As dog owners, we all want a calm, well-behaved dog. But achieving that peace requires more than just hoping your dog will settle down on their own. You need to balance their physical exercise, rest, and training to create a well-balanced, even-tempered dog. This might sound complicated, but trust me, it’s easier than you think.
Here’s the key: an appropriate balance of three crucial factors: exercise, rest, and obedience training. If you focus on all three, you’ll see a remarkable difference in your dog’s behavior, and your life will be more peaceful.
1. Exercise is Key: But It Needs to Be Intentional
Exercise is vital for your dog’s well-being. However, it’s not just about letting them run around the backyard. It’s about intentional physical and mental exercise that engages your dog in meaningful ways.
Some dogs, especially active breeds, need more than just a quick sprint to burn off energy. For high-energy dogs, structured walks are a great way to combine physical exercise with mental stimulation. Walking requires them to stay focused on you, listen to cues, and manage their pace. It’s not just about tiring them out—it’s about helping them focus their energy.
Additionally, activities like fetch, tug-of-war, or agility training can burn a lot of energy in a short time. These activities allow your dog to use their instincts, which can be incredibly fulfilling and exhausting in the best way. You can even add some obedience work to these play sessions. For example, when you play fetch, you can incorporate commands like “sit” or “down” before throwing the ball, which adds a mental layer to the game.
On average, dogs need anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes of exercise each day. Younger dogs and active breeds may need more, while older or less energetic dogs may be fine with less. But the key is that exercise must be intentional—it needs to challenge your dog mentally and physically to be effective.
If you’re finding that your dog still has tons of energy after exercise, it might be worth considering activities like scent work, puzzle toys, or even food-dispensing toys that engage their brain in a different way. Dogs are often mentally tired before they are physically tired, and mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise.
2. Rest Is Just as Important as Exercise
While it might seem counterintuitive to rest a dog that seems full of energy, proper rest is just as crucial to your dog’s behavior as exercise. Think of your dog as a battery: if they’re constantly running and never recharging, they’ll eventually burn out, leading to frustration and unwanted behaviors.
Dogs need between 10 and 14 hours of sleep each day, and puppies often need even more. However, many dog owners overlook the importance of quiet, restful spaces for their dogs. Without a proper place to rest, dogs can get overstimulated and overstressed, which only adds to behavioral problems.
When your dog has time to rest, they’re not just sleeping—they’re recharging. A well-rested dog is far more likely to be calm and able to focus during training or when you ask them to settle. It’s important to create a space where your dog can rest undisturbed, whether that’s a crate, a bed in a quiet corner, or another spot that offers them peace and solitude.
If your dog is struggling to settle down, a lack of rest might be the culprit. Dogs often misbehave when they’re overtired, leading to excessive chewing, barking, or jumping. Make sure that after each session of physical activity, you give your dog time to rest and relax. A good nap after exercise and a meal will help them feel refreshed and ready to be calm and well-behaved for the rest of the day.
3. Obedience Training: Show Them Better Behaviors
Exercise and rest are important, but training is the bridge between a tired, well-rested dog and a well-behaved dog. Many dogs don’t naturally know how to settle down or behave calmly, and that’s where training comes in.
Teaching basic obedience commands is an excellent way to show your dog alternative behaviors to replace their overenthusiastic actions. For example, teaching your dog “place” is a fantastic tool to help them settle. When a dog is learning to “place,” you’re showing them that it’s okay to be calm and that they don’t always need to be “on.” This is an excellent skill for teaching them how to settle down on command and is especially helpful if you have a high-energy dog.
Consistency is key in training. Dogs thrive on routine, and when you’re consistent with your commands and expectations, they learn faster. Incorporate training throughout your day, even in the simplest activities. For example, when you’re putting your dog’s food bowl down, ask them to sit or stay first. By making training part of your everyday routine, you reinforce the desired behavior and help your dog learn to follow cues more readily.
Not only will this lead to better behavior, but it also helps create a calmer environment for both you and your dog. When dogs know what’s expected of them, they’re more likely to settle and behave appropriately.
4. The Power of Routine
Another often overlooked factor in managing your dog’s energy is establishing a consistent routine. Dogs thrive on routine because it provides structure and predictability. When they know when they’ll get exercise, when they’ll rest, and when it’s time for training, they can adjust their behavior accordingly.
A good routine will include scheduled times for exercise, rest, and training. It will also account for feeding times. Many owners make the mistake of feeding their dog right before leaving them in a crate for several hours. This can make a dog anxious or hyperactive. Instead, consider exercising your dog before you feed them. After they eat, let them rest. This mimics the natural cycle dogs experience in the wild, where they hunt, eat, and then rest.
Consistency with this routine not only helps your dog maintain a balanced energy level but also strengthens your bond with them. When you’re intentional with their schedule, they’ll start to look to you as their guide, helping them learn how to settle and be calm more quickly.
Final Thoughts: It’s All About Balance
When it comes to managing your dog’s energy, balance is the key. Physical exercise, rest, and obedience training are all essential components of helping your dog lead a well-rounded, calm life. With proper planning and consistency, you’ll see improvements in your dog’s behavior that will make your life easier and more enjoyable.
If you’re struggling to create the right balance or need help with your dog’s training routine, reach out to us. At Caspian Canine, we’re here to help you build the peaceful and enjoyable life you’ve always wanted with your dog. If your schedule is too packed to manage certain aspects of this, we’ve got your pack (I mean
back )! We can assist with creating a routine and providing the training your dog needs.
Don’t hesitate—ask for help. You don’t have to do it alone, and with the right guidance, you and your dog will be on the path to a harmonious life together.
Happy Training!
~Sophia with Caspian Canine
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