Many dog ​​owners are familiar with this: Their dog is constantly on fire, has difficulty calming down, constantly demands attention, or jumps up at the slightest stimulus. This can quickly become stressful, especially for young, insecure, or highly sensitive dogs. But don't worry—with the right combination of mental stimulation, structure, and targeted calm training, you can help your dog become more relaxed.

---

1. Nose work for exercise

The nose is your dog's most important sense organ and a true secret weapon when it comes to mental stimulation. At the same time, nose work promotes concentration and has a calming effect.

Use a sniffing mat or licking mat

Hide treats in the apartment or garden

Initiate "search games" with the command "Search!"

These exercises are mentally tiring and help your dog to regulate himself better.

---

2. Practice impulse control

Many hyperactive dogs have difficulty controlling their impulses. With small exercises, you can specifically build calmness and frustration tolerance.

"Stay" training:

Stay on the blanket even if there are distractions

Waiting game:

Hold treats in your hand and only release them when signaled

Door control:

Don't just rush out, wait until you give the go-ahead

These exercises promote patience and self-control.

---

3. Promote relaxation in a targeted manner

This is something that needs to be learned: to slow down and really relax.

• Create a permanent resting place (e.g. a blanket that is never played on)
  

• Massages or Tellington Touch help to improve body awareness
  

• Quiet music or white noise can also help
  

Calm rituals and conscious relaxation training are just as important as exercise.

---

4. Mental exercise instead of constant movement

Physically tired doesn't automatically mean relaxed. Very active dogs, especially, need mental stimulation.

Trick training:

e.g. "give paw", "shame on you", "role"

Intelligence toys or DIY games

(e.g. hiding treats in the muffin tray)

Thinking games with food dispensers

This way your dog learns to concentrate on a task.

---

5. Clear daily structure and rituals

A structured daily routine provides security and helps to reduce expectations.

• Schedule fixed rest periods after walks or play sessions

• Clear rituals: e.g. always take a break on the blanket after a walk

• Give attention not constantly on demand, but specifically

Some dogs need to learn that boredom is okay and that nothing bad will happen if there is nothing going on.

---

Conclusion

A hyperactive dog isn't a "ticking time bomb," but is often simply overwhelmed, under-challenged, or lacking a clear structure. With patience, loving consistency, and targeted training, you can help your dog become calmer and better able to cope with the world.