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Try Sports for Hyper Pit Bull

A high-energy Pit Bull needs a positive outlet, such as dog sports.

By September Morn

Q: I have an American Pit Bull Terrier. She is the friendliest dog you will ever meet, but she is very hyperactive. Is anything that I could give her to calm her down?

A: The American Pit Bull Terrier is a strong, energetic breed, and what may seem hyperactive to you could be a normal activity level for this kind of dog. Unless your veterinarian determines your dog actually requires drugs to slow her down, it's likely that training and more exercise are what she really needs.

If she's already had a basic obedience class, try some agility or flyball lessons. These sports are great for dogs with high energy, like your terrier. Training for and playing these sports is fun, and while your dog is using her mind and muscle playing these organized games, her high energy will have a positive outlet.

There's a bonus, too -- while your dog plays these exciting sports, she will also be responding to your directions. This is a habit that will help her learn to use her energy as you direct, rather than getting herself into trouble with it.

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Reader Comments
This is a very good thing for any pit bull owner to read
Natalia, Reno, NV
Posted: 11/6/2007 12:38:42 PM
Any active dog--doesn't have to be a Pit Bull--can benefit from mental challenges as well as physical excercise. Teach the dog tricks, practice agility, play hide n seek. My border collie loves "foraging for food." I take kibble and sprinkle it in various locations throughout the house, making sure a few pieces end up in hidden nooks and crannies. That way she has to use her nose and eyes and paws to figure out where it is and how to get it. She'll visit the sites again and again until she's absolutely sure there are no tidbits left. It's a great way to keep your dog busy on days when the weather is positively prohibitive for lengthy outdoor activity. And apparently the dog finds it just as tiring as a high speed romp.
Pat, St Louis, MO
Posted: 9/19/2007 11:24:38 AM
Great advice! I, too own an active pitbull and in my opinion they are all active and do require lots of exercise. We walk my Zoe for 2hrs every day and we just completed our first 6wk agility class and she loved both the physical and the mental challenge with this sport! I have looked into flyball and think she would also be awesome at this. Pitbulls are a wonderful breed who just want a job to do. They are definitely the wrong dog for couch potatoes!
Faith, Seattle, WA
Posted: 9/5/2007 7:36:49 AM
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