How to Use Structured Play to Burn Off Energy in Reactive Dogs

Managing a reactive dog can feel like an uphill battle, especially when their pent-up energy amplifies every trigger on a walk. But here’s a game-changing truth: structured play can be your best ally in reducing reactivity and improving focus during training sessions.

In Episode 4 of unPACKed, certified trainers Jerri Scherff (CPDT-KA) and Mattison Skoog-Simpson (CDBC, CPDT-KA) discussed how activities like tug, fetch, and flirt pole exercises can provide a healthy outlet for your dog’s energy. They explored how structured play sets the stage for calmer and more focused behavior, especially in reactive dogs.

Let’s dive into how incorporating structured play can transform your reactive dog’s training routine and overall behavior.

Why Reactive Dogs Need Structured Play

Reactive dogs often struggle with arousal control, meaning their energy levels can spike quickly and unpredictably. Without proper outlets, this energy builds up, making reactivity more intense.

Benefits of Structured Play for Reactive Dogs:

1. Burns Excess Energy: Any dog with a full tank will struggle to focus.. Structured play reduces the physical and mental tension that fuels reactive outbursts.

2. Teaches Impulse Control: Activities like tug and fetch incorporating cues like “drop” and “wait” help your dog practice self-regulation.

3. Improves Focus: Games that engage your dog’s mind alongside their body enhance their ability to pay attention to you during training.

4. Strengthens Your Bond: Play is a positive, fun way to build trust and communication with your dog.

How to Incorporate Structured Play into Your Routine

The key to effective structured play is ensuring it’s intentional and balanced. Random bursts of fetch or tug may provide temporary relief, but without structure, they can reinforce hyperactivity rather than calming your dog.

Game One: Tugging as a High-Impact, Low-Space Game

Tug is more than just a game—it’s a training tool. It quickly raises your dog’s energy level, making it an excellent opportunity to teach them how to bring it back down.

How to Use Tug for Reactive Dogs:

• Start with a Verbal: Begin with a cue like “take it” or “tug” to signal when play starts.

• Teach “Drop” with Energy Shifts: Use your body language and tone to signal calmness when asking for a release. Reward the drop with another round of tug.

• Incorporate Calm Moments: Alternate between tug and a decompression drill, like having your dog go to their “place.” This teaches them to transition between excitement and relaxation.

Tug helps reactive dogs practice managing their arousal levels in a safe, controlled environment. As Mattison notes in Episode 4, “Tug can take a dog from a 2 to an 8 in seconds, making it a perfect tool for teaching decompression.”

Game Two: Fetch for Short, Structured Sessions

Fetch is a go-to game for many dog owners, but for reactive dogs, it’s best done in moderation. Over-repetition can lead to overstimulation and reinforce hyperactive behaviors.

How to Structure Fetch:

• Limit the Duration: Play for 5–10 minutes instead of letting the game drag on.

• Add a Focused Cues Between Rounds: After each retrieve, ask your dog to sit or another known cue before throwing the ball again.

• Rotate with Other Activities: Alternate fetch with calm exercises like sniffing games to balance your dog’s energy levels.

Structured fetch provides physical exercise while reinforcing other skills and impulse control.

Game Three: Flirt Pole for a Mental and Physical Challenge

A flirt pole—a long pole with a rope and toy attached to the end—is an excellent tool for engaging your dog’s prey drive appropriately.

How to Use a Flirt Pole Effectively:

• Incorporate Brain Work: Use cues like “leave it” or “wait” to pause the game, rewarding your dog for compliance before resuming play.

• Keep Sessions Short: Limit flirt pole play to 5–7 minutes to avoid overstimulation.

• Adapt for Small Spaces: This activity is perfect for indoor or backyard use, especially on rainy days.

Flirt pole exercises engage both the mind and body, providing a healthy outlet for energy and helping dogs focus.

How Structured Play Prepares Dogs for Training

Structured play isn’t just about burning energy—it’s about priming your dog for success. By engaging their body and mind before a training session, you set them up to be more focused and less reactive.

Games like tug not only help you meet your dog’s needs, but they can also teach how to recover from high arousal states, making them better equipped to handle real-world triggers.

Tips to use Structured Play with your Reactive Dog

• Match Activities to Your Dog’s Needs: If your dog loves chasing, flirt poles or fetch may be ideal. For dogs with a strong love of toys, tug is often the best fit.

• Focus on Quality Over Quantity: A short, structured session is far more effective than prolonged, unstructured play.

• Alternate Activities: Mix up games to keep your dog engaged and prevent overuse injuries.

Play with Purpose in Reactive Dog Training

Structured play isn’t just about having fun—it’s a powerful tool for managing your reactive dog’s energy and emotions. By incorporating games like tug, fetch, and flirt pole exercises into your routine, you can help your dog stay calm, focused, and ready to learn.

Want to learn more about how to help your reactive through structured play?

Listen to Episode 4 of unPACKed for real world strategies to manage arousal and improve behavior for your reactive dog.

🎧Listen to Episode 4 Now

about unpacked

unPACKed was created by Jerri Scherff and Mattison Skoog-Simpson. This is a community-focused project to provide transparent education within the dog training industry. Tune in every month for a new episode to unPACK real canine behavior cases.

Connect with us on Instagram @unPACKed.stream

Jerri Scherff (CPDT-KA) - Tulsa Pack Athletics

Mattison Skoog-Simpson (CDBC, CPDT-KA) - Freed by Training

Disclaimer: The information shared in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for working directly with a qualified dog training or behavior professional. Always consult a professional for guidance tailored to your dog’s specific needs.

