How to Care for a High Energy Dog (Guest Post)

It just so happens that I've recently received this article about high energy dogs. This morning, I was outside running around, playing with 4 rambunctious teenage dogs and getting down and dirty trying to wrestle all 4 of them. Now I feel so drained that even a senior can beat me in climbing Mt. Everest. 

Somebody messed with the garden soil again!

Here's another great article from Adam Holmes. Have a great weekend!!!

High energy dogs like Border Collies, Poodles and Cocker Spaniels are some of the most loving and obedient breeds to ever walk the planet. However, without the proper amount of attention and exercise, these curious canines can get into all kinds of trouble. 

If you’re looking to welcome a highly energetic dog into your life, you should do so with some caution. As wonderful as these particular breeds may be, it requires a substantial amount of time and effort on your part to give them the care that they need. 

Do your Research

One of the best ways to prevent a dog from getting bored and wreaking havoc on your home is by doing some research prior to purchase. Like anything else, making the right decision can require some shopping around, and if you choose hastily, it can result in chewed furniture, damaged walls and frequently toppled trash cans. 

• First and foremost, read up on your dog’s particular breed. Although many dogs will tucker out and curl up by the fireplace, high energy breeds require much, much more than a walk and a game of fetch to get tired. 

• If possible, take a look at your dog’s parents. If there’s a long line of energetic working dogs in his lineage, he’s much more likely to possess the same traits. 

• Consult a veterinarian before taking the plunge into owning a dog. Veterinarians can supply you with all of the information you need and can even recommend certain breeds to you based on your lifestyle and experience with dogs. 

Be Proactive

Once you’ve completed your research, you can begin outfitting your living space for your new, furry addition to the family. During this phase, it’s important to not only be proactive, but thorough as well. Regardless of breed, adopting a dog is a big step in anyone’s life, and if you aren’t prepared, you can risk damage to not only your home, but to yourself as well.

• Install baby gates to keep your dog from getting into certain areas of the house when he’s inside, and a wireless dog fence for when he’s romping around the yard. This will prevent him from wandering into places that he doesn’t belong. 

• If your job requires you to be away from home for long hours, find a trustworthy neighbor or a dog sitter prior to bringing your dog home. 

• Formulate an exercise regimen for you and your dog and keep it as consistent as you possibly can. Although many dogs are happy with random physical activity throughout the day, some appreciate a scheduled time for them to “go to work,” even if it’s just a jog or a trip to the dog park. 

Have Fun

Owning a high energy dog is certainly a lot of work, but fortunately for you, having fun with, and frequently engaging, him can curb numerous problem behaviors. Many dog owners have found success through increased physical activity, brain teaser games around the house and even socialization with other dogs. 

• If you’re a runner, take your dog with you on your daily jaunt. More often than not, he will end up pulling you along rather than the other way around. 

• Games such as hide-and-seek are perfect for poor weather days or days where you don’t have time to take your dog out. It not only challenges your dog’s cognitive capacity, but also teaches him worthwhile skills that can be utilized on hunting trips or in other similar scenarios.

• Get your dog accustomed to the company of other dogs and people as soon as possible. This will teach him how to conduct himself in social situations and can even help you meet fellow high energy dog owners.  

Although high energy dogs can be a bit of a handful from time-to-time, they really do make some of the best companions an owner can have. If you live an active lifestyle and are able to give them the attention they need, there is surely no reason for you not to adopt an energetic dog. Be warned though, these dogs need a lot of love, and without it, can be difficult to maintain. 

Author's Bio:

I’m Adam Holmes, a writer for Havahart Wireless. I love my two energetic dogs (Argos the husky and Lilly the Labradoodle) more than life itself.