Encouraging Calm Behavior in High-Energy Breeds

If you have a high-energy breed at home, such as a Border Collie or a Husky, you already know what it feels like. One minute, everything is fine, and the next, your dog is flying around the house for no clear reason. It is a lot to deal with every single day, but you don’t have to live with the chaos forever. In this blog, we highlight simple changes you can make for managing a high-energy dog.

Helping Your High-Energy Companion Find Their Center

Many owners find themselves asking when do dogs calm down? Many people think that burning your dog’s energy solves the problem, but that’s not always the answer. A tired dog and a calm dog are two very different things. 

These seven tips are proven ways to solve this problem:

1. Master the Art of Mental Work

You don’t need to work out dogs to keep them calm. Often, it just requires you to work their brain to get them to settle down. 

You can do this with a puzzle toy, a simple hiding game with their ball, or even five minutes of basic training. It does not have to be anything complicated.

2. Create a Zen Zone in Your Home

Pick one spot in the house that you can make your dog’s calm place. You can place a bed in the corner, a crate so they can feel safe. 

When they go there, leave them alone. Do not call them over or disturb them. Every time they settle there on their own, give them a small reward, and eventually, they will start going there by themselves.

3. Stick to a Predictable Routine

A dog that does not know what comes next will not know when to stop. They will be alert all day waiting for something exciting to happen. However, when the walk, the food, and the rest take place at the same time every day, they stop waiting. They will begin to relax in between because they know nothing unexpected is coming. 

4. Reward the Nothing Moments

We pay attention to our dogs when they are loud and jumping around. What about when they are just lying quietly doing nothing? Do you ignore them as most people would? 

Next time your dog is calm and still, go over and quietly give them a treat or gently pat them. It shows them that being calm will get your attention, too. They will pick this up quickly and start staying calm more often.

5. Focus on Targeted Nutritional Support

What your dog eats affects how they act, too. A poor diet can make it harder for a dog to settle or focus. That’s why you need to fill nutritional gaps. 

The right food usually makes a big difference in how your dog feels day to day. You might not notice it straight away, but after a few weeks, you will start to see a calmer dog at home.

6. Practice Capture Training

Keep a few small treats in your pocket. When you catch your dog sighing, resting their head down, or just sitting calmly, drop the treat quietly between their front paws. Do not say anything. Just let them find it. You are telling them without words that being relaxed is a good thing, which helps in the long run.

7. Manage Your Own Energy

Your dog watches you all day long. When you are stressed or rushing around, they feel it, and they wind up too. So, make sure you take things slow. Don't raise your voice, and try to make your movements slow too. Since your dog is watching these movements, it shows them how to be calm. 

Conclusion

High-energy dogs can be hard work, especially if you’re hoping for some quiet. Once you give them what they actually need, they become the most loyal and loving dogs you will ever have. 

So, consider adopting these steps and make sure to be consistent with them. One day soon, you will look over, and your once always-wild dog will just be lying there quietly and contentedly.