02/11/2024
Great read! A poor or unbalanced diet can lead to issues like hyperactivity, making it harder for dogs to stay calm and focused. Foods high in sugar or certain additives may increase a dog’s energy levels, which, when combined with overstimulation, can lead to stress and difficulty settling down.
Thanks for this Haigh Hounds 🐾🤍
A misconception I hear a lot - “I need to do more to wear her out - she won’t settle”
Reactivity and aggression, Compulsive behaviours and hyperactivity - I’ve seen 3 cases this month that all have the same underlying issue
Overstimulated!
🍎Too much physical activity play or exercise. Overloading the senses, load noise, strong smells, fast movement. Unclear confusing cues. Excessive social interaction. Lack of mental stimulation and changes to routine can all cause overstimulation.
Here are just a few indicators to watch out for:
➡️Panting or drooling more than usual: Even when it’s not hot, excess panting can be a stress response. Dilated pupils.
➡️Constant jumping, mouthing, or nipping: If your dog can’t seem to settle, they might be feeling overwhelmed.
➡️Inability to focus or listen to commands: When overstimulated, dogs struggle to follow even simple cues, which can be a sign they need a break.
➡️Pacing or spinning in circles: Some dogs display this repetitive behaviour when they’re overstimulated and unsure how to manage their energy.
POA before working on anything fancy
✅Vet check to rule out underlying issues such as pain or gastro issues
✅Diet review
✅Sleep protocol
✅Look at structure and daily routine - When and how to exercise, train, play, decompression, Stimulation and enrichment, sleep
✅Scheduled rest days (rest days do not mean do nothing)
✅Look at ranking triggers and motivation
✅Clear consistent cues to avoid confusion
✅Avoidance if triggers - Consider driving to secure fields ect
Understanding overstimulation can make all the difference in your training sessions! Want to learn more ways to help your dog stay calm? Get in touch, and let’s support a stress-free environment for your dog.
