I’ve had a few clients ask me, “My dog paces excessively in the house and I don’t know what to do. What would you recommend to get rid of this annoying habit?” The first thing I always tell them is to have their vet check their dog for it may be something related to his health. Once the vet has cleared your dog and everything, health wise, is fine then you need to look elsewhere for an answer.
The answer could be one or all of the following:
- Are you providing adequate exercise to your dog? A puppy or young dog needs at least a 1/2 hour brisk walk twice a day and this is the very minimum.
- Does your dog have a bed or crate? Most dogs enjoy having a place where they know they can rest without being disturbed.
- How many times did you take your dog to potty? Puppies and seniors need to go potty more often than adult dogs, but it also depends on the size of the dog. Small dogs need to go potty more often than large ones.
Now, there is always that exception. The handsome Aussie, Walter, most of the time preferred to hang out under our table, but in the evenings and night time he did go to his bed.
Also, please know that for dogs that you are adopting and/or fostering as well as those that are nervous, sensitive or were abused in the past, pacing will take a while to disappear. Have patience and continue working with your dog. As time goes by, you’ll see positive results.
AllMyCanineCompanions 
Speaking of pacing, sometimes when dogs are over stimulated they’ll pace. We just got 6 chicks and have them in a cage on the kitchen counter (they’ll go out to the coop when they’re bigger and the temps are warmer). When Dewey Dude comes in in the evening now he paces around the counter because he can see, smell, and hear the chicks. He’ll pace around the rest of the kitchen too and I believe it’s because all his senses (except touch) are simply over stimulated by these cheeping, peeping, fluttering little critters. I’ve started draping the cage with a towel so he can’t see them and it seems to be helping him calm down faster. Of course he’s got his own bed (I made it myself!) and eventually he settles down there among all his toys. I encourage him to take out his excitement by chewing on one of his toys as well. When dealing with animals patience and understanding are always key 😉
You are 100% correct. You made his bed? Wow! I go the easy way, I buy it:-) Yes, tons of patience. Thanks for sharing.
Yup, I’m one of those crafty DIY gals 😉 Heck, if I would have bought a bed as big and as plush as the one I made it would have cost well over $100!
You are right. I paid for Alex’s bed a couple of years ago $130. Worth every penny, but expensive.