Living with a high-drive dog can be incredibly rewarding—they’re energetic, intelligent, and full of personality. But with these traits comes a unique challenge: managing arousal.
When high-drive dogs become overstimulated, their behaviors can escalate, leading to jumping, barking, leash reactivity, or even redirected aggression.
In Episode 3 of unPACKed, certified trainers Jerri Scherff (CPDT-KA) and Mattison Skoog-Simpson (CDBC, CPDT-KA) explored how over-arousal manifests in high-drive breeds and why it’s crucial to address. They shared actionable tips for fostering a calmer, more balanced coexistence with your dog.
Let’s dive into the signs of over-arousal in high-drive breeds and practical strategies to help your dog thrive.
What is Over-Arousal in High-Drive Dogs?
Arousal refers to a dog’s level of excitement or energy in response to stimuli.
High-drive dogs, such as cattle dogs, border collies, or Belgian Malinois, have a heightened baseline of arousal due to their working backgrounds. These breeds were bred for intense focus and quick reactions, making them highly capable—but also prone to over-arousal.
Signs of Over-Arousal Include:
Excessive barking or whining.
Inability to settle or relax.
Hyper-focused fixation on stimuli (e.g., a ball, cat, or squirrel).
Reactive outbursts like lunging or nipping.
Repeated pacing or spinning.
Over time, unchecked arousal can lead to chronic stress for your dog and frustration for you. But with the right strategies, you can teach your dog how to manage their energy more effectively.
Why Managing Arousal is Crucial for High-Drive Dogs
High arousal triggers a dog’s sympathetic nervous system, also known as the "fight or flight" response. While this state can be useful in short bursts, prolonged arousal floods your dog’s body with adrenaline and cortisol, which:
Reinforces Reactive Behaviors: Barking at the window or lunging at the fence feels rewarding because it releases adrenaline.
Impacts Decision-Making: Aroused dogs are less likely to think clearly, making training and commands harder to follow.
Strains the Human-Dog Bond: Frustration on both sides can erode trust and enjoyment of daily interactions.
Managing arousal helps your dog learn to calm themselves, making for a happier, more cooperative companion.
Actionable Tips for Decompressing and Managing Arousal
One. Incorporate Structured Exercise
High-drive dogs need more than a casual walk—they thrive on intentional, engaging activities that challenge their bodies and minds.
Tug Games: Tug of war is an excellent outlet for energy, but make it structured by incorporating commands like “take it” and “drop.” Alternate tug sessions with moments of calm, such as sending your dog to their “place.”
Flirt Poles: This activity taps into your dog’s prey drive while giving them a controlled way to chase and burn off energy. Use commands like “wait” to pause and reset during play.
Fetch in Moderation: Limit fetch to short, structured sessions to prevent overstimulation. Include commands like “sit” or “down” between throws to encourage focus.
Pro Tip: As highlighted in Episode 3, meaningful exercise doesn’t have to be lengthy. A 15–30 minute session of high-intensity structured play can be more effective than a long, overstimulating walk.
Two. Use Decompression Activities
Decompression allows your dog to transition from high arousal to a calm state. These activities help engage their parasympathetic nervous system—the part responsible for rest and relaxation.
Scatter Feeding: Toss kibble or treats into the grass or around a room, encouraging your dog to sniff and forage.
Sniff Walks: Let your dog explore at their own pace, focusing on scents rather than structured walking.
Stationing Exercises: Teach your dog to go to a designated “place” or mat. Reward calm behavior, gradually increasing the time they remain settled.
Decompression helps your dog practice stepping down from an 8 to a 6, and a 6 to a 4, and a 4 to a 2. This regulation is critical for better focus and decision-making.”
Three. Limit Arousal Triggers
Management plays a key role in preventing over-arousal. By controlling your dog’s environment, you can reduce opportunities for reactive outbursts.
Block Visual Triggers: Use frosted window film or curtains to limit exposure to outdoor distractions like passing dogs or cars.
Solo Play: When multiple dogs share a household, ensure each dog has solo time to avoid competition or escalation.
Minimize Fence Running: Prevent your dog from rehearsing high-energy behaviors by using a long line or supervising yard time.
Management isn’t always forever—it can simply be a temporary measure to set your dog up for success while you work on behavior modification.
Four. Teach Emotional Regulation Skills
Emotional regulation is your dog’s ability to stay calm and recover quickly from arousing events. This skill takes time to develop but is essential for long-term success.
Pattern Games: Simple, repetitive exercises like the “1-2-3” game (count steps out loud and reward on “3”) help dogs predict what comes next, reducing anxiety.
Reward Calmness: Reinforce calm body language with treats or praise, teaching your dog that relaxed behavior is rewarding.
Interrupt Arousal with Engagement: Redirect your dog’s focus using cues like “watch me” followed by a reward for compliance.
Five. Monitor Your Own Energy
Dogs are incredibly attuned to their humans. If you’re tense or frustrated, your dog will likely mirror those emotions.
Stay Calm: Use deep breathing to regulate your own nervous system during stressful situations.
Model Behavior: React to triggers with composure, showing your dog how to remain grounded.
Dogs are emotional sponges. If you respond explosively to stress, so will they. Calm energy starts with you.
Creating a Calmer Coexistence with high drive dogs
Managing arousal in high-drive dogs isn’t an overnight fix—it’s a journey of consistent practice and small wins. Celebrate progress, even if it’s as simple as your dog pausing before barking or settling faster after play.
The payoff? A more balanced, relaxed dog and a stronger bond between you both.
High-drive dogs bring unmatched energy and enthusiasm to our lives, but they need guidance to channel that drive productively.
By incorporating structured exercise, teaching decompression skills, and managing triggers, you can help your dog thrive while creating a more peaceful home environment.
Want to learn more about managing arousal in high drive dogs?
Listen to Episode 3 of unPACKed for deeper insights into managing high-drive dogs and fostering emotional regulation.
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.
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