I wasn't sure whether to post this under health or training! Is there a proper criteria to judge whether a dog is hyperactive or not. I have an 11 month old bitch and a (relatively inexperienced) trainer who worked with her for a week, told me not to breed her as she's hyperactive. She trained really well, heels, automatic sit, down, come, no problem. But at all other times (when not in a training lesson, on a leash) she tends to jump around like a kangaroo knocking things over, which makes everyone laugh but me!! She can never be in her crate without squeaking/whinning or kneeding her paws up and down or wagging her tail and making it rattle. When she's outside she can run like the wind, but doesn't need to be on the go all of the time. As a pup, she had older dogs to compete with for attention and her "kangarooing" may have come from that - ?? But even the trainer didn't have much luck keeping four paws on the ground at all times. Any suggestions? I've moved her to the raw diet hoping this may help if it's the kibble (allergies).

Ami What kind of dog is it? Its sounds like you have a pup that has very high drive! Just enjoy it. She should settle down some as she gets older.

 Quote:

Originally posted by Ami:
I have an 11 month old bitch ... She trained really well, heels, automatic sit, down, come, no problem. But at all other times (when not in a training lesson, on a leash) she tends to jump around like a kangaroo knocking things over, which makes everyone laugh but me!!

Grin, sounds like one of mine- but I love it! Frustrating at times, but once you can channel those drives- it can be fun. If she was truly "hyperactive", the training would not stick. Her attention span and memory would be too short. With mine, the more upset I get, the more she will make mistakes trying to please me. And her bouncing becomes more and more out of control.

Find things to do that use both her physical and mental energy. Not just long walks in the park (though those are good for unwinding), but you have to involve her mind so she learns to control herself. Hmmm, martial arts and meditation for dogs. Om mane pad :-)

Anna

Sounds like a normal 11 month old pup to me! I agree if the dog was truly hyperactive it would not have trained well. I would just try to find some pursuits to keep her busy and burn off some of that energy. Tired dogs are content dogs - but if she is a boundless energy type of dog it may tire you out first! She sounds like a real high attitude dog that will mellow a little as she matures.

I have an 11 month old bitch and a (relatively inexperienced) trainer who worked with her for a week, told me not to breed her as she's hyperactive. Well, just to clarify here on this. You shouldn't be too concerned about breeding just yet anyway. The dog should not be bred until AFTER she is mature(not now) and has had her hips certified.

If it makes you feel any better my 15 mo old male does the same thing when we are headed to the field for either OB or protection. He doesn't pull, just jumps about 5 feet straight up in the air, I believe to express his happiness. :-)

Are you using a prong collar? You talk about indoor knocking things down.... how long is your leash?

Ami,
What breed of dog is this? From where did you obtain her? Did you obtain her with the intent of breeding her?
On diet, I could be wrong, but it's not allergies that will cause some dog to behave "hyperactively" when on a kibble diet, but rather, it's the imbalance of carbs vs. protein. Feeding a raw, natural diet is great, and keep it up if you'd like, but also know that if you are feeding the same kibble (perhaps to other dogs in your kennel), you might want to switch to a different brand with less grains/carbs.
As far as whether or not this bitch is hyperactive, I think everyone else has hit the nail on the head. High energy does not mean hyperactive. If she were hyperactive, the training would not stick, and her attention span would be pretty much zero. She sounds like a smart, energetic puppy. Learn to work with her particular personality, and you'll get farther than you will by fighting it. But, remember that she does need to learn self control. Teach this like you would any other obedience command, as it is probably very difficult for her. Start small, and build upon her successes.

we have a bitch similar to what you're describing. Ever since she was 4mos old, she's been always full of energy, you work her so much that she "seems" tired and in another 15mins she gets pushy to go work some more. She's always on the go, VERY high energy, and her speed and agility, coupled with an extremely high prey drive (she will chase and catch flies when she's out playing in the yard) make her more comparable to a Mal than any GSD I've seen personally. BUT, she focuses when it's time to work, is very attentive and obeys on first command. Her instinct to retrieve is nuts, and she is a very accomplished tracker. With this said, don't confuse a high energy, smart dog with a hyperactive, unable to focus nut <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I would also reconsider your choice of trainer. Perhaps you need to find a more experienced trainer that is a better fit for you and your dog.

I would hope that any trainer you work with would understand the psycology of dogs well enough to differentiate between high drive and hyperactive.

Thanks. Your answers really help. In answer to your questions, this is a Lab (I have bred two other ones I have once each, and may breed her when she's older if her hips are ok etc etc or she'll remain a pet). They all come from an excellent working breeder. I perhaps should reconsider my trainer, comments welcome on this too: I have 14 month old GSD bitch. Both her parents are orginally imported top line german working dogs. I obtained her for "visual" protection/companion. The trainer (he breeds GSDs) told me to spay her too (although my intention wasn't to breed her)as she has a soft temperament and doesn't represent the breed (he said). She loves everyone particularly children and puppies. I took her to be spayed and the vet was horrified. He's only refused to spay two bitches in 25 years and she's one of them. He says she's fantastic in every way,the kind of GSD who should be bred and that I should go and learn about breeding GSDs. Now I'm trying to learn more about GSDs and becoming facinated by the breed. I've only become interested in dogs as a passionate hobby related to a career change in the last two years but I'm learning real fast!!

The trainer (he breeds GSDs) told me to spay her too (although my intention wasn't to breed her)as she has a soft temperament and doesn't represent the breed (he said). First off, are we talking about the same trainer that told you the Lab was ADD?

Second, while Vets see lots of dogs, they do not see lots of well bred working line dogs. Your bitch may seem like the perfect shepherd to him if all he has seen are Am bred Spookbags. Since the person you obtained her from wanted her spayed, are you in someway going to void your contract, and more importantly, your word?

If your bitch is soft, she may be the best pet in your area, but she still shouldn't be bred unless you just want to make more pets, or are in it for money. If you think I am being harsh, go join a rescue group that deals with GSD's and see how many they can't save. Perfectly nice dogs die in shelters everyday. I have one that was going to die laying at my feet, and while he too is soft and not of breeding quality, he actually works pretty damn good.

Your vet may like your girl because, she sounds like, a labrador in a shepherd suit, but that is not what the breed was intended to be...

just my $.02

Deanna