Dogs can be a bundle of boundless energy. Sometimes, they can wear you out long before you manage to tire them out. A bored and energetic dog can lead to a dog that’s breaking treasured knick-knacks, chewing up slippers, or jumping on everyone and everything.
The best way to prevent catastrophes in the house or at the vet is to tire your pup out in fun play and quality time.
After all, a tired, happy dog is a healthy, satisfied family member.
Can’t My Dog Just Be Energetic?
Some dogs are just more energetic by nature. However, too much energy that is left alone can lead to trouble in the future. There is more potential for damage in your house or yard. Also, Fido may cause trouble when around other people, or be more anxious and stressed.
Energy that’s left unaddressed can potentially turn into the following problems:
Aggression
If a dog has no outlet for releasing his energy in a positive way, it can lead to aggression. Your dog’s increased energetic emotional state will decrease his thinking processes and lead him to act more instinctually.
He’ll be more likely to play too rough with other animals, children, and even adults. This in turn can lead to lunging and biting. A well-entertained dog that is able to get his energy out is less likely to act aggressively.
Boredom
Your dog may not be prone to aggression, but he’ll surely get bored if he has no way to get his energy out. As he seeks to find a release for his boredom, your dog may get into a great deal of mischief.
Chewed up toilet paper, constant barking, shredded pillows, and nervous pacing are all signs that your pup needs a better way to get his energy out.
Anxiety
An energetic dog with inadequate play time may end up being more anxious or nervous when around new situations. If you tire your dog out before going to the veterinarian or groomer, he’ll be more calm and less likely to act up or suffer from anxiety.
Great Ways to Tire Your Dog Out
There are many great activities to help tire your dog out and help you bond more with him at the same time. Keeping your dog busy with entertaining activities leads to a well-adjusted, happy, and much-calmer dog.
Exercise Games
A great way to tire your dog out when you have limited time is through exercise-related games.
A quick game of fetch, for example, will help tire your pup before getting in the car to go to the vet. Or, a few rounds through a do-it-yourself obstacle course in the back yard or house will be exciting and fun for your dog. Other great games are:
- Tug-of-war
- Dog-toy-on-a-string
- Dummy launchers
- Chase (or a quick run up and down the street)
Puzzle Games
Brain games and toys that involve solving a puzzle may not tire your dog out physically, but mental stimulation can be just as effective in calming your dog. Puzzle games and snuffle mats require using critical thinking skills, and will keep your pup occupied even if you are busy with chores or work. They’re also great at distracting your dog from anxiety and stressful situations.
Some great puzzle games, both for regular play and dinner-time, include:
- Find-it games
- Hide-and-seek with toys
- DJ Dog
- Activity Poker Box
- King wobbler or replay
- Nina ottoman puzzles
- Stuffables
There is an amazing selection of stimulating brain and puzzle toys for dogs, so you can have fun browsing through the aisles at your local Pet Smart or searching online for something to keep Fido occupied.
Social Time
Exercise and puzzle games are great for short periods of time at home or on the go, but giving your dog time to socialize each week will also help stimulate him both mentally and physically. Social activities include time with other dogs, like the dog park or doggie day care.
Social time can also mean going for long walks where your dog may meet other people and dogs. Playdates with the neighbor’s dog is another great way for them to socialize. You could even let them play together in your backyard, if you know they’ll get along well together.
Longer Activities
When you have a free afternoon, you can add in a training session with your dog. Teaching him a new trick will occupy him and help tire him out, and it has the added benefit of letting him learn something new! You can also plan other longer activities with him.
Yoga Time
Did you know you can teach a dog to do yoga with you? This is a great opportunity to keep both you and your furry family in great physical and mental health, since you can do yoga together. Using a combination of treats and various stretches, you can soon work out a daily yoga routine to enjoy together.
Sandpit
This may take a little more preparation time, but once you’ve completed it, a sandpit in the back yard will give your pup countless hours of fun and exercise. You can even liven it up by hiding a special toy in the sand for your pup to discover.
Sniffari’s
Take your dog on his own “safari” by enjoying a longer walk, either in your neighborhood or on some forested trails that are dog-friendly. Make sure you have a long leash, so Fido can explore to his heart’s content, and walk in an area away from too many people or other dogs.
Treadmill
You can teach your dog to walk on a treadmill using a combination of rewards and commands. If you have a treadmill at home, this is a low-cost, low-time way to give your pup some quick exercise. Just be sure to use safety precautions and don’t leave your dog alone on a running treadmill.
Stair Climb
If you have stairs in your house, you can walk or even run (slow enough not to fall) up and down the stairs several times. Or, for a longer activity, you can take a car ride to somewhere with a lot of steps, and have your dog go up and down the stairs.
How Much Exercise Does My Dog Need?
How much exercise your dog needs each day will depend on what breed he is, or what personality he has. Small breeds may only require 20-30 minutes of exercise per day. Sporting breeds, working breeds, and herding breeds can require 90-120 minutes of quality exercise every day.
It’s easy to see why your indoor-only German Shepherd dog might be getting bored and tearing up the carpet. However, giving your dog more exercise and stimulation is an easy fix, so there’s no need to get discouraged.
Final Thoughts
Finding new ways to give Fido enough exercise can be a fun and rewarding activity for both of you. You may discover new games that you both love and can bond together over.
Or, you may both end up getting in tip-top physical shape. Whatever the final outcome, you’ll have a tired, happy dog at the end of the day!