Caring for a Highly Active Dog
Is your canine buddy a bouncing ball of mischief? Does Fido tend to race around at full speed, even if he’s just going from one room to another? Our fuzzy friends tend to slow down as they grow older, but many of them are furry, four-legged bundles of energy while they are young. Read on for some great tips from a local Lakeville, MN vet on caring for your energetic pet.
Basic Training
Make sure that your furry friend knows basic doggy obedience commands, such as Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. This is very important! If your pet pulls his leash out of your hand or dashes out past the meter reader, you need to be able to call him back to you.
Keep Fido Occupied
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Make sure your cute pet has appropriate activities to channel all that energy into. Toys are at the top of the list here. Puzzle toys are great, as they keep Fido occupied for hours. You can also work on teaching your pooch to track certain smells, or just show him some new tricks. The key is really just to prevent doggy boredom. When frisky pups get bored, they often entertain themselves by getting into mischief!
Daily Workout
It’s also important to make sure that Fido is getting enough activity. Most of our canine pals need at least a daily walk. Every dog is different, though, so you’ll want to ask your vet for specific advice on the amount and type of exercise your pet needs.
Playtime
Playing is another great way to burn off your dog’s excess zoom. Choose activities that keep your furry buddy moving. Fetch is great for this! (Tip: if possible, play on a slope, so your pup has to run uphill.) You can also burn off some of that extra zing by having your canine companion do stair runs. Or, get him an automated toy, such as a mechanical ball launcher or an automated laser pointer.
A Helping Hand
Is your pooch is full of energy when you get home, while you’re ready to relax? Consider enlisting some help. Enroll Fido in a doggy day care, or hire a dog walker.
Please contact us, your local Lakeville, MN vet clinic, for all of your dog’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!
