Is there any way to calm a dog down (either through dog food or herbally)?

Question

The dog is a 2 yr. old sheltie
We give him Champion brand dog food
The problem is the dog is a farm dog but he is too active when left outside. It's hard to tire him out.

Answer 1

First, evaluate why you dog is so hyper. Some dogs are hyper because of age or breed, but hyperactivity in dogs can be as simple to fix as a food switch. Do you have your dog on a supermarket or store brand? Or a corn based food like science diet, eukanuba, or pro-plan? In the dog food world, bug names equal big price tags, not quality. Consider switching to a protein based dog food- a food whose top ingredient listed is chicken, beef, or another type of meat. Surprisingly, many premium dog foods are higher quality and lower cost than what you may be feeding. Top quality foods like Wellness, Eagle Pack, or Innova are slightly more expensive than Science Diet, but even Diamond brand foods are better than Science Diet and sell for about 50% less. Cutting out the corn and wheat carbs out of your dogs diet may help your hyper dog calm down.

Once you’ve eliminated nutritional causes, you can begin to behaviorally shape your hyper dog’s ability to pay attention.

You should start by training your dog to "calm" or "sit still" on command command. Train it just like you would a stay- stand right in front of her so close she can't take a step forward- give the command, then praise her for 1 second of stillness, the next time for 2 seconds, then 5 etc. If you needed to you can physically put your hands on her to encourage her to stay seated, then move your hands away just an inch or two as you train. She would learn very quickly that she had to be still to get the treat!

Training your dog to “calm” isn’t a fix to the problem, but may help her focus at times when it’s necessary for your hyper dog to calm down. The very, very best way to calm your hyper dog is to make sure they are getting appropriate exercise and, if needed, give them a “job” like taking an agility or herding class.

Answer 2

You need to give this dog LOTS more exercise. He isn't getting enough. He needs at least 2 1 hour walks a day in addition to some mental stimulation (training: sit, stay, leave it, come, heel, no biting or mouthing, etc. You should make the training sessions short like 5 minutes, then some play time, then another 5 minutes.) In addition, you need to socialize him also with other dogs and people (a dog park is the good place to do this - at first only go on off peak hours when there are a few dogs there to get him use to it) Dog parks are great for interaction with other dogs and to let the dog run run run and get rid of all that excess energy. You dog will probably be like this until he reaches 2.5 or 3 years. If you do this he will be much more managable in the house. Also, train him that when he is in the house, there is no running around, or rough housing. He needs to be calm and relaxed in the house. If you exercise him enough, this won't be hard to teach him. This breed needs owners who are naturally authoritative over the dog in a calm, but firm, confident and consistent way. A stable, well-adjusted, and trained dog is for the most part generally good with other pets and excellent with children in the family. They must be firmly trained in obedience from an early age. German Shepherds who have passive owners and or who's instincts are not being met can become timid, skittish and may be prone to fear biting and develop a guarding issue. They should be trained and socialized from an early age. German Shepherds will not listen if they sense that they are stronger minded than their owner, however they will also not respond well to harsh discipline. Owners need to have an air of natural authority to their demeanor. Do not treat this dog as if he were human. Learn canine instincts and treat the dog accordingly. German Shepherds are one of the smartest and most trainable breeds.

Answer 3

The best way to calm a dog down is to project - as Cesar Millan calls it - calm assertive energy. To your dog, you are (or you should be) the pack leader. Your dog takes cues from you.

Projecting calm assertive energy means more than just being calm yourself. This is important, but you must learn to *project* this energy, and you can't forget about the assertive part.

For specific tips on how to do this, check out Cesar Millan and his Dog Psychology Center.

Answer 4

I don't really think there is. Its hard to suggest what you can do since you don't say what the breed is or how old. Taking a wild stab at it, I would say obedience training if the dog is jumping on people , or just plain exercise to burn off some pent up energy especially if the dog is a working dog.

I hope this can help

Answer 5

You could try taking him to a good dog obedience training school that will help him to sit calmly. What helps with my puppy is if I say the word "pan" she is afraid I'm going to make a loud noise with a pan and she stops what she is doing. You can experiment with different things that might help you control his behavior.
Also, is he getting plenty of walks with you on a leash? Sometimes that is helpful to tiring a dog out.

Answer 6

Melissa(lemon balm)and clary sage essential oils, sprinkle a few drops on his bed. A tea made from dried catmint diluted into his drinking water. And for an hour a day try playing soft classical music for him during a quiet time. Or try bachs rescue remedy.

Answer 7

the best way is thru exercise....your situation is sometimes caused by a lack of it. a tired dog is a calm dog. It's cheap,easy and good for both of you.

Answer 8

Your vet can give him something or give you information on what to get him. Thye gave myt aunt some drops for her dog who gets freaked out by thunder storms

Answer 9

you can try Bach's Rescue Remedy, they sell it at Whole Foods or you can order it online. Works really well, add the drops to the water bowl, and it's all natural.

Answer 10

Please take your dog to it's vet. That is the best way to find out the best thing to do on this. It also may depend on what breed the dog is that determines how "excited" the dog.gets. Take care.