If you’ve got a high-energy dog who’s constantly on the go, you know the struggle—how do you help them learn to calm down without squashing their personality? In my previous post, HELP! My Dog Will Not Settle Down! I went over how to teach an automatic “settle.” This is helpful for times when your dog needs to be calm, but what about when they’re already amped up?
Enter the Rev Up, Cool Down technique! This simple, engaging training method is designed to help your pup learn to turn their energy off and on like a pro. Let’s dive into how this game works and why it’s perfect for your go-getter dog!
What Is “Rev Up, Cool Down”?
Think of “Rev Up, Cool Down” as a game of high-energy sprints mixed with mini yoga sessions for your dog. We get them all hyped up for a short burst of energy and then switch gears to a calm activity. It’s a little bit like a “work hard, relax hard” approach!
Why does this work so well for high-energy dogs? Because it teaches them how to manage their excitement and, more importantly, how to chill on command. If your dog struggles with impulse control (like jumping on guests or barking during walks), this technique is a game-changer.
Step 1: The “Rev Up” Part
Time to play! Start with an activity that gets your pup moving and their tail wagging:
- Play a Fast-Paced Game of Tug: Tug-of-war is great for getting out energy and teaching boundaries.
- Fetch or Chase: If your dog loves a good sprint, throw a ball or toy for them to chase. (Please be careful – fetch can be damaging to the joints so use this sparingly.)
- Quick Agility Drills: If you have space, set up some mini obstacles or use your own body for jumps and spins.
Keep this part short—think 30 seconds to a minute. The goal is just enough to get your dog revved up and having fun, without making them too wired.
Step 2: The “Cool Down” Moment
Here’s the magic part! After that quick burst of energy, switch immediately to a calming exercise:
- Ask for a Sit or Down: Once they’re sitting or lying down, calmly reward them to reinforce the relaxed behavior.
- “Stay” Practice: A few seconds of stay practice is excellent for self-control and for bringing their energy down.
- Gentle Breathing and Soft Praise: You might feel silly, but using a calm, gentle voice or even taking slow breaths around them can help set the vibe.
Think of this cool-down as pressing the “pause” button on excitement. The goal here is to make calmness as rewarding as the playtime they just enjoyed.
Step 3: Repeat the Cycle
Once they’ve settled, go back to the “Rev Up” activity for another minute! Alternate between the two phases a few times—this back-and-forth is where they learn that it’s okay to be excited and then relax on cue. Over time, you’ll find that your dog gets quicker at shifting gears from woohoo to zen.
Why “Rev Up, Cool Down” Works Wonders for Hyper Dogs
High-energy dogs need to burn off both physical and mental steam, and “Rev Up, Cool Down” does both! Here’s what makes this technique such a winner:
- Builds Impulse Control: Your dog learns that even though they’re excited, they can also settle down when asked.
- Teaches Self-Regulation: They start to understand that calm behavior can be just as rewarding as high-energy play.
- Works in Real Life Situations: With practice, your dog will learn to stay calm when guests arrive, when they’re on a leash, and in other “revved-up” moments!
Final Thoughts: Give “Rev Up, Cool Down” a Try!
With consistency and practice, “Rev Up, Cool Down” will give your dog a toolkit for managing their energy in a healthy way, while still letting their personality shine. So, grab a tug toy, a ball, or even a handful of treats, and get ready for some fun training time that helps your dog’s brain and body!
Let me know how it goes, and don’t forget: every time you help your dog learn to calm down, you’re strengthening your bond and giving them (and you!) the skills for a more peaceful, balanced life together. Let’s get revving!
Espresso Dog Training 