by Sara W.

Created on: August 21, 2009   Last Updated: August 22, 2009

If you have a suspicion that the theme song in your dog's head is "Pop Goes The Weasel" in double time, then you just might have a hyperactive dog on your hands. Hyperactive dogs can make great companions: they make us smile, they keep us active, and they have wonderful personalities. But owning a hyperactive dog is not for everyone. It takes someone with the right lifestyle and a good sense of humor. It requires someone with a lot of energy and a tremendous amount of patience. If you are thinking about purchasing or adopting a new canine friend, here are some things you need to know about hyperactive dogs.

Breed

Breed familiarity is the first step to understanding hyperactive dogs. Before you bring a new four-legged companion home, you need to know which breeds are hyperactive, and which ones are more laid back. Terriers tend to be very hyperactive. Don't be fooled by their small stature. These dogs think they are big and invincible. Dogs like Jack Russell Terriers and Yorkshire Terriers seem fearless when it comes to facing bigger dogs or strange people. They'll chase a squirrel at the drop of a hat and there's no convincing them otherwise. If you enjoy a casual stroll in the park with a calm dog at your heel, a terrier might not be the right pick for you. But if you enjoy a good tumble in the back yard with a football, then a terrier would make a fine friend. Make sure you do plenty of research before you make a final decision about any breed!

Exercise

Once you make the decision to bring a hyperactive dog into your home, you must know the proper way to take care of him. His hyperactivity is a result of a tremendous amount of energy; he needs plenty of constructive opportunities to release that energy, or it will cause you a lot of headache and frustration! Constructive ways to release your dogs hyperactive energy include vigorous walks, long games of fetch in the yard, tossing a Frisbee, or even a refreshing swim. Your hyperactive dog requires more exercise to burn off that energy, and it is no easy feat to wear out a hyperactive dog! Once you have successfully burned through his energy, give yourself a gold medal, you've accomplished what is nearly impossible!

Toys

Hyperactive dogs not only require a large amount of exercise, but they also need constant stimulation. Hyperactive dogs can get bored rather quickly, and without something to keep them busy, they can become destructive. If you've ever arrived home to the stuffing of your favorite upholstery

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