Dog's Energy Level

Training a Low Energy Level Dog

A dog’s energy level can have a lot of say in the way it interacts with you on a daily basis. If your pooch has a high energy level you may have a headache by early afternoon. On the other hand, if your dog has a low energy level, you might have to shoot a firecracker to get it going (joking). So how do you decide which type of dog to go for, what about a dog with a middle energy level, are they any good?

Dog Too Slow or Fast?
Put an end to your dog's
bad behavior for good.

The kind of energy in a dog you want is really reflective of your lifestyle and the way you want to live. If you like to sit in the shade on hot summer days and have a picnic by the lake, then a dog with low energy is something that will most suit your taste. If you are the active type and like to go for long walks, or go rollerblading, then I would suggest a high energy level dog for you. Remember, it is always best to match the breed with your way of life. It is very hard to try and get a lazy mutt to go running. It will be a struggle.

Training a low energy level dog is typically harder then the higher energy dog. This is true for a few reasons. One of the most obvious reasons is that it is very difficult to get the slow mover, to do anything. It takes time and time again to get the dog motivated and to want to do something. There really has to be a spark, a fire, something ecstatic, to get the dog to want to perform for you.

On the other hand, if your dog is running all over the place, you can control this infinite level of energy and channel it into a form of training. This typically works out a lot better and thus is the reason why dogs like the Doberman Pinscher are used as guard dogs. Whatever you plan to do, never consider physical punishment as a means of correction or training your dog. It doesn’t work, will only make matters worse, and there is no reason to hit the animal that is trying to learn from you.

A friend of mine has a high energy level dog and it never wants to sleep. It becomes excited all the time and is always ready for some sort of action. Is your dog like this? Is your mutt always ready for some sort of battle or fiesta? A Jack Russell Terrier is a great example of a high energy level dog. There is a downside to those animals with a very high level of stamina though. Some can become nervous and stressful which leads to disorders of anxiety.

Dog anxiety is a case that must be dealt with all on its own, but typical signs include that of whining, nervousness, and fear. Loud noises may attribute to this type of behavior. If you see your dog is not capable of handling sudden change and commotion, consider slowing the pace down to a level it can handle. It will help the health of your pet and will not require you to train it for anxiety issues. -- Dog Eyes