Alex, my 12 year-old pit mix, only started to settle down when she was about 10 years old. Yes, you read that right, 10 years. During those 10 years, I had to take Alex for long walks and get her to run a couple of times a week in order to keep my sanity. The weird thing about it was that once her level of energy started to decrease, I realized that I missed my hyperactive girl. Humans! Can’t make up their minds. That’s what Alex would probably think if I told her this.
Anyway, then Bella came into our lives and I realized I was fortunate – ok.,to be honest sometimes I thought I was cursed – because she is also a hyper girl like Alex used to be. For a while, she wore a backpack, but I stopped since I didn’t think she needed it. Well, I was wrong. The hour walk twice a day is not enough anymore so she is using her backpack again. I am also getting her to run at least twice a week to drain her energy along with some basic training sessions. Does it sound like a lot of work? Yes. Why do I do it? Because I want Bella’s needs to be met and I want a dog I can enjoy sharing my life with and if that means being more active than usual, then so be it.
There are several things you can use and do to drain your dog’s energy such as: get her to use a backpack; take her for a run a couple of times a week; swim with her; train her to use a treadmill; and compete in Obedience Trials in your area, to name a few. Those are just some suggestions, but I am sure you can come up with your own ideas. With that in mind, what do you do to drain your dog’s excess energy?
AllMyCanineCompanions 
Warren was like that – and he still walks and walks and walks if he gets the chance 🙂
How old is Warren?
Over 10, at least, maybe 12. Bit of a grumpy old man but doing wonderfully
Lol. Wow! I am so glad.
I really like dogs to swim for exercise and to retain good range of motion, particularly in their hind legs. This is where a good hydrotherapy facility comes in – particularly in the winter months. I also think it is important to create sensory stimulation for the dogs – so hide toys and food in different places every day so they have to work to find them.
Excellent comment:-) Yes, I totally agree with you. I am looking into taking Alex and Bella swimming sometime soon, but if I am not able to do it, I’ll probably have to take them to do some hydrotherapy sessions. Yes, hiding toys and food makes them work for it. You are great!
Love to see another senior pup who still has lots of spunk!
My Alex is 12 years old, but I don’t think she got the memo:-)
My coonhound/catahoula mix never runs out of energy, but I actually love it also! I try to do two long walks a day, and she usually comes jogging with me a few times a week. Sometimes it can be a bit much, but I really do love her energy because she forces me to get out and about, which always makes me feel better.
Wow! I feel so good that there are other pet parents with energetic furry kids like myself:-) I love Bella’s energy because I enjoy food and she keeps me very active. If I only had Alex, I’d probably weigh 200lbs. She is my personal trainer:-)
Exactly! Same with Pepper and I. She’s my coach 🙂
We are lucky pet parents to have such amazing furry kids.