Some days it feels like you just can't seem to tire out your dog yet there's only so many walks you can go on, so many toys you can play and so many games you can create, it might be worth asking yourself if your dog is over-stimulated or high maintenance? There is a key difference and might be able to shape your pet care differently. What is an over-stimulated dog? An over-stimulated dog typically occurs when a dog becomes overwhelmed and experiencing too stimuli at the same time e.g. too much activity, too noisy, etc. and they may begin to showcase behaviours such as jumping, excessive barking or even aggression.
Signs of an over-stimulated dog: - destructive behaviour e.g. digging, chewing, destroying. - panting or grooming excessively - jumping or nipping people - excessive barking or whining
What is a high maintenance dog?
A high maintenance dog is just another phrase for high energy dog. This is normally down to the type of breed they are, e.g. working or herding breed. This is because their genetics make them instinctly more active and more likely to feel unfulfilled with the modern life if they aren't neccessarily "working".
Signs of an high maintenance dog: - short attention span when it comes to training, their energy needs to be drained before they can commit to training - Itching to go out for another walk or to play even though they've just been on a walk
-They will go out of their way for destructive behaviour to ensure they get to go on another run
I know what you are thinking, but what's the difference? It's based on situational and context. Is your dog restless even after an high intensity walk? They are more likely a high maintenance / high energy dog. Is your dog constantly restless when you are just watching TV? It might mean that they are feeling over-stimulated. If this is a common occurence of over-stimulation, it might be worth working with a dog trainer to see what your dogs' triggers are and signs of them becoming too stimulated.
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