How to Manage Reactivity in Multi-Dog Households: Proven Strategies from Certified Dog Trainers

Living with multiple dogs can be a joy—until reactivity turns daily routines into high-stress chaos. 

When one dog barks, the others join in. When one lunges on a walk, the pack follows suit. It’s enough to make even the most patient dog owner feel overwhelmed.

Reactivity in multi-dog households isn’t uncommon, but it is manageable. 

In the first episode of unPACKed, the only clinical dog behavior podcast, certified dog trainers Jerri Scherff (CPDT-KA) and Mattison Skoog-Simpson (CDBC, CPDT-KA) shared expert strategies to help pet parents navigate this complex dynamic. 

Here, we’re unpacking the key principles for managing multi-dog reactivity and building a more harmonious home.

What Causes Reactivity in Multi-Dog Households?

Reactivity refers to an exaggerated response to a trigger, such as other dogs, people, or unfamiliar sounds.

In multi-dog households, reactivity often becomes a shared problem:

• Individual triggers: Each dog has their own unique set of triggers.

• Amplified Energy: One dog’s outburst can quickly set off the others.

• Trigger Generalization: Dogs learn from each other, so if one reacts to a specific stimulus, others may follow suit over time.

• Human Stress: Owners often feel overwhelmed managing multiple dogs, which can inadvertently escalate the situation.

Each dog’s reactivity can stem from unique emotions, making it essential to understand the individual needs of every dog (and human) in the home.

Start with Individual Assessments

When managing reactivity, it’s tempting to look for one-size-fits-all solutions. But Jerri and Mattison emphasize the importance of treating each dog as an individual.

Ask yourself:

• What triggers each dog’s reactivity?

• Is their reactivity fear-based, frustration-driven, or excitement-related?

• How does each dog respond when they’re separated from the group?

For example, one dog might react out of fear, while another becomes overexcited. Knowing the difference allows you to tailor your approach.

Separate and Conquer

One of the most effective ways to manage multi-dog reactivity is to work with each dog separately.

This might include:

• Solo Walks: Walking reactive dogs together can magnify stress. Taking one dog at a time reduces triggers and allows you to focus on training.

• Individual Training Sessions: Reinforce calm behavior with each dog individually before attempting group scenarios.

• Breaks from Each Other: Dogs that spend all their time together may develop co-dependency. Give each dog one-on-one time with you to build independence.

In most cases, it will be difficult or impossible to move forward with them as a unit until you’ve figured some things out individually.

Master Management Techniques

Good management is the foundation for success in a multi-dog household.

Jerri and Mattison recommend implementing strategies that prioritize safety while reducing stress:

• Barrier Management: Use gates, pens, or crates to create clear boundaries during high-stress times, like when guests visit.

• Structured Routines: Consistent mealtimes, walks, and play sessions help reduce uncertainty, which can trigger anxiety and reactivity.

• Calm Transitions: Avoid chaos by staggering how you release or move dogs, such as letting them out for potty breaks one at a time.

Address Underlying Triggers

Reactivity often stems from deeper issues like fear, frustration, or overstimulation. Tackling the root cause is essential:

• Desensitization and Counter-Conditioning: Gradually expose your dogs to their triggers at a manageable level while pairing the experience with something positive, like treats or praise.

• Physical and Mental Enrichment: Reactive dogs often lack healthy outlets for their energy. Activities like structured play, sniff walks, and puzzle toys help them burn off stress in a productive way.

• Sound Sensitivity Training: For dogs triggered by noises, use white noise machines or play calming music to mask environmental sounds.

Build Calm Behavior Through Training

Teaching calm behavior is a game-changer for reactive dogs.

Focus on skills like:

• Stationing: Train your dogs to go to a designated spot, like a mat or bed, and stay there until released. This helps reduce chaos in multi-dog situations.

• Impulse Control Exercises: Games like “wait,” “leave it,” and “look at me” help reactive dogs focus on you instead of their triggers.

• Relaxation Protocols: Encourage calm body language through techniques like slow petting, T-Touch, or teaching your dogs to relax on cue.

Understand the Human Factor

Your reactions matter as much as your dogs’. When you’re tense or frustrated, your dogs will pick up on it.

Practice staying calm and consistent, even in challenging moments.

If multiple people in your household are involved in your dogs’ care, assign clear roles to avoid confusion. For example, one person can focus on training while others handle routine tasks like feeding and potty breaks.

Why It’s Worth the Effort

Reactivity in a multi-dog household may feel overwhelming, but it’s a solvable challenge.

By addressing each dog’s needs, setting clear boundaries, and creating a calm, structured environment, you can reduce stress and build a stronger bond with your pack.

Want to learn more about reactivity in a multi-dog household?

Tune in to Episode 1 of the unPACKed to hear Jerri and Mattison dive deeper into real-life strategies for managing reactivity in multi-dog households.

🎧Listen to Episode 1 Now

about unpacked

unPACKed was created by Jerri Scherff and Mattison Skoog-Simpson. This is a community-focused project to provide transparent education within the dog training industry. Tune in every month for a new episode to unPACK real canine behavior cases.

Connect with us on Instagram @unPACKed.stream

Jerri Scherff (CPDT-KA) - Tulsa Pack Athletics

Mattison Skoog-Simpson (CDBC, CPDT-KA) - Freed by Training

Disclaimer: The information shared in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for working directly with a qualified dog training or behavior professional. Always consult a professional for guidance tailored to your dog’s specific needs.