Top 10 Training Tips for High-Energy Dogs
When it comes to training energetic dog breeds, us Kiwis know the joy and chaos these spirited pups can bring. Whether you share your home with a Border Collie, Labrador, or Siberian Husky, their boundless energy can often be both a blessing and a challenge. Thankfully, with patience, structure and the right tools, training high-energy dogs doesn’t have to be a mission. At Petdirect, We Get Pet – which means we’re here to help you navigate the wonderful, sometimes wild world of training with these top 10 expert-approved tips.
1. Channel Energy With Daily Exercise
Before you ask your dog to focus, make sure their physical needs are met. A tired dog is a teachable dog! Energetic breeds often need more than just a backyard run – think off-lead walks, agility games or fetch sessions using sturdy fetch toys and balls. It’s not just about wearing them out – it’s about building a strong bond through shared activity.
2. Use High-Value Training Treats
When it comes to motivation, treats reign supreme. Choose training and reward treats that are small, tasty and easy to eat quickly. This helps maintain momentum during training and keeps your dog eager to engage. Change it up with different proteins or textures to keep their interest piqued.
3. Keep Training Sessions Short And Sweet
Energetic dogs often have short attention spans. Aim for no more than 5 to 10-minute sessions a few times a day rather than one long session. Mix obedience training with fun activities to prevent boredom. Tug-of-war using rope or tug toys can be a great learning reinforcement tool that doubles as a reward!
4. Rotate And Introduce New Toys Regularly
Playtime is a huge part of learning for active breeds. Introduce stimulating interactive toys that challenge them mentally. Puzzle toys, treat dispensers and toys that squeak or move can all redirect extra energy into focus-building fun.
5. Train With A Purpose
Use your dog’s natural energy to your advantage by teaching practical commands during walks or playtime. Whether you're working on "stay" at the park or “wait” before a ball is thrown, placing commands into real-life situations helps them learn quickly and consistently.
6. Use a Harness For More Control
For dogs that lunge, pull or bolt, using a comfortable but secure dog harness can make a huge difference in training walks. Harnesses offer more control while being gentler on your dog’s body – perfect for those high-energy zoomies.
7. Create A Routine
Energetic dogs thrive on routine. Keep walks, training sessions and meals at consistent times. Structure helps reduce anxiety and teaches them what’s expected, which can lead to better behaviour all round.
8. Encourage Calm With Rest Periods
Training isn’t just about go-go-go. Use calming aids like calming supplements or even lick mats to encourage wind-down time after big training efforts. Teaching your dog that rest is rewarding too is just as useful as teaching sit or stay!
9. Be Consistent And Patient
It can feel like a lot when you’re working with a whirlwind of a dog, but consistency is key. Use the same cues, same rewards and same rules every time. And remember – slip-ups are normal, but patience and praise go a long way toward progress.
10. Keep It Fun And Positive
Energetic dogs often pick up on your mood. Keep training upbeat with lots of positive reinforcement through clapping, praise and natural treats from NZ brands. If it’s not fun for you, it probably isn’t for them either. A happy learner is a successful one!
Final Woof
With the right mix of exercise, consistency and tasty motivation, training even the most energetic dog breeds can become an exciting adventure. Whether you're raising a Labrador or a playful Boxer, remember — dogs do well when we set them up to succeed. At Petdirect, We Get Pet, which is why we stock everything from training gear to healthy treats and fun toys to keep even the bounciest tails wagging.
Ready to make training time a tail-wagging win? Explore our puppy training essentials and top-rated picks to get pawsitively started today.