Low Energy Person with High Energy Dog Finds Balance

Living with a high energy dog can be overwhelming, especially if you're a low energy person yourself. A typical day can be exhausting just trying to keep up with your furry friend's demands.

One key strategy is to establish a daily routine that balances your dog's energy levels with your own. For instance, if your dog needs a 30-minute walk in the morning, try to schedule it during a time when you have the most energy.

Consistency is crucial when it comes to managing your dog's energy. This means setting aside dedicated time for exercise, playtime, and training to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

By prioritizing your own energy needs and setting realistic goals, you can find a balance that works for both you and your high energy dog.

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High-energy dogs like the ones described need significantly more physical exercise and mental stimulation to meet their genetically programmed exercise needs.

A minimum of three off-leash hikes around the farm every day can make a huge difference in their behavior. This is especially true for dogs bred to spend hours running through the woods.

If you don't have access to an 80-acre farm, you can find other creative exercise alternatives to keep your high-energy dog exhausted.

Two on-leash walks a day are just an exercise appetizer for dogs like these, and they need a more substantial exercise routine to satisfy their needs.

By incorporating a standard exercise protocol, such as off-leash hikes or long lines, you can help your high-energy dog feel more calm and relaxed.

Dogs need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily to maintain a healthy weight and reduce destructive behavior.

Exercise can be as simple as a brisk walk around the block or a game of fetch in the backyard. Regular walks also help to reduce separation anxiety in dogs.

Exercise also helps to tire your dog out, making it easier to manage their energy levels.

Daily Park Trips can be a game-changer for high-energy dogs, especially those that need more than just a walk to keep them satisfied.

One of the best things you can do for your dog is to bring them to the dog park every day. They'll get to run wild off leash, play with their friends, sniff around, and by the end they should be one pooped pup.

Daily dog park trips help keep your pup properly socialized, which is essential for their emotional and mental well-being.

By getting into this routine, your dog will learn to expect a daily dog park romp, and they'll be ready to relax when you are.

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Reinforcing calm behavior in dogs is crucial for managing their energy levels. You can start by having your dog greet new people only while leashed to prevent her from getting reinforced for over-exuberant behaviors.

Exercise is vital for helping your dog calm down, but you also need to manage her environment to prevent opportunities for reinforcement. A good, force-free training class can work wonders to help your dog learn basic good manners and control her behavior in the presence of other dogs and humans.

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To find a trainer, look among members of the Pet Professional Guild, trainers who are committed to force-free training. They have a directory on their website that can help you find force-free trainers around the world.

Gently praising your dog when she's being calm is essential, but be careful not to get too excited or happy, as this can amp her up again. You can start by having her sit calmly for just a few seconds and gradually increase the time as she becomes more relaxed.

Trainers like Dr. Karen Overall and September Morn have developed calming protocols specifically for working with high-arousal dogs. Their protocols, such as Dr. Overall's 15-day "Protocol for Relaxation" and September Morn's "Go Wild and Freeze", can be effective in helping your dog learn impulse control and calm down.

You might be wondering how to keep your high-energy dog exercised when you don't have the energy to take them out. One option is to get a treadmill for your dog, like the ones made by DogPacer.

A treadmill can be a game-changer for a hungry dog like Joker, who can jog for 20 minutes without getting bored. Some dogs even beg to use them!

Treadmills can cost a pretty penny, but they might end up saving you money in the long run by reducing the need for daycare, dog walkers, and private training lessons.

A treadmill can be a great alternative exercise method for dogs that are extremely hungry for exercise.

Some dogs will happily use treadmills, and in fact, some dogs practically beg to use them.

Treadmills made by DogPacer are a good option to consider.

If your dog is extremely hungry for exercise, the investment in a treadmill might cost less than daycare, dog walkers, and/or private lessons with trainers.

A 20-minute jog on a treadmill can be enough to tire out an adolescent dog, as demonstrated by a Labrador named Joker who jogged for 20 minutes and then calmly laid down on the living-room floor.

Going to the beach is a great alternative exercise method. The beach is full of good smells, people, and other dogs to say hi to, making it a social and engaging experience for both you and your pup.

You can run with your pup or throw a frisbee on the endless sand, providing a fun and energetic workout. The waves are always a great form of entertainment, and your pup can splash around or jump for a floaty toy.

The negative ions in the ocean air will calm any nerves you have and make you feel happy and relaxed. By the time you both get home, you'll feel great and have a very happy pup.

Grab your dog's favorite ball and head to an empty soccer or large grassy field.

Chuckit!s are seriously useful toys, and they're perfect for playing fetch in open fields.

Find a field that's open to the public, and get ready for some serious fun with your pup.

Chuckit!s can be thrown as hard as you can, making them a great way to get your dog running around.

Our cofounders have played with Chuckit!s since their pup was a puppy, and it's a great way to get some exercise together.

Atlas loves chasing down a Chuckit! ball, especially in the water, so don't be afraid to get creative with your playtime.

If safe outdoor play options aren't available, consider exercising your dog indoors.

Some dogs will happily use a treadmill, in fact, some dogs practically beg to use them. A treadmill can be a big-ticket item, but it might cost less than daycare, dog walkers, and/or private lessons with trainers.

Treadmills made by DogPacer are a good option to consider.

If you're considering getting a dog, be aware that some breeds are bred for high-energy activities like hunting and may require a lot of exercise.

High-energy dogs need significantly more physical exercise and mental stimulation than low-energy owners can often provide.

Dogs bred for high-energy activities can be helped with standard exercise protocols like off-leash hikes around a farm every day.

A minimum of three off-leash hikes around a farm every day can make a big difference in their behavior, but not everyone has access to a farm.

Not everyone has the space or ability to provide long hikes, so it's essential to find creative exercise alternatives, like long lines or other forms of off-leash exercise.

Both on-leash walks and off-leash hikes are necessary for high-energy dogs, with on-leash walks serving as an appetizer and off-leash hikes serving as the main course.

In fact, two on-leash walks a day are just not enough for dogs bred for high-energy activities, and may even reinforce unwanted behaviors.

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Living with a high energy dog can be overwhelming, especially if you're a low energy person.

Consider investing in a dog stroller or harness to help your dog get exercise while you're not feeling up to it. This way, your dog can still get the physical activity they need without exhausting you.

Short walks around the block can be just as beneficial as long ones for your dog's mental health. Even a 10-minute walk can make a big difference.

It's essential to establish a routine that works for both you and your dog. This might mean setting aside specific times for exercise and play.