If you have a high energy dog it can feel like no matter how much you exercise them they are never tired.A dog not getting the release of energy they need can be stressed, bored and can even lead to behaviour issues like barking, escaping or destructive behaviour.

Two keys to providing this release of energy are firstly give both physical and mental stimulation. Secondly, regular daily exercise is far more effective than say one big session a week. If you don't have the time, energy, right weather or inclination to take your dog for a walk every day there are many ways to provide that physical and mental stimulation at home. However, it is still crucial that your dog gets the opportunity to leave the property and explore as much as possible.

Here are 12 suggestions that can make exercising your dog more efficient and give great benefits and results.

1). Tracking - using a favorite toy you can hide the item where your dog doesn't see you put it. and then send them to search. You can even get a rock and throw it into the bush and your dog will find that exact rock. Around the home you can hide treats and have your dog find them. Finding the toy or treat is fun and stimulating for your dog and has a built in reward.

2). Drag or carry weight - to add resistance to a walk you can have your dog drag a weight attached to a rope and harness or alternatively put a dog back pack on your dog and add weight. You don't want to add to much weight to prevent injury so I would recommend no more that 10-15% of their body weight. Avoid running and keep the exercise to contolled walking to prevent potential injury.

Check out this great range of dog backpacks. Click Image

3). Running - if you can run with your dog this will obviously burn more energy. If this is not an option you can ride a bike or stakeboard or give your dog the opportunity to run off lead. It is essential that you have 100% recall in this situation.

4). Swimming - this is an incredibly underated exercise for your dog. Not only is it a great way to burn energy fast it is good for their joints. Ten to fifteen minutes of swimming can be equivalent to a good hour walk. You can go to the lake, beach or there are professional hydrotherapy centres for dogs you can use. If your dog is not a strong or confident swimmer I would recommend using a dog lifejacket and you can even attach a rope to it for added safety.

Check out this great range of dog lifejackets. Click Image.

5). Practicing Tricks - there are hundreds of tricks you you can teach your dog from the simple down to more complex play dead or roll over. When a dog is focused they use energy It is also a great way to strenghten yur bond with your dog.

6). Toys - provide your dog with a good variety of toys. Dog toys fit into three main types - chew toys which include dental and food stuffing toys like Kongs, interactive toys which include balls, fribees, tug toys and puzzle toys and plush toys.

(Refer my article "Not all dog toys are created equal" for more information.)

Chewing on chew toys helps to calm your dog as stress is often held in the jaw and it also releases endorphins. They also have the added bonus of good dental health by cleaning the teeth, massaging the gums and increasing bloodflow. Kongs and other food stuffing toys provide an added mental challenge.

Interactive toys such as balls and frisbees give your dog great exercise and give you the opportunity for quality bonding time. Playing tug with your dog is great for burning energy. Some people may say not to play tug of war with your dog as it leads to dominance. As long as your dog knows the rules of the game and to release on command this is not a problem.

Puzzle games are when your dog has to figure out how to get the treat which provides great mental stimulation and gives your dog problem solving skills.

Plush toys are a great way to teach your dog to be gentle, have soft mouth and bite inhibition. If your dog simply destroys these and rips the stuffing out it is not a good habit to have. Teach your dog to be gentle with these. If they are being too rough swap for an interactive toy such as tug for five minutes and go back to the plush toy. Reward them for the correct behaviour.

The Classic Kong. A must have for all dogs.

7).Flirt Pole - a flirt pole is a long pole with a lure or toy attached by a rope to the end. As you move the pole around your dog is enticed to chase. They utilise your dogs natural instinct to chase in a non-destructive way. It is a great activity as you don't have to move much and your dog does all the work. Start off slow and don't be wild with the movement to avoid injury. Ensure your dog knows the rules of the game and releases on command if they catch the lure.

Check out

these great

Flirtpoles

8). Chasing Bubbles - Another great game that doesn't require you to move to much. A lot of dogs will do this naturally but if they don't blow a few bubbles and point and catch bubbles to entice them.

9). Playing with other dogs - An intense session of play with other dogs can really tire your dog out and has the benefit of providing socialisation. It is important to select the right play companions to ensure healthy and constructive play and avoid any fights.

10). Dog Sports - Consider invovling your dog in dog sports such as agility or flyball. These are available for all dogs and they don't have to be a serious top competitor to take part.

Alternatively you can do Urban Agility while out on your walks. This is the use of obstacles you past on the walk such as jumping up onto a park bench, jumping a low wall or climbing up a rock.

11). Playing fetch up hill - find a hill and throw the ball up the hill to increase the intensity of retreiving the ball. You may need to use a ball thrower if it is a big hill or you don't have a strong throwing arm. Alternatively you can do this at home by throwing the ball upstairs. Be sure to keep the return downstairs controlled to avoid injury.

12). Treadmill - Train your dog to walk on a treadmill. This is not a replacement for your regular walks but is a great way to provide extra exercise when you may not be able to go for a walk because of weather or whatever the reason. Don't run the treadmill to fast to avoid injury. A quick walking pace is sufficient.

Click Image to view a great range of purpose built dog treadmills.

In Summary

Hopefully this has given you some great ideas of how to provide extra physical and mental exercise to help tire out for your high energy dog. With a bit of imagination I am sure you could probably come up with a few more ways. Let me know in the comments any you come up with.

Here's to a tired, calm and happy dog.

www.barkersgrooming.co.nz