Is Your Dog Hyperactive?

Canine temperaments vary by breed, and if you have a registered, pedigree-holding purebred you can usually predict what his or her temperament will be. People with mixed breeds or those who ignore the characteristics of their dog's breed are often shocked when their pet seems to have an endless supply of energy, and the dog is deemed hyperactive.

Just as with humans, hyperactivity is a true disorder with canines, but many dogs are mistaken for being hyperactive when they are actually just of an energetic breed. Hunting and working breeds, as well as mixed dogs related to any of these breeds, naturally have high energy levels, and young or intact males can be expected to be amongst the most energetic individuals.

Additionally, dogs that are under stimulated or under exercised will appear to be hyper when they are finally exposed to some sort of stimulation or freedom. The amount of exercise that is ideal for a dog, again, varies with breed and personality, but most dogs need at least a half hour of exercise every day. Whether this be in the form of a walk, run, or playing in the yard is up to the owner. Another method of preventing a dog from being under stimulated is by bringing another dog into the family. Single dogs are much more dependent on their people for entertainment, while two or more dogs will not only keep each other company, but also keep each other from growing bored.

If your dog really is hyperactive, medicines administered for the treatment of hyperactivity and attention deficit disorders in humans may be given. Preferably, a natural supplement or other means of channeling the dog's energy will be used, as medication treats the symptoms rather than the source of the dog's hyperactivity.

While trying to figure out how best to deal with your dog's problem, it is important that you do not encourage hyperactive behavior in any way. For dogs that do not truly have a problem, acknowledging the behavior will reinforce it as a way to receive attention and may make the problems worse. Truly hyperactive dogs may not improve even if you do ignore the behavior, but it is important to reinforce that the only way to receive attention is to be calm and obedient. Classes may be helpful, as giving the dog something to learn and work toward will be a positive way to channel energy.