Activities For Small High Energy Dogs

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Activities For Small High Energy Dogs

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Introduction

What was that small blur that just went past? Oh, it was your small high energy dog! Little dogs sure can go fast and they also tend never to stop! If your furry pal seems to have an endless supply of energy, then planning activities to keep them busy is necessary. Keeping your pup entertained will benefit you and your dog, so pick one of these great activities for small high energy dogs and get started!

Freedom Run

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Free

Easy

1 hr

Items needed

Doggy waste bags

Leash

Collar

Activity description

It may seem obvious but bringing a small, high energy dog somewhere they can run is a great idea. While you may think to go for a run or jog along with your pup, small dogs don’t tend to be the best long distance runners. Instead, pick a place where your small dog can run off the leash, on their own. This way, they can go as fast as they like and stop as needed for a quick sniff break. Letting your small, high energy dog run free in a new location is a great way to (maybe) tire them out!

Step

Scout a location

Find a place where your small pup can run free. Dog parks, beaches and regular parks are all great ideas. If you worry about your dog returning when called, look for places that are fenced in. Tennis courts are great options as well especially since your dog is so small, a tennis court will be plenty of space!

Step

Scope it out

Get your dog excited to go on an adventure - with a high energy dog, this won't be too hard to do! Grab your dog's leash and collar along with some treats and toys to play with. Walk or drive to your new hang out spot and take a walk with your dog on the leash when you get there before you let them free. This will help your pup get familiar with the area and let you also take a look around before letting your dog run.

Step

Run free

Let that high energy pup go! Watch as your dog sprints back and forth in all their glory! Throw a tennis ball or toy for them to chase to help keep them going. Most likely your dog won't need encouragement to run around but be ready if they do. Hopefully running will tire them out a little bit!

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Independent Fetch

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Normal

45 min

Items needed

Cardboard or Wood

Ball

Couch or Chair

Pillows or Boxes

Activity description

A high energy dog will typically love to play fetch. They also probably want to play fetch all the time, around the clock. While we all wish we could play with our dogs all day, it is just not possible. So, instead, teach your high energy pup to play fetch by themselves! There are a few ways to do this but both are very effective and will keep your dog busy for hours. Independent fetch is also a great game to keep your dog busy when you have to leave the house. Set it up, walk away and rest assured knowing that your dog is playing happily!

Step

Make a ramp

Grab a few pieces of sturdy cardboard or a wide wooden plank that will act as a ramp. Prop the ramp up with one end on the couch or a chair and the other end on the floor. Make certain that the ramp is secure and will not move. Set up 'steps' (it can be a simple box or a bunch of pillows) to help your small dog climb up to the top of the ramp and up on the couch or chair.

Step

Training for fun

First, get your dog used to going up and down the ramp safely and with confidence. Then, teach your dog to place their ball at the top of the ramp and watch as it rolls down! Show your dog how to retrieve the ball and bring it back to the top of the ramp. This training may take a little bit of time and a lot of treats but it will be worth it when they can play fetch all alone!

Step

Advanced fetch

If you are interested in a little more advanced toy, check out toys that throw a ball for your dog. You simply train your pup to drop their ball in the top of the toy and the toy will shoot the ball right back out. Go fetch puppy! Your dog can play all day (as long as they are trained to bring the ball back to the toy!)

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Flirt Pole

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Easy

30 min

Items needed

Flirt Pole

Activity description

You may have seen a toy typically used for cats, called a flirt pole. This is a long pole with a rope tied on the tip with a toy (commonly a feather) at the other end of the rope. It looks kind of like a fishing pole with a toy at the end. These are perfect for high energy dogs to play with. These toys are also cheap to buy and easy to make so you don't have to break the bank to get started. Also, if your small pup destroys the toy by loving it too much, you can easily get a new one!

Step

Make it or buy it

Buy or make a flirt pole for your dog. If you are making one, find a long stick and tie a rope on the end. Securely tie a toy that your dog will love on the other end and you are ready to go! If you are buying a pole, look for one with a toy that will attract your dog. Feathers are a great choice!

Step

Go fishing

Dangle the toy end of the pole in front of your dog. Yes, it will be like fishing for a pup! Wave the stick around to make the toy move and get your dog really excited. Then, spin the flirt pole around you in a circle and watch as your dog chases it, just going around and around and around…..

Step

New surroundings

Bring the flirt pole outside for a new setting to play in or keep it as an inside toy - you don't need a lot of room to play with this. Keep your dog interested by waving the pole around in new ways (up and down to make you dog jump, back and forth to keep them running). It is a toy that every small high energy dog needs in their life!

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More Fun Ideas...

Obstacle Course

Set up an obstacle course for your small dog and teach them how to run through. This will help them stay active and also challenge their doggy mind! A tunnel to run through and a low hurdle to jump over will provide tons of fun and exercise. Use lots of treats as rewards!

Play Date

Call a fellow dog owner and set up a play date for your dogs. High energy dogs will love having someone to run around with that is their own size!

Conclusion

Small, high energy dogs can be a handful but they can also be so much fun. Set up activities for your dog to do daily that will help them release some of that energy and stay a happy and healthy pup. There is so much that you and your small pup can do together - the possibilities are endless! With a small active dog, know that you will never be bored - you will always be on the go!