Help, my dog demands non-stop exercising and activities!

Do you have one of these dogs that is very active and is always bursting with energy? Does your dog never seem satisfied and exhausted no matter what activity you do together? Do you find yourself constantly looking for more and new exercises to do with your dog? More puzzle toys, interactive toys, games to play, sports to take on with your dog, etc…..

Let me tell you, your dog does NOT NEED all of this all the time. Your dog needs to learn to relax and to be bored. Non-stop stimulation can actually create an addiction because it gives the dog a dopamine rush every time they engage in that activity, especially when it is a very pleasant one. In the human world, we would call this “Adrenaline junkie”. With always more and more, you will turn your dog into an individual who is never satisfied. Their brain is under constant stimulation, which will cause desensitization, which will make your dog seek more intense dopamine rushes. Another great example from the human world is the addiction to being constantly glued to a phone screen or social media. Have you ever tried not to pick up your phone for a couple of hours outside from the time you are asleep? Don’t check the weather, social media, or the news. It is difficult.
The only way to curb this addiction is by teaching your dog to relax, aka being bored. Exercises that help with that are “Place-Stay “ and “Down-Stay” and doing that for at least one hour and not just a couple minutes. Nothing to chew on, neither a toy nor a treat chew, just being calm and relaxed. This will reset your dog’s brain to actually be able to enjoy activities again instead of always seeking for the next thrill.