10 Tips to Manage Your Dog's Energy Levels
If you've got a dog that seems to have an endless supply of energy, you're not alone — we've been there! Whether it’s a young pup bouncing off the walls or a high-energy breed that always wants more, managing that energy in healthy ways is key to a happy home (and your sanity). Here's what’s worked for us over the years, and what we recommend to other dog owners who are trying to keep up with their lively companions.
1. Daily Exercise, But Make It the Right Kind
Most dogs need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily, but the type and intensity really depend on your dog’s breed, age, and health. Our Rhodesian Ridgeback, for example, needs much more than a short walk to feel satisfied — think long hikes or a good fetch session at the park. On the flip side, our senior foster dog was perfectly happy with a couple of slow strolls a day.
Don’t feel pressured to go full throttle with every outing. Mix it up with walks, runs, swimming (if they enjoy water), or even agility games. Start slow if your dog is young or new to exercise, and build up gradually. Puppies, especially, need short bursts of activity — not marathon sessions — to avoid injury.
2. Work Their Brain, Not Just Their Body
Mental stimulation can tire out a dog just as much as physical play. Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing balls, and training sessions are fantastic for wearing them out and keeping them sharp.
We like to rotate between teaching new tricks and reinforcing old commands — even 10 minutes a day can make a big difference. It's also a great bonding time and gives your dog a sense of purpose.
3. Create a Consistent Routine
Dogs thrive on routine. It helps them feel secure and makes their day more predictable. Set regular times for meals, walks, and play. We’ve found that when our dogs know what to expect, they settle down more easily during the quiet parts of the day.
You can even plan weekly events — maybe a Saturday hike or a Sunday dog playdate. A routine doesn’t have to be rigid, but it should be reliable.
4. Adjust Activity Based on Age
Puppies and senior dogs have different needs. Puppies have tons of energy but fragile joints, so stick to safe, short sessions. Older dogs still benefit from movement, but low-impact activities like slow walks or swimming are easier on their bodies.
Pay attention to signs of fatigue or discomfort. If your dog starts lagging or seems sore afterward, it’s time to scale back.
5. Make Rest Just as Important as Play
Dogs need quality rest to recharge — just like us. A cozy, quiet space to nap (away from foot traffic and noise) goes a long way, especially after a busy day. We like to keep a soft dog bed in a designated corner, and we stick to a consistent bedtime routine too. It helps our dogs wind down and stay on a healthy sleep schedule.
6. Try Calming Activities
For dogs that are a little too wound up, calming routines can help. Gentle massages, soft music, or calming treats with natural ingredients like chamomile can help ease anxiety and reduce hyperactivity. Just remember: not every dog responds the same way, so it might take a little experimenting to find what works best.
7. Rotate Toys to Keep Things Interesting
We’ve learned the hard way that a toy loses its magic after three days in a row. Keep a stash and rotate them every few days to make old toys feel new again. Add a mix of chew toys, puzzle toys, and interactive options.
And always supervise play with new toys — especially if your dog is a heavy chewer. Safety first!
8. Social Time is Energy Well Spent
Letting your dog socialize with other dogs can be a great energy outlet. Dog parks, meetups, or even training classes give them a chance to interact, play, and learn in a new environment.
Just be sure to match your dog with others of similar size and energy level, and monitor their play to keep things safe and positive.
9. Watch the Diet — Especially Treats and Table Scraps
Too many treats, or sugary ones, can spike your dog’s energy and lead to weight gain. We’ve made it a habit to use small, healthy treats for training and skip the table scraps altogether (no matter how cute those begging eyes are!).
Stick to a balanced diet, and if you’re unsure what’s best, your vet can help you choose the right food for your dog’s age, size, and activity level.
10. Ask for Help if It’s Too Much
If you’ve tried everything and your dog still seems overly hyper or you’re struggling to manage their energy, don’t hesitate to talk to your vet. Sometimes, there’s an underlying health issue like thyroid imbalance or joint pain affecting their behavior.
A vet can also help create a tailored activity and diet plan — and point you to resources like trainers or behaviorists if needed.
Managing a high-energy dog takes patience, creativity, and a good routine, but it’s totally doable. And honestly? It can be a lot of fun. A tired dog is usually a happy dog — and a happy dog makes for a happy home. Keep experimenting, stay consistent, and enjoy the journey together.