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There are some dogs who seem to have an endless battery that never runs out, no matter how much exercise you pack into their day. You include all sorts of activities in their day, both outside and indoors, but your dog still has so much energy that you're sort of at a loss.
Despite regular exercise, you might find your dog still feels all wound up, which can lead to unwanted chaos at home, or your dog might start showing destructive behaviors. But thankfully, there's one habit you can add to your daily routine that might be the missing piece to the energy puzzle.
Signs Your Dog Has Too Much Pent-up Energy
While all dogs vary in how much energy they have at any given time, there's a universal understanding that they need somewhere to run off their energy. Some pups require more outlets for all that than others, but even dogs who are considered low-energy breeds end their day with energy left to expend, and it can show in symptoms and signs.
According to the American Kennel Club, when a dog has pent-up energy and is bored, they may start seeking anything to burn off that energy, which can feel very destructive at times.
"A bored dog will make their own fun," the club shares, "most likely in ways that don't work for you." You might notice your pup starts digging in the trash, tossing around toilet paper, jumping, or barking excessively, or they could develop stress or anxiety about being left alone.
Related: The Ultimate Checklist: What To Put in a Pet First-Aid Kit
A Daily Habit That Can Help Your Dog Who Has Too Much Energy
If you've already got exercise baked into your daily routine for your dog, but they still seem to be bored, there's one daily habit you can add that could make a very big difference in a pup who seems to have too much energy—mental stimulation.
According to the Ontario SPCA, dogs need mental stimulation in the same way we do, and adding more physical exercise to the day won't necessarily help unless your dog's also getting that mental exercise.
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How To Mentally Stimulate Your Dog
Here are a few things that could help your dog's energy levels using mental stimulation:
- Practice short intervals (10 to 15 minutes) of training sessions like recalling, sitting, etc.
- Try a slow feeder or a toy that has them work on a puzzle to get a treat.
- Play games like hide-and-seek or tug-of-war.
- Play scent games with dog toys, different smells from the garden, or try new foods.
- Wrap treats in paper bags or in a water bottle to encourage your pup to work to get them out.
- Take them out to meet new dogs.
The Ontario SPCA notes that it's important to keep these mental stimulation activities fun and not to push your dog's energy levels, get frustrated, or overdo exercise. They also suggest pet parents focus on ending playtime on a positive note, and that engaging with you in anything, even cuddling on the couch, is a way to strengthen your bond and help wear out their energy.
Your dog having a lot of energy isn't a bad thing; it can be an opportunity to make new memories, strengthen your bond, and help them use their brain and body, creating a happier, calmer home.
