Intense physical exercise alone won’t tire out a high-energy dog, but it does take the edge off so that when you’re ready to work with him to teach calm behaviors, he is able to focus and participate in the training. The physical exercise sets him up for training success.
First, let’s agree that leaving your dog out in his own fenced-in backyard does not qualify as “exercise”. He needs to be actively engaged.
Outings to your local well-run dog park can be a good exercise option. If you don’t have one in your area, invite compatible canines over to play in your dog’s fenced yard. If you don’t have one, invite yourself and your dog over to your dogfriend’s fenced yard for play dates.
Absent any access to a dog-friendly fenced yard, play with your dog on a long line. A 50-foot line gives him a 100-foot stretch to run back and forth
and work his jollies off.
Caution: Work up to 50 feet gradually, so he learns where the end of the line is. You don’t want him to blast full-speed to the end of his long line and hurt himself. Also, wear long pants. A highspeed long-line wrapped around bare legs can give you a nasty rope burn.
If none of those work for you, having him wear a pack when you walk him, or even better, pull a cart (which takes significant training), or exercising him (safely) from a bicycle may be options for using up excess energy.
For more advice on ways to train your dog to be calm, purchase Calm Down Rover! Teach Your High-Energy, Hyperactive Dog to Chill Out & Relax… from Whole Dog Journal.
