Do I have a Hyperactive Dog or just a High Energy one?
Many owners come to me feeling overwhelmed, describing their dogs as hyperactive, crazy, or wild. But often, what they’re really experiencing is a high-energy dog who hasn’t yet learnt where to channel that energy.
So how can you tell if your dog is truly hyperactive, or simply a dog with lots of normal energy needs?
What is a Hyperactive Dog?
True hyperactivity (sometimes called hyperkinesis) is rare. It’s a genuine behavioural and medical condition, similar to ADHD in humans. Signs include:
Inability to settle at all
even after long exercise or mental stimulation
Extreme impulsivity
unable to pause before reacting
Overreacting to small triggers
with a very short fuse
Constant movement
pacing or circling
Inability to focus
even for a moment
Rapid, shallow breathing
and elevated heart rate even at rest
If you’re concerned your dog may be hyperactive, it’s important to consult your vet and a qualified behaviourist to rule out medical causes or anxiety-driven behaviours.
What Does “High Energy” Mean?
High-energy dogs are those bred to work, often for long hours, with purpose and focus. Think of breeds like spaniels, collies, working line retrievers, GSPs, or huskies. These dogs:
Enjoy being active
Walks, runs, play sessions, training – they thrive on it.
Struggle with boredom
Without enough physical or mental stimulation, they invent their own entertainment (often things you don’t want, like digging or chewing).
Settle when needs are met
After activity, these dogs are able to rest and relax.
Hyperactive Dog vs High Energy
The Key Differences
Hyperactive Dog
- Struggles to calm down even after activity
- Cannot focus at all, regardless of reward
- Never truly relaxes
- Behaviour remains extreme despite training
High Energy Dog
- Needs lots of exercise and enrichment
- Can focus during training with the right approach
- Settles well when needs are met
- Behaviour improves with structure
Why Does It Matter?
If you have a hyperactive dog, it requires a combined veterinary and behavioural approach to assess underlying causes and create a tailored plan.
If your dog is high energy, your focus should be on:
- Meeting their breed needs
- Providing structured outlets for physical and mental activity
- Teaching calmness and self-regulation
What Can You Do for a High-Energy Dog?
Provide Mental Stimulation
Training sessions, nosework, enrichment games, puzzle feeders, and scatter feeding engage your dog’s brain and reduce frantic behaviour.
Offer Structured Physical Exercise
Mix free running with structured lead walks, recall games, and controlled play rather than only high-adrenaline ball throwing
Teach Calmness
Reward quiet behaviours, teach settling on a mat, and introduce calm activities like chewing or licking (e.g. stuffed Kongs or lickimats).
Avoid Over-Exercising Young Dogs
Remember, more exercise isn’t always the solution. Many adolescent dogs need rest days to prevent becoming adrenaline junkies.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your dog:
- Never seems to settle, even after a full day of activities
- Can’t focus for a second, no matter how motivating you try to be
- Shows extreme reactivity or anxiety
- Has repetitive behaviours like tail chasing or spinning
… it’s worth consulting your vet to rule out medical issues and seeking advice from a qualified behaviourist.
Final Thoughts
Most dogs labelled “hyperactive” are actually under-stimulated, bored, or lacking guidance on how to settle. With the right balance of exercise, enrichment, and calmness training, your high-energy dog can become a brilliant companion.
Looking for help with your energetic dog?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your adolescent dog, our training programmes and workshops are designed to help you channel that energy positively, build focus, and create a calmer life together.
