Recognizing hyperactive dogs, knowing that puppies are inherently hyperactive, and doing the right thing are keys to understanding this phenomenon. Here’s how to tell if your dog is hyperactive and what to do about it.
Symptoms of Hyperactivity in Dogs
To identify hyperactivity in a dog, you need to know a number of common symptoms:
This is often, but not always, a young dog that barks, whines, snaps and gnaws all at once, not distinguishing between what is edible and what is not. He can swallow a sock or food with the same greed, even if the animal tries to concentrate, he cannot. When given a command, such as “sit”, he looks at the giver, but does not seem to be listening and, not obeying the command, will do something completely different, for example, run. noise even in a dream. He is a very reactive dog, he overreacts to all stimuli. If she hears noise, like that of a vacuum cleaner, she may have an anxiety attack, she may be too restless or nervous. She does not learn what she is taught. Despite the fact that its owner devotes time and effort to teaching the basic rules, the dog cannot absorb the information. Because of this, a hyperactive dog is more likely to be mistaken for a naughty animal because it lacks sphincter control. At some point, he will relieve himself at home, even if he has gone out to satisfy this need. When he plays with other dogs or their masters, he becomes uncontrollable and bites without measuring his strength.
The dog bites the clothes.
image source: freepik.com
Puppies are naturally hyperactive
Hyperactivity is a condition known as attention deficit disorder or hyperkinesia. Puppies have a natural inclination to play and move as part of how they communicate and interact. This type of hyperactivity is normal and improves with age. A dog over two years old will appear much calmer and more focused. The age of pranks has already passed, so there will be noticeable changes in his behavior. Otherwise, a veterinarian should be consulted.
Diagnosis of Hyperactivity in Dogs
The diagnosis of hyperactivity is determined by the veterinarian. To do this, you give the dog a drug that reacts the opposite of what it should react to: instead of exciting it, it calms it down.
It takes a lot of patience to successfully cohabit with a hyperactive dog.
The owner strokes her dog.
image source: freepik.com
Once hyperactivity is diagnosed, a clinical ethologist can better manage the condition. The goal is to change the dog’s behavior through a pet therapy program. But special medications may also be needed to relieve the symptoms of hyperactivity.
Experts disagree on this issue. Some believe that hyperactivity in dogs does not exist, while others believe that it does exist and that it must be treated.
Treatment of hyperactivity in dogs
When a dog is asking for play or attention inappropriately, we should not respond to their requests (for example, biting their hands, being nervous or barking obsessively).
Another good idea is to give him the opportunity to train in spacious rooms so that a hyperactive animal can release its excess energy. Sports such as agility (obstacle course) contribute to this. When the dog comes home after a day of intense runs, games and activities, he will be more relaxed and will want to sleep and rest.
We should try to minimize irritants in the area where the dog is trained, as it is very easy to distract him. They are very reactive dogs, and in the face of noise, the presence of other animals or strangers, they lose their concentration and become nervous.
His calm demeanor should be encouraged and not punished for his hyperactivity. Positive reinforcement can be very effective. If, when the dog is calm and focused, he is rewarded with petting and treats, he will be more motivated to behave properly. We also need to make the animal realize that it has done something wrong. In this case, a resolute “no” and a gesture of disapproval will suffice. Never use violence against a dog. It takes a lot of patience to successfully cohabit with a hyperactive dog.
Tips for dealing with dog hyperactivity
Contact your veterinarian if symptoms such as very light sleeping, uncontrolled play with other dogs and people, lack of sphincter control, or food anxiety are observed.
In the event that the dog must undergo medical treatment, it is advisable to follow the recommendations established by the veterinarian in this regard.
Working with a trainer who helps the dog follow certain rules of conduct and mitigate inappropriate behavior can help the dog become more focused and reduce problems associated with coexisting with its human family and other animals.
Patience and consistency are important in setting standards and shaping a hyperactive dog’s behavior.
See also: How to teach a dog not to eat on the floor in the street.
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