Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an incredible experience. The opportunities for bonding, learning, and training are practically endless. But new puppies can also be overwhelming and exhausting for humans and older dogs in the household. Puppies have seemingly endless energy. They can never get enough playtime and attention, and since they haven’t finished their physical development, learning, and training, they can be destructive and overly energetic at times.
So how can you channel this energy into positive activities and help your puppy grow into a healthy, happy, and mature member of your household? We’re here to walk you through it! In this guide, we’ll teach how to tire out a puppy with helpful tips and tricks.
Why are Puppies So Energetic?
1. Rapid Early Development
Extra energy helps puppies’ bodies and brains as they undergo critical developmental changes like building strength, coordination, and social skills.
2. Fast Metabolism
Puppies’ bodies convert food into energy much more quickly than older dogs. This gives them the ability to play, run, explore, and engage with the world around them without getting tired.
3. Learning
During the first few months of life, puppies are naturally curious about the world – just like human children. Their extra puppy energy drives them to continue to seek out new sights, smells, and sounds around them.
4. Play Instincts
Lots of playtime is essential for a puppy’s development. It helps them build essential evolved skills like hunting, socialization, and problem-solving.
5. Physical Condition
Puppies have much more energy than older dogs in part because their bodies are naturally prepared for extra physical activity. They have flexible joints, strong muscles, and keen senses.
6. Attention-Seeking Instincts
Puppies are naturally inclined to build strong emotional and psychological bonds with their humans and other animals around them. Playing, jumping, running, digging, and showing affection are all ways they can interact with you and get your attention.
7. Immaturity
Adult dogs learn how to control their energy levels. They know when it’s appropriate to be active and energetic and when it’s time to settle down for a nap. Puppies haven’t learned these skills yet, so they tend to play very hard and only nap when they’ve tired themselves out.
Are Some Breeds More Energetic Than Others?
Certain breeds tend to be more active than others throughout their lifetimes, but especially during the early developmental stages. Breeds that evolved to perform important tasks like herding, tracking, or pulling sleds tend to have higher energy levels.
Some of the most energetic dog breeds include:
- Border Collies
- Australian Shepherds
- Labrador Retrievers
- Belgian Malinois
- Golden Retrievers
- Siberian Huskies
- Boxers
- Jack Russell Terriers
- Beagles
- Dalmations
- Miniature Pinschers
-
Poodles
How Long Does the Puppy Stage Last?
Different breeds develop at different rates. The puppy stage generally lasts somewhere between one and two years, although smaller breeds tend to reach adulthood and maturity faster than larger breeds.
The majority of dogs reach physical maturity before they’re fully mature psychologically, emotionally, and socially. Most reach their maximum height and size within the first year of life, but social and temperamental development takes longer. For most larger breeds and some smaller ones, full physical, mental, and social maturity can take up to two years.
Tips for Tiring Out Your Puppy
Give Them Plenty of Exercise
The best way to make sure your pup is tired and able to sleep through the night is to make sure they exercise regularly. Try to give your dog at least 1-2 sessions of physical exercise each day. This can come in the form of a short walk or hike to tire them out and help with leash training. You can also simply chase them around your backyard to get their energy out and spend some quality time together.
Provide Mental Stimulation
Mental exercise can be just as important as physical activity for excitable puppies. Providing opportunities for them to build their mental skillset is great for their development and can help them get their energy out. Many mentally stimulating activities also involve physical exercise, so you can kill two birds with one stone.
Here are a few ways to give your dog mental stimulation:
- Set up an obstacle course in your yard
- Teach them a new trick
- Play a scent game to help sharpen their senses
- Offer them a puzzle toy to keep them engaged and occupied
Sozialize With Other Dogs
Socialization is important for every dog, and starting early is the best way to avoid behavioral problems in the future. Once your puppy has had all their shots and your vet gives you the OK, try introducing your puppy to other furry friends. You can take them to a dog park, sign them up for a puppy training course, or have playdates with other pups you know.
When socializing your new puppy, remember to be patient, offer positive reinforcement, and start slowly to avoid overwhelming them.
Have Regular Training Sessions
Training is an important part of being a responsible dog owner. Not only does it help ensure your pup is well-behaved, but it also keeps them happy and healthy. Dogs thrive in environments with boundaries and structure, and early training is a good way to give them essential skills and tools to feel comfortable out in the world.
Training can also be a good way to tire out your pup. Whether you handle training yourself or take them to a training school, the mental stimulation that comes with learning commands is both fun and tiring for little ones.
Play Games
Playtime is an essential part of life for a new puppy. Playing with your dog not only helps keep them tired and happy, but it’s also a great way to bond and have fun together. The best games to play with your puppy are those that engage their natural instincts.
Here are some games most puppies love:
- Fetch
- Tug-of-war
- Chase
- Find the treat
Stick To a Structured Routine
Keeping a consistent routine with your puppy can help manage their energy levels and help them adjust to their new home. Have them wake up, eat, nap, go on walks, and go to bed at roughly the same time each day. This structure quickly teaches your puppy what to expect and when, which can help them learn when it’s time to play and when it’s time to settle down.
Avoid Over-Exercising
It may seem like your puppy has limitless energy, but too much exercising can be just as bad as not enough for a growing dog. Excessive or overly strenuous physical activity can put a strain on a puppy’s developing joints, muscles, and bones. Overuse in childhood can even lead to problems like arthritis and hip dysplasia down the line.
Generally speaking, it’s best to keep playtime short and frequent so your pup can get plenty of rest alongside their exercise. As a general rule, try to keep walks and active playtime to about 5 minutes per month of your pup’s age. You should also keep an eye out for signs of fatigue and injury, and make sure they get plenty of water to keep them hydrated.
Final Thoughts
Raising a puppy takes a lot of patience, understanding, and commitment. While looking after a puppy may not be as demanding as parenting a human newborn or toddler, there are many similarities. Like human children, dogs undergo a great deal of physical growth, learning, and socialization during the first year or two of their lives.
As a pet owner, it’s your responsibility to help your puppy on their developmental journey, teach them about the world around them, make sure they know they’re loved, and keep them safe.
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