“My Dog Is High Energy!” — What That Really Means To a Behavior Professional
When someone tells me their dog is “high energy,” it usually points to one (or more) of a few underlying issues:
- The dog’s needs—both breed-specific and individual—aren’t being met.
- The outlets they’re getting (like fetch or dog parks) may not be the right kind of stimulation or exercise.
- There may be an anxiety or arousal component that’s making it hard for the dog to regulate their emotions.
Many people instinctively respond with more—more play, more fetch, more running. But that “burn it off” mindset can actually make things worse.
Think of it this way: if you had three energy drinks for lunch and were bouncing off the walls, would sprinting around the block really help you relax? Probably not—it might leave you physically tired, but still mentally wired. The same goes for dogs.
Over-arousing activities can create:
- Dogs who are physically exhausted but still mentally scattered
- “Adrenaline junkies” who need more and more stimulation to cope
- Super-athletes who now need hours of daily high-intensity activity just to function
So, what’s the alternative? Balance.
Rather than just draining energy, we want to focus on:
- Calming exercises
- Mental stimulation (puzzle toys, training games)
- Scent work (sniff walks, nosework)
- Enrichment that supports calm, not chaos
“High energy” is often just a sign that a dog’s needs are unmet or misunderstood. The solution isn’t just more movement—it’s smarter movement, thoughtful routines, and a focus on emotional wellness while addressing the dog’s needs and any underlying issues.
Need help with your high energy dog? Reach out for a session! You and your dog will be happy you did!