7 Creative Ways to Exercise an Energetic Dog

Most dogs love a good nap, but don’t let that fool you. Having an energetic dog means you need to channel their energy into activities, or they might become destructive. Bored dogs with tons of energy tend to chew things up, including your carpet, bed, furniture, shoes, socks, and just about anything else they can get their paws on. If this sounds familiar, you have an energetic pet. 

Some dog breeds are known to be more energetic than others, but young pups are primarily known for their high energy levels. If you have an active dog, you need to find creative ways to help them burn off their energy to keep them calm and happy. Here’s how you can exercise an energetic dog. 

1. Go for a Run

We bet your dog would love to join you on your morning runs if you’re a fitness buff. As long as the dog is trained correctly, they can make your best running partner. If your dog isn’t used to running for long stretches and typically goes out for walks and potty breaks, start slow and run at a comfortable pace. Over time, you can start increasing the speed and distance of your workout would be best if you always remembered beer to bring water with you on your run and a portable pet bowl that can fold up and fit into your pocket. If you notice your dog panting heavily, take a break and let them take a sip of water to cool down. You may also allow your dog to eat to regain its energy.

If you’re not someone who enjoys waking up early to go for a run, you can still run around with your pet in the yard. Try chasing your pet and see if he enjoys it. Dogs typically enjoy playing a game of chase, but you have to determine whether your pet is the chaser or the chase.

2. Set Up an Obstacle Course

Dogs enjoy agility training, which can exercise both their bodies and minds. An obstacle course also gives your pet something to focus on and encourage. If your dog is overweight, this can be a great way to get some mental and physical can in. If you’re unsure how to set up an obstacle course for your dog, you can take an agility class or set something up in your backyard by buying agility course supplies at your local pet store. 

3. Swimming

If you want to spend quality time with your pet outside, try swimming with them. Of course, always watch your dog in the pool, especially if you’re not sure if they’re a strong swimmer. It’s never safe to assume your dog can swim. While many pets know how to swim once they’re in the water, not all pups are made for it. Canines with short legs may not be able to float sufficiently, making staying above water difficult. If you want to teach your pup how to swim, you can get them a life jacket to keep them safe while they’re in the water. 

4. Fetch

Fetch is another great game you can play inside or outside to keep your pet entertained and exercised without putting much effort into it yourself. First, you will need to train your pup how to fetch, especially if they like to guard their toys. Most dogs will happily run after the ball and retrieve it but don’t want to return it. If this sounds like your pet, you can train them to give something to you by giving them a treat every time the ball touches your hand. 

5. Bubbles

Bubbles are similar to fetch; only you get to play with bubbles instead of throwing a ball. Dogs enjoy chasing after almost anything, and bubbles are a safe way to keep your pet entertained, allowing them to run around and jump to catch a bubble. If your pet loves playing with bubbles, you also get a bubble blower that will shoot bubbles at once to keep your energetic pup at play for hours. 

6. Sniffing

You can’t simply run around with them for hours when you want to exercise an energetic dog to calm them down and keep them happy. Instead, you can focus on a healthy physical and mental stimulation balance. You can mentally stimulate your pet by going for sniff walks. A sniff walk is a type of walk that doesn’t technically require any walking at all. Instead, you’ll take your dog outside and let them sniff around. 

Canines have very powerful noses and use their sense of smell to learn about their environment. Letting your pup sniff around outside is learning, putting their little minds to work. Also, with mental stimulation, you’ll tire them out whole different level than physical activity alone. 

If it’s too hot or cold to be outside, you can allow your dog to sniff inside by buying a snuffle mat. Snuffle mats are designed to mimic the feeling of grass, although they’re typically made out of cloth. You’ll put food or treats in the snuffle mat and let your pup sniff to find them. Sniffing for their food will also help your energetic pet sown their eating. Many dogs get excited when they see their food bowl filled up, but eating too fast can dangle them. So instead, you can try feeding your pet using a snuffle mat or slow feeder bowl. 

7. Socialization 

Socialization is good for our physical and mental health and your pup because it allows them to play with a companion and spend time with other pets. While all pups are very different from their wolf ancestors, many pups still enjoy spending time with their canine brothers. Of course, not all pets enjoy spending time with other pets, and some of them might have anxiety around other pups or feel the need to guard their pet parents, toys, or food. Before you let your dog socialize, you should understand their personality and how others will react to your pooch. 

Final Thoughts

Exercise is vital for all pets, especially high-energy dogs that need exercise to stay calm and stop them from becoming destructive. When exercising your energetic pet, don’t forget about providing them mental stimulation, which can help boost their physical and psychological wellbeing.