Tiger is a 14month old castrated Terrier type rescue crossbreed - I hope its OK to post here about him, its just that you guys seem to know so much more!!

Tiger is not hyperactive - quite! He sleeps well, and about as long as I would expect for a dog of his age, but when he is awake he needs constant entertainment and is bounding with energy. He is undoubtedly intelligent, and classes, games, and walks help to some extent. What was that the books say 'Play with your puppy for half an hour a day'? We are talking 6 - 8 hours!

Even castrated Tiger is a naturally dominant dog(with us), and we do all the John Fisher stuff to keep him in his place - except when daddy weakens because he is just sooo charming! He also seems to be exceptionally excitable - anything, but especially an encounter with another dog will set him off, and he seems to take forever to calm down. Its all enthusiasm, there is no aggression on Tiger's part. Its as if he just produces more adrenalin, and it takes a long time to wear off.

One of our doggy acquaintances suggested that diet might be a factor, but seemed vague about the details. Currently Tiger is on James Wellbeloved or Arden Grange Adult. He has quite a sensitive tummy, many of the cheaper brands, and all the tins seem to give him the squits.

Your wise words, and suggestions, would be much appreciated.

Ruth

He sounds like a real character Ruth :-) Diet could be a factor and the only way to ascertain if this is a contributing factor will be to change it! Why not give him a try on something like Chappie Complete or in tins. It is quite a *bland, no nonsense* diet, but the dogs love it and look good on it. It also tends to avoid most of the colours and additives etc that many dog foods have.

As for play and exercise, I think that you have unwittingly built up his stamina and need for that amount. It really is a case of the more you give them ~ the more they need :D Have you tried playing *calming* games with him ? Does he retrieve a ball ? Will he *search* ?
I personally, would start to channel all that exuberance into something more mentally stimulating rather than relying on physical stimuli as a means of calming him.

Leigh

Thanks Leigh, he is indeed a real character, and huge fun - and of course we love him to bits.
Not sure about building up his stamina. If we don't do the physical stuff he just roars around the garden, or in the field, to let off steam.
Yes he does retrieve, he prett well knows the names of all his toys, takes the post to daddy (usually without opening it first)and we're learning to seek at the moment. Trouble is that he picks things up so fast we are running out of games. Is there a book on this stuff?
I've got him booked in for a clicker training course after Xmas!
I'll try the chappie dry food, the tins had rather unfortunate effects!

Ruth

I know what you mean about needing to burn energy off ...... my lot will eat the house if they don't get enough daily exercise :rolleyes: But they don't get it all their own way I usually let them run their legs off for roughly 20 - 30 minutes to get it out of their system. Then they each take it in turn to walk to heel for a set time. Then we do some training and eventually they get another *mad* session before they come home. This way they are having to use their brains as well as getting the physical exercise that they need.

I'm sure there are suggestion books on what you can do with your dog, but the skies the limit really and is only limited by our imagination :D If Tiger retrieves and you can teach him to search then you can really have some fun with him.

You are really lucky to have such a happy dog.

Let us know how you get on with him :-)

Leigh