Occupying a hyper dog requires a balance of physical exercise, mental stimulation, and training for calmness. Meeting a high-energy dog's needs in a structured routine helps them channel their energy into positive behaviors and teaches them how to "switch off" and relax.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, outlining three phases: 3 Days (decompression, feeling overwhelmed/scared), 3 Weeks (starting to settle in, learning routine, personality emerges), and 3 Months (feeling secure, bonded, and truly at home). It helps new owners manage expectations and be patient as their rescue dog transitions, emphasizing calm energy, routine, and space in the early days to build trust.
If their hyperactivity isn't cutting into your day, let their personalities flourish.
Aerobic exercise is key to tiring out a high energy dog. Your dog might need a 45 - 60 minute brisk walk every day. Some dogs need twice daily, long walks. Start by increasing their existing exercise by 50% and adjust as needed.
The "10 10 10 rule" for dogs refers to two main concepts: a potty training method for puppies (10 mins outside, 10 ft space, 10 mins supervision/reward) and the 80/10/10 guideline for raw feeding (80% muscle meat, 10% bone, 10% organ), both offering structure for training or diet. Another interpretation is the 10% rule for treats, limiting them to 10% of daily calories to maintain a balanced diet, ensuring most nutrition comes from complete dog food.
Will my high-energy dog ever calm down? Dogs may remain hyperactive until they reach about 3 years old, which is when most dogs naturally calm down, Dr. Ciucci says. They're considered puppies until the age of 1 and are “teenagers” between 1–3 years old.
Top High Energy Dog Breeds
When dogs experience anxiety, music or white noise can help calm them down. This provides a soothing and calming environment, and it can naturally reduce their stress and anxiety levels. White noise or music can also drown out the unpredictable noises from thunderstorms or fireworks that trigger anxiety.
Your hyper dog may need more exercise. Exercise is good for your dog's physical body and for his state of mind. If a dog does not get exercised he will have bottled up energy that will appear as hyperactivity.
The seven second rule. Put the back of your hand on the pavement. If you cannot hold it for seven seconds, it is too hot to walk for your dogs. This rule also applies to dogs riding in the bed of a pickup truck.
The most commonly surrendered dog type is the "pit bull type" (including mixes), often due to negative stereotypes, breed-specific legislation, and high energy levels, followed by other popular breeds like German Shepherds, Huskies, and Labrador Retrievers that may not fit owner lifestyles. Breeds like Staffordshire Bull Terriers (especially mixes) also top surrender lists in some regions like Australia.
Place the back of your hand on the pavement. If you can't keep it there for five seconds, it's too hot to walk your dog. If you didn't know about this rule, chances are your friends don't, either.
Dogs with a hyperactivity disorder are difficult to train, respond poorly to tranquilization, may exhibit repetitive behaviors such as incessant barking or circling, may have gastrointestinal disorders, and can be extremely resistant to restraint.
Brain Games
If your pooch can run around all day without ever getting tired, flexing their brain muscles might be what they need to calm down. Puzzle toys, nosework and trick-training are activities that require little space but offer big-time mental exercise. Try teaching Fido one of these five cool dog tricks!
Reduce overstimulating activities for your dog
For example, if they bark at passers-by, try shutting the curtains or restricting access to the windows. If the children playing in the garden over-excites your pooch, give them a stuffed kong and limit their garden access to times the garden is calm.
The dog breeds that are more likely to have this problem are the German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, Jack Russell Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bichon Frise, Toy Poodle, Labrador Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, and German Shorthaired Pointer.
If you are looking for a more natural way to aid dog relaxation, calming scents for dogs can do the trick. Lavender, lemon, ginger, vanilla, and valerian are calming aromas your furry friend will love.
Selecting your veterinary team
Often, these clinics will attempt to limit noise that could stress out pets, play calming music, examine dogs on the floor, where they feel less stressed, instead of on an exam table and more.
Some breeds are more likely than others to develop ADHD, namely terrier breeds (particularly Cairns and Jack Russells), and German Shepherds.
The "heartbreak breed" refers primarily to the Great Dane, nicknamed this due to their affectionate nature combined with a relatively short lifespan (around 7-10 years) and susceptibility to serious heart conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), making losing them particularly difficult for their devoted owners. Other giant breeds like Irish Wolfhounds, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Saint Bernards also face significant health challenges, including cancer and heart disease, often earning them similar sentiments from owners.
9 Calm Dog Breeds
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, outlining three phases: 3 Days (decompression, feeling overwhelmed/scared), 3 Weeks (starting to settle in, learning routine, personality emerges), and 3 Months (feeling secure, bonded, and truly at home). It helps new owners manage expectations and be patient as their rescue dog transitions, emphasizing calm energy, routine, and space in the early days to build trust.
7 Proven Ways to Calm Your Anxious Dog
This dog needs to use up her energy. If you establish a daily exercise routine—two to three times a day for 10 to 30 minutes—the dog will learn to relax during the day until it's time for her outing. Create hobbies for your dog such as hiking, flyball or agility training. Do not feed an adult dog high protein dog food.