It doesn’t matter how hard you try or what you do, sometimes you just can’t get rid of your pooch’s excess energy.  If your dog is from the working breed family, then this is especially true.  If not working, these breeds of dogs often need a longer, more intense exercise routine.  Unlike some pooches that are happy being lazy in front of the air conditioning, these dogs need mind games and extra physical stimulation.  Or, hey, why not just give him a job?  That is what he was bred to do, right?  If you don’t have a job to give him, then don’t fret.  Training is always a good answer!

If you choose a working breed to keep as a pet, then you should know what you are getting yourself into.  There are tons of dogs that are classified as workers:  herders (Boarder Collies, English Sheepdogs, etc.), hunters (Coonhounds, English Setters, etc.), sled dogs (Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies, etc.), and more.  Working breeds can be amazing pets, but they are bred to do a job!  For this reason, they often seem to have an overabundance of energy.  If you do not help find a way to release the energy, your pet may resort to destructive or annoying behaviors.  Barking, howling, growling, jumping, and digging are just a few unwanted behaviors that could surface.  Many owners go for these pets because of the way they look, not realizing how much work they can be.

The first thing you should do with a worker is make sure he gets plenty of exercise.  Throwing your pooch in the backyard alone for a couple of hours does not constitute exercise.  These dogs should receive fairly long daily walks or jogs and runs.  They also need mind stimulation, so you must be willing to put in a good amount of play time.  Intriguing toys are always a good idea for workers.  Toys such as Kongs force the dog to figure out how to get the treat, providing temporary relief from boredom.  In addition to exercising, make sure you are playing games where he can run and play.  You can use the simplest equipment:  a Frisbee, softball, or stick.  Playing a game of fetch is something that your pet will love.  And, it does not require tons of energy on your part!

If added exercise isn’t enough, then find your pooch a job.  Agility training is wonderful for hyper dogs.  It may not be a “job,” but your pooch will work!  Agility training allows dogs to exercise, perform, and spend time with you.  The courses are basically canine obstacle courses.  Your dog must jump through hoops, jump over bars, run through tunnels, and conquer see-saws as quickly as possible.  Competitions follow set rules.  Knowing the rules can help with your training.  Most workers are quick learners, so you can even start agility training with an adult dog.  Who knows, you may start enrolling your pooch in agility competitions!

Obedience training is also a great idea for the worker (and all other pooches).  Obedience training may not provide ample exercise- you’ll have to exercise in addition to the training- but it does provide wonderful mind stimulation.  By having your pet properly trained, you are able to go more places with him.  Think about it.  No more jogs around the neighborhood; now you can go hike a mountain trail with no worries!  Obedience training is also a great way for the two of you to bond.  Your pooch will learn what you want for him; and, thus, will be calmer and more focused in everyday activities.

If you have tried exercising, agility, and obedience training (as a whole), then you may have to target the behaviors specifically, while still targeting the cause of boredom.  Teach your pet not to jump up on people when he gets excited.  Keep him from digging by leaving him alone less often.  There are things you can do to calm your pooch, but you must be willing to do them!

A working dog can be a great pet, but he will require activities to fill his time.  If you don’t have a “job” for him to perform, then find him one.  Agility and obedience training are fun and beneficial for both of you.  Spending extra exercise and play time with your pooch can also keep his energy at bay.  In some cases, you have to work to take care of a working pooch! 

 

This article was written and provided by pet-super-store.com a site featuring orthopedic dog beds & aluminum dog crates.