional treat and “good dog” during calm, agreeable moments will reinforce that behavior and help strengthen your bond.

More on zoomies…

Those silly bursts of craziness your dog can sometimes exhibit are called Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs). While most trainers and animal behaviorists will admit they’re not sure exactly what causes them, FRAPs are usually the result of high arousal or strong emotions—and dogs certainly seem to enjoy them. The bottom line is, FRAPs are normal and should not be discouraged or punished. The best thing you can do is be sure your dog has a safe space to zoom where they can’t hurt themselves—and then let them have at it!

If you’re running out of energy, ask for help

Any unexplained change in your dog’s behavior—including a noticeable change in their energy level—calls for a vet visit; an examination can rule out medical causes.

Some owners may wonder if medication can be helpful in calming their dog. Messina points out that, while drugs can help dogs with certain psychological issues, they’re not a way to reduce a high-energy dog’s innate need for exercise. Still, she says, “some dogs who [actually] have behavior problems can seem like they have trouble settling and need constant engagement.” The best way to sort out the reasons for your dog’s behavior is to talk to a vet and a behaviorist.

In general, if you’re overwhelmed by your dog’s energy level—and none of the tricks you’ve tried are working—there’s no shame in hiring a trusted, qualified trainer. They can guide your search for strategies to harness your dog’s energy in a healthy way. 

“Your dog starts learning from the moment they enter the world, and it’s up to you to teach them what behaviors you’d like them to perform most,” says Messina. “In the case of high-energy dogs, they are often looking for things to do. If you don’t give them specific guidance on what activities are appropriate in your household, they may come up with less-preferred options.” Read: destructive behavior. No one wants things to come to that, so be sure you’re aware of your dog’s needs from the outset. 

 “Any owner who hasn’t done enough research on a breed, and has mismatched expectations for the dog,” Messina says, “can find themselves in over their head.” 

But, if you remain patient and persistent, one day you may find that everything clicks.

Take it from this reporter—a nice, long walk coupled with some indoor chew-toy play goes a long way toward tiring out a hyped-up pup. Just being outside in the fresh air and smelling new smells is often enough to help my dog find her sense of calm… and sometimes even results in a prolonged snooze.

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