Digging is fun for them, but you can show them there are other ways to have fun — ways that tire them out enough so they aren’t interested in digging anymore. “If your dog is bored, increasing her physical and mental stimulation through play and training can help,” notes Dr. Kong.
Whether it’s afear of strangers, other dogs, or noises like the vacuum, it can be incredibly challenging to train a fearful dog. But these dogs are absolutely worth the extra effort it takes to bring them out of their shell. Socialize your hyper dog in a controlled environment so that, at stages, you can help him adjust if his excitement becomes elevated.
What can be done to calm down a hyper dog?
Read more about things to do with your dog here.
GETTING STARTED IN DOG SPORTS
Teach your dog to play basketball by placing a hoop on the ground and putting a ball inside of it. Then, show your dog the ball and let them sniff it. Once they are interested, start bouncing the ball in front of them. As they get closer to the hoop, encourage them to put the ball inside.
If it’s summer or you live in a hot climate, your dog may dig holes to create a cool space to relax, says Dr. Alejandro Caos, a veterinarian with The Vets. Dirt underneath the surface is moist and untouched by the sun, so it’s much cooler to the touch than the surface. By digging a fresh hole in the dirt, your pup has created their own natural cooling system.
It is important to maintain eye contact when teaching a dog and to reward correct actions; this helps in teaching dogs to ring bells or bark on cue. Sometimes they can pull on a rope, or use their noses or paws, depending on what they have been taught to do already. Teach your dog to roll by holding a treat in front of their nose and slowly rolling it over.
I’m a lifelong dog owner — currently have 2 mixed breed Golden Aussies that we found abandoned on the side of the road as puppies. I’ve always trained my own dogs and help friends train theirs, as well. Professionally, I worked at a vet and have several friends who are veterinarians — whom I consult with regularly. My daily motivation is to help first-time dog owners be better prepared from the first day your new puppy enters your home. To date, I’ve written over 600 articles for dog owners on this site! A great trick that is really impressive is teaching the dog to balance a favorite treat on his nose until the command is given to toss it in the air and catch it. Patience is needed for this one, and the dog’s obedience skills must be very sharp.
