Ukesox
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100% with Ravenbird on the “look at me” (or just “look”) and “leave it” command work young Dobes & also the advice not to over do the physical exercise.
Teaching them how to focus in this way is essential and the concentration involved is not only calming but very tiring for them.
I found it really useful after a more physical activities as “warm down” exercises before time out in the crate or bed. Start in doors with no distractions initially for only a couple of seconds & gradually build the time intervals to the level that you want to achieve.
This worked well for my latest hyperactive nutjob when she was a pup / adolescent. I quite quickly got to the stage where with Luna in a sit or down I could put a high level reward on her paw & she wouldn’t touch it unless I told her to.
It’s also useful to engage & teach them how to play calmer games so that exercise activities are not full-on 100% bonkers. A toy or ball on the end of a couple of yards length of string / rope is great for this. Sit on a chair, or stand, hold one end & let them mouth / play with whatever’s on the other end. There’s some tugging involved but controlled & on your terms. You can also incorporate & develop other useful commands during this calmer play. (“Bring” “drop” “give” “take it” etc as well as “leave it” & “look”). At 4 & a half it’s still one of her favourite activities & 30 minutes of this early evening has her whacked.
Great looking pup btw
Teaching them how to focus in this way is essential and the concentration involved is not only calming but very tiring for them.
I found it really useful after a more physical activities as “warm down” exercises before time out in the crate or bed. Start in doors with no distractions initially for only a couple of seconds & gradually build the time intervals to the level that you want to achieve.
This worked well for my latest hyperactive nutjob when she was a pup / adolescent. I quite quickly got to the stage where with Luna in a sit or down I could put a high level reward on her paw & she wouldn’t touch it unless I told her to.
It’s also useful to engage & teach them how to play calmer games so that exercise activities are not full-on 100% bonkers. A toy or ball on the end of a couple of yards length of string / rope is great for this. Sit on a chair, or stand, hold one end & let them mouth / play with whatever’s on the other end. There’s some tugging involved but controlled & on your terms. You can also incorporate & develop other useful commands during this calmer play. (“Bring” “drop” “give” “take it” etc as well as “leave it” & “look”). At 4 & a half it’s still one of her favourite activities & 30 minutes of this early evening has her whacked.
Great looking pup btw
