Having a high-energy dog can detract from the time spent with your pet, but more often than not, our companions’ excess energy is due to a lack of stimulation.

While some dogs are happy lazing on the couch all day, many breeds were designed as working animals. It’s no wonder, then, that so many pet owners experience problems with high-energy dogs. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to ensure Fido gets the mental, physical and social stimulation he needs to stay cool and collected. Here are a few tips for handling your high-energy pet:

1. Engage in play: This may seem like a no-brainer, but many owners don’t consider their dogs’ exercise requirements compared to the amount of physical activity their pets get day to day. If your dog can’t sit still, it’s likely he needs to spend more time burning energy running and playing. Engage in games like fetch or tug-of-war to help keep your dog calm back at home while actively bonding with your pet over some of his favorite activities.

2. Exercise his brain: Many dogs were bred as working animals, so giving your pet a task to complete not only exercises his body and brain but also boosts his sense of confidence. Nosework teaches dogs to sniff out a particular smell, giving them a task to complete that keeps them both mentally and physically active, but even practicing simple tricks can engage your pet and lead to a calmer companion. For more intense mind-body workouts, try competitive sports such as dock diving, herding, field trials, and agility training. All of these will help strengthen your bond with your pet, too.

3. Teach good manners: Energetic dogs tend to jump up on their owners and bark excessively, detracting from the time spent with your pet. Teaching your dog good manners is another form of training that will engage his mind while teaching him to impulse control. Next time you put on his leash for a walk, fill the food bowl, or throw his favorite toy, ask your dog to sit first. Once he’s sitting calmly, reward him immediately with the desired object. Soon, your pet will learn that good manners and calm behavior are the best ways to get what he wants. 4.散歩に行く：元気なペットをすり減らす最も簡単な方法の1つは、毎日たくさんの運動をしていることを確認することです。高エネルギーの品種は他の動物を追いかけようとするかもしれないので、フィドをひもにつないで、可能であれば静かな場所を歩いてください。犬は速い走者を作るので、事故やペットを失うことを防ぐために、常にあなたの仲間をひもにつないでおいてください。

With a few lifestyle modifications, you can help ensure your spirited companion is getting the stimulation he needs to be happy, healthy and calm. If you’ve tried these techniques or if your dog undergoes a rapid change in behavior, however, his excessive energy may be due to an underlying medical condition and you should seek your veterinarian’s advice.