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K9 Corner: A tired high-energy dog is a happy high-energy dog

June 08, 2010|By HELEN PALMER | Contributing writer

Too many dogs are being brought to animal shelters because they are “too energetic.” When I was teaching dog obedience classes, I would show a videotape by Brian Kilcommons called “Good Owners, Great Dogs.”

Over and over, Kilcommons would say: “A tired dog is a good dog.” So when your tiny 2- or 3- pound pup grows into an 85-pound adult, how do you make the dog tired?

It is not true that the larger the dog, the more exercise the animal must have. Some small terriers have non-stop energy. I have seen an owner and her Jack Russell terrier play ball for the enjoyment of a group of children. Even in the hot weather, the dog would chase the ball and bring it back to have it thrown again. When he got overheated and needed a break, he would jump into a tub of cool water, splash around, have a few laps and jump out ready to play ball again. I was amazed at the sustained energy of this small dog.

It really depends on the breed, what activity the animal was bred for as well as the individual animal. Herding breeds that are still used to herd cattle or sheep have an abundance of energy along with the desire to herd. Some families acquire a border collie because the pups look so cute and cuddly and look like good family pets. However, as the pups grow, the desire to herd will show up as they try to herd the children playing in the yard, or herd the livestock out in the field if they are living on a farm. I remember one herding dog that would go to the neighbor’s farm and herd the chickens. This got him in trouble because the hens stopped laying.

There are so many activities for dogs these days. It only takes time for the owner to teach the dog how to do them. That seems to be the big problem. The owner wants a house pet and doesn’t want to reserve time to teach the dog anything. If you don’t have time to work and play with your pet, then don’t get a dog. How about a goldfish?

Very active breeds or individual dogs can be a challenge to the owner to keep them busy so they are tired out. Some owners will road-work their dogs in the cool of the mornings so they sleep through the day and are ready for training in obedience or rally or agility in the evening.

Agility is a fun exercise that anyone can improvise and set up in the backyard. Tunnels can be made from cardboard boxes set end to end or form right angles by cutting a hole in the side and closing the end. Ramps and walkways can be created from scrap lumber. When the dog is mature, jumps can be added.

The American Kennel Club has now opened their show activity events to mixed breeds they call “All Americans.” If you like competition and titles, give it a try.

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