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practice the commands when they are relatively calm.

- Avoid "Negative" Attention

When your dog is bouncing off the walls or barking, it's easy to give them the attention they're craving - by yelling at them. Although we know they are being "disciplined", the dog is still getting what they want - your attention. As difficult as it is, it may be better to just walk away from bad behavior (taking the shoes out of their mouth first!). Praise them calmly and quietly when they're being calm and quiet, and ignore them when they're barking and generally being idiots.

- Controlled Exercise

Many people try to tire an energetic dog with cycling, jogging or endless games of fetch. To a certain extent, this does work, but often all that's accomplished is creating a dog with so much stamina that everyone in the household must spend all their time "tiring" out the dog.

Controlled exercise - walking at heel, agility classes or challenging obedience classes provide much needed exercise and drain not only physical energy, but mental energy too. Let them burn off a bit of nervous energy first, then work on more controlled exercise, like walking politely or "sit" and "stay".

- "Get a job!"

When the wild-child is driving me crazy, I often suggest that she go get a job, and in reality, this is exactly what many dogs need. Options include letting them carry a doggie backpack when you walk, teaching them to bring in the paper or picking up socks or the children's toys. My dog's "job" is going to work with me and helping to socialize other dogs - be creative in finding your dog's ideal career.

- Separation Anxiety

Many dogs are "energetic" simply because they're afraid they're about to be deserted yet again, and express their fear through nervous energy. You're battling an emotional, as well as a physical problem.

To address this issue, work on reassuring your dog by reprogramming them - leave them for seconds, then return when they are calm (or calmer), extending the time as your dog improves. Use a clicker to help you target the instant they are quiet - sometimes you only get an instant! You may also want to consult with your vet about using Cholmicalm to help relax your dog in stressful situations. If your dog's energy problem is really an anxiety problem, it will take some time, but gradually, your dog will realize they have nothing to fear.

- Double Trouble

For a young, high-energy dog, getting a second, slightly older or lower-energy dog may be a great solution. A second dog will have the stamina to keep up with your dog's energy and an older dog will show by example how to settle down. And, of course, you will be saving another life! If you can't have a second dog, find a compatible dog in the neighborhood and arrange a play date once or twice a week.

- Finally

Don't give up - it can take a rescue dog three to six months to settle in a new home, and their way of coping may be a bad case of over-enthusiasm. Visit the vet for a checkup, stick to a program of controlled walks, ignore crazed behavior and insist on some good manners. It does work, even MY wild-child is not nearly so wild as she once was - thank goodness!

Learn more about this author, Pat Gray.
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