Getting a puppy is very exciting. However, sometimes your adorable new best friend seems to run on infinite energy. This energy can be an issue when your puppy wants to play in the dead of night. Some breeds are more excitable than others, like English Cream Golden Retriever puppies. These and other hunting breeds are prone to being high-energy and needing a lot of time to play.
Where does all this energy come from?
Often, if your dog is still buzzing after running around all day, it may be because of their breed. Hunting dogs were made to do a high-energy activity. As a result, they need a lot of exercises.
Hunting dogs typically have high prey drives the way cats do. They may be excitable just from watching a squirrel climb a tree. Your dog will get into mischief if they have nowhere to let this energy out.
Additionally, puppies are naturally more excitable than grown dogs, especially older dogs. You may need to play with them more and exercise them more until they calm down with age.
How to calm an energetic puppy down
Make sure to walk your puppy every day. This gives them time to train on their leash and socialize around people and other dogs. Walking a puppy for too long as possible, consult your veterinarian to ensure you don’t harm your puppy’s joints.
Your puppy may need mental stimulation if they remain hyperactive even after getting enough exercise. Hunting dogs are working breeds, which means they will benefit from a job. You should choose their job both based on what your dog as an individual likes to do and what your dog’s breed is bred for.
Make sure that it is appropriate for your puppy, as some jobs, like carrying a backpack or pulling a cart, are better for when your puppy gets a bit older. There are solutions for individual behaviors you can try, like building a sandbox for a dog that likes to dig. If your dog only wants to explore, it may be full of pent-up energy.
You can also play games with them like fetch. This allows them to exercise their seeking instincts. When they get to play fetch regularly, they may view it as their job just as much as a bomb dog views searching for explosives.
Many jobs for dogs require training, which will tire them out the same way running around for hours can. Working on any type of training will both calm your puppy down and give you the benefits of a well-trained dog.
Why is it important?
Having a dog has a lot of benefits. It’s essential to calm your energetic puppy, not just for your sake but for theirs, to see the full benefit of having a dog. If your dog is too excitable, it may engage in dangerous behaviors like chasing cars or getting into the trash. If they accidentally eat something hazardous while trying to follow their hunting instincts, they could get very sick or die.
Having a calm puppy is excellent for your mental well-being, too. You don’t have to worry about your home or things being destroyed or your dog hurting.
To wrap it up
However you choose to get your dog’s energy out, you should also make sure your dog enjoys it. If your dog doesn’t, it may lead to agitation and further energetic outbursts. If your dog is tired and happy, you’ll be satisfied.