Can a dog play too much?

From personal experience as a veterinarian and someone who sees a lot of behavior problems, the answer is YES! We've all seen the new puppy that seems crazed with excitement every time he sees a new person or another dog. If we take a closer look, what we might realize is that this super happy puppy is exhibiting ANXIETY and frustration. As we inadvertently encourage this behavior, it will only get worse. This pup will become an anxious adult unless we intervene. Anxiety in a puppy can lead to any of the below problems. 

• separation anxiety
• excessive barking, jumping on people, mouthiness 
• noise phobias (fear of loud or startling noises)
• problems with crate training
• reactivity towards other dogs, animals, or people 
• obsessive, compulsive behavior

All too often, pet parents are desperately looking for help with their pet's anxiety. In most cases, medication is NOT the answer. It's time to look at the dog's environment, routine, diet, and training history to search for answers. 

Preventing anxiety:

• reward calm behavior
• maintain calm energy around your dog
• consistently exercise your dog
• stick to a routine
• train your dog with the help of a trainer who advocates positive reinforcement and non corrective techniques
• protocol for deference by vet behaiorist Karen Overall

You can say, "good calm" or "good quiet" whenever your dog is being chill. Offering a treat reward for this behavior will quickly reinforce it and give you a tool to use when energy is too high. If you are anxious or high energy around your dog, expect to see this behavior in your dog. Exercise needs vary for each dog. No matter what, appropriate mental and physical stimulation can bring anxiety levels down. Most puppies are naturally looking at their pet parent for guidance. They look at you because they are deferring to you. They are asking the questions: Is this ok? Is it scary or not scary? Will you be my fearless leader so I dont have to worry about things or protect you? Simply asking a puppy to SIT and acknowledge you (LOOK, LOOK AT ME) before anything (eating, going out the door, getting into the car, greeting a new person) will reinforce calm behavior and deference. 

Appropriate play is awesome for puppies. Doggy day care can be fun and provide a great source of exercise and socialization. Having your pup attend regular play sessions can also reinforce a healthy independence as your pup forms bonds with new people and new dogs. Inappropriate play or anxiety around play can reinforce bad behaviors and anxiety. Ask daycare staff how your dog behaves for clues.

• Does your dog enjoy playing and making friends? 
• Does he/she bark constantly while other dogs are playing or in the kennel while waiting to play?
• Does he/she freeze in the play area?
• Does he/she have to be corrected for bad manners towards other dogs or other people?
• Does your dog seem crazed/full of wild energy after daycare? 

If any of this sounds familiar, your dog could be anxious about daycare. Even dogs that love to play can play too much. If you notice that no matter how much your dog plays, he still needs to play more or he can't seem to relax. Your dog needs some behavior modification. He/she needs to learn how to CALM DOWN. Its not healthy for a dog to be in a constant state of excitement. This is equal to STRESS. The brain becomes conditioned to this type of behavior making it difficult for the dog to shut it off. There are some good tools that can help, but behavior modification protocols can be key to retraining the brain. See my previous post for some enrichment ideas that may help and stay tuned for more on helping your dog learn how to be calm and more relaxed.