Welcoming a new puppy will surely bring joy and excitement into your home. Few things can lift someone’s spirit quite like the adorable antics and playful nature of a pup. But once the initial buzz wears off, the puppy’s seemingly boundless energy might become overwhelming—especially to new pet owners. One moment, your pup may be gnawing away on the furniture, and before you know it, their zoomies will take over and have them zipping all around the house.
Although high energy is often the sign of a happy and healthy pup, it can become an issue in the future if your dog’s energy levels aren’t properly managed. When puppies aren’t introduced to appropriate outlets for releasing their energy, there’s a chance that they’ll develop undesirable and destructive behaviors that can be challenging to address later on.
That’s why it’s crucial for dog parents, such as yourself, to learn how to manage a new puppy’s energy early into their puppyhood. Your puppy is at a stage in their life where it can absorb information quickly, and with lots of patience and love on your part, it’ll take happily to its new routines.
Here are a few methods that can shape your energetic pup’s behavior, teach them boundaries, and instill good habits:
Here Are The 6 Steps To Manage Puppy’s Energy
1. Establish A Consistent Routine
A consistent routine is essential for managing a new puppy’s energy. Puppies thrive on structure and predictability, as it helps them expend their energy effectively and minimizes restlessness. Establish regular feeding times and create a daily schedule that includes dedicated periods for exercise, mental stimulation, and rest. This way, your pup will know the right time and place to be playful and use up their energy appropriately.
2. Provide Sufficient Exercise
Physical exercise is vital for channeling a puppy’s energy towards healthy outlets and promoting their overall well-being. Engage in puppy-appropriate activities such as playing tug-of-war with their favorite dog toys, playing fetch, and giving them a quick 15- to 30-minute walk every day. Doing so will ensure that your puppy gets lots of exercises and that their energy is dispersed in a healthy manner.
3. Give Your Puppy Enough Mental Stimulation And Enrichment
You should also expose your puppy to activities that can challenge them mentally. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise, as it will enhance your pup’s memory and problem-solving skills down the line. Providing them with a variety of enrichment activities also keeps their curious minds engaged and helps prevent boredom.
Keep your pup mentally stimulated by letting them play with puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, and interactive feeders, among others. You can even play fun brain games like Find the treat and hide-and-seek to challenge your pup’s mind.
Teaching your puppy basic obedience commands can also take up some of their mental energy and keep them calm and satisfied at the end of the day. Use positive reinforcement techniques for your puppy training to foster good behavior and strengthen the bond that’s developed between the two of you.
4. Introduce Your Puppy To Other Pups And Dogs
Socialization forms a vital aspect of a puppy’s development and energy management. Not only will it allow your pup to spend their energy while meeting other puppies and making new friends, but it’ll also help them develop good manners and be more comfortable hanging around with other dogs (and people, by extension).
Arrange play dates with other puppies or friendly, fully vaccinated adult dogs to give your fur baby some social interaction that they’ll truly enjoy. Supervise their play sessions to ensure that they engage in appropriate play behavior and avoid rough play. These social experiences will burn off their excess energy and teach them valuable social skills, making them more well-rounded companions.
5. Enroll Your Puppy In A Dog Training Class Or Hire A Professional Dog Trainer
It takes a lot of time, energy, and effort to make sure that your pup learns how to release its energy in a healthy way. However, it can be difficult to give your full attention to your puppy if you have a busy schedule.
Fortunately, you also have the option to enlist the services of a professional dog trainer or enroll your puppy in training classes. With the help of experts, you can rest assured that your pup is receiving proper guidance when it comes to managing their energy effectively.
6. Supervise Your Puppy’s Rest And Nap Times
While managing your pup’s energy involves providing them with ample exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization opportunities, you should also make sure that they’re receiving enough rest. Even if it seems like they have limitless energy, it doesn’t mean that you should tire them out to the point of over-exhaustion. Too much exercise can negatively affect your pup’s growth, as well as place them at a higher risk of developing health issues like joint and bone problems as well as early arthritis.
Balance is key here. Make sure that your pup gets plenty of sleep and downtime after they’ve engaged in various activities. You should also set limits to your puppy’s playtime to ensure that they aren’t overstimulated. It also helps to create a calm environment during rest periods so that your pup can recharge in peace.
Dealing with a new puppy’s energy will be a tough task, but it’s a crucial aspect of responsible pet ownership. Use the tips listed above to manage your pup’s energy levels properly, and create a balanced and harmonious environment where they’ll grow up into a smart, playful, and well-adjusted dog.