How do I train my dog to have more energy? Get Your Pet Thinking

Reduce your dog’s weight

If your dog is carrying too much weight, it can affect his joints, blood circulation, and other vital organs. When you notice your dog gaining weight lately with no metabolic reason, the best thing to do to help him regain his energy levels is to slim him down. Put your dog on a diet to reach his optimal weight.

Establishing an exercise routine is also a good idea. Commit to a schedule of walking your dog during the mornings and evenings. Add at least one strenuous activity a week to further help your dog maintain great shape.

1) Create a Snowy Obstacle Course in Your Backyard During Winter

Cara Armour, a certified professional dog trainer and dog agility instructor, lives in Bolton, Massachusetts, a place with a reputation for snow and lots of it. But she provides energizing, safe workouts for her three Boxers, Debbie, Walter and Phoenix, by carving out wide paths in her backyard using a snowblower.

“When we get heavy snow, I make a large figure-8 for them to run and play [in] without getting injured by trying to romp in tall snow drifts,” Cara says. “The figure-8 design allows them to playfully chase each other without bumping into each other.”

Never underestimate the power of hydration. Dogs with access to plenty of clean water tend to maintain healthy body temperatures, sport hydrated muscles and joints, produce healthy poops and flush out bacteria that may trigger urinary tract infections. In my household, I also add a dental preventive called Oratene in their water bowls every day to help fend off tartar buildup. You can find Oratene here ($23.99, Chewy).

Examples of diet-related causes for loss of energy

Sudden reduction of calorie intake – This may be because your dog isn’t eating enough, or you may have quickly reduced the amount of food he eats per mealtime to aid his diet.

Modification of feeding time or frequency – A change in the timing and frequency of your dog’s meals can affect his serotonin levels and blood sugar. Consider reverting to your usual feeding routine and checking if your dog’s energy improves.

Change of diet – Any changes to a dog’s usual diet make a difference in his energy levels. Your dog may digest his new food differently, which can affect his serotonin levels and blood sugar. If your dog is doing well with his original diet, you may want to revert to it or search for another option that contains similar nutrients.

It is advisable to feed your dog more high-energy foods to get him back on his feet. Doing so will give him enough energy to support body functions and maintain body temperature.

Protein – This should account for about 20 percent of your dog’s overall diet. A good source of pure protein is raw meat, with lamb meat being a popular choice.

Fats – As a concentrated form of energy, fats should make up 9-15 percent of your dog’s diet. Essential fats are easily found in commercial dog foods, so get a good brand with this ingredient.

How to Exercise Your Dog 6 Ways to Drain Your Puppy’s Energy

You unlock your front door and the proof is everywhere: the remnants of your new running shoes are strewn about the house, there’s a hole in the couch cushion, and the new leash you just bought is in pieces.

Restlessness in high energy dog breeds is not uncommon, especially if you’re yet to find something that works for both you and your pup. This is the case for fully grown dogs and puppies: if you haven’t worn them out before you leave, they’ll look for a ‘job’ to do. Oftentimes, they get destructive.

We pulled the best tips for tiring out your high energy dog and the best ways to tire out a puppy before they’ve had all their shots.