My young dog is hyper, won't listen, and escapes. What should I do?

Since she is so young it is difficult to tire them out. If you are able to I would take her on a long walk two to three times a day. I would also take her to a park or go out in the backyard to play with her for some time. One good way to burn energy is swimming. I did a search based on your zip code and you can contact this place to discuss letting her swim there. http://www.mauimeadowfarm.com/canine-aquatics.html The best thing you can do is really do as much as you can with her to tire her out. Thank you for using PetCoach!

I would increase the exercise during the time you have available for your dog. A tied dog is a happy dog. Long walks, playing fetch or tug, and trick training are all fun and will tire him out. Also you both would enjoy a group obedience class so you can learn to work together and he’ll learn things that will make him a better companion so you won’t need to correct his behavior as often. He’s still a teenager so be patient. He’ll improve as he grows up and learns what you expect from him. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Harley.

It sounds like she is a typical puppy! And a very cute one at that! The walking and playing fetch is a good idea. Even if she doesn't really know fetch right now, keep trying as she may pick up on it eventually. You could try playing tug of war with her. Some dogs really like to chase flashlights, so you could try that. You could also recruit a responsible neighborhood kid to walk her at times when you aren't home or drop her off at doggy daycare. Once she is fully vaccinated, you could take her to the dog park and let her run around.

It sounds as if you and Tita would benefit from an obedience class together. A basic obedience class would be a great way for you to start instilling some manners, help teach Tita what you like and don't like, and get the two of you bonding so you have a better time together. Looking up positive reinforcement techniques to stop behaviors such as jumping up, barking, and chasing other pets can also help.

Increased exercise can help. Walking (not running in a park or yard) for at least 30 minutes twice a day (some dogs need much more), doing basic training to give her mental stimulation, using puzzle toys to feed her meals, and scheduling 10 minutes of cuddling/grooming time a day can all help. You can also check out some general pet behavior books - Decoding Your Dog and anything from Sophia Yin are some of my favorites. If you're not having success on your own, i recommended getting a positive reenforcement only trainer or a veterinary behaviorist to help you out. Good luck!

I would recommend only letting her in the back yard when you can supervise her and stop the behaviors. Some people use an extended leash to prevent dogs from getting out HOWEVER that carries some very serious risks such as strangulation if she gets wrapped around something or jumps over a fence, so I don't like that idea. It may also be worthwhile to work with a good trainer or even veterinary behaviorist to find some alternative behaviors to teach her.

Before resorting to medication, try getting him into an obedience class. This will teach him to look to you for guidance and see you as the leader instead of the other way around. Neutering can help also, but he may be a high energy dog that needs lots of physical activity and mental stimulation to be better behaved. He is young so this is the perfect time to teach him what correct behavior is. Take him for lots of walks, go for runs, play fetch, arrange playdates with other dogs so he can roughhouse, teach him tricks, anything and everything to tire his body and give his mind something to do besides think of ways to get into trouble. A tired dog is a happy dog. It may be a stage that he needs to outgrow and lots of activity will help. If all this doesn't help or not enough, ask your veterinarian what they recommend.