When hyperactivity becomes a hazard

Just a note: this article is about the behavioural version of hyperactivity (being excessively active), not the actual clinical syndrome of hyperactivity (hyperkinesis) which is quite rare in dogs. If you suspect the latter, consult a vet as there are treatments which can help.

‍Some dogs are little bundles of dynamite — bouncing, zooming, leaping, and ricocheting from one exciting thing to the next. And while that enthusiasm is one of the joys of sharing life with a dog, hyperactive behaviours and over-excitability can tip from “cute” to “concerning”.

From injuries to road accidents, dog fights to destructive behaviour, too much unmanaged energy can become a real hazard. The good news is that you can teach your pup to channel that fizz into safe, healthy, calm behaviour - so let’s go through some practical steps you can take.

And because accidents can happen at any time — especially with energetic pups — remember to get pet insurance from Day One. There’s an excellent offer from Southern Cross Pet Insurance below.‍

Why hyperactivity can be risky

Energetic behaviour becomes dangerous when dogs struggle to self-regulate. A few common risks include:‍

1. Traumatic injuries

Over-aroused dogs are more likely to crash into furniture, tumble off decks, pull muscles, or twist joints. Puppies are especially vulnerable because their growth plates are still forming.

Southern Cross Pet Insurance sees this reflected in real claims data: traumatic injury and fracture are among the top 8 most common claims for puppies under 6 months old, with treatment costs reaching thousands. In 2024, fractured legs in a Yorkshire Terrier and a Labrador each cost over $9,000 to treat — a painful example of how quickly things can go wrong.

2. Road accidents

Hyperactive dogs may bolt out doors, scale fences, or wriggle out of harnesses in a moment of excitement. High prey drive and poor impulse control can lead to dangerous chase behaviour around cars, bikes, or livestock.

3. Dog fights

Dogs in a highly aroused state can misread signals or fail to respond to social cues. A dog that barrels into another dog at full speed, steals toys, or leaps into a group can unintentionally start a scuffle.

4. Destructive behaviour

Excess energy — combined with boredom — often shows up as chewing, digging, shredding, or raiding the rubbish. While this is normal for young dogs, it can escalate into risky behaviours like swallowing non-food items.

Southern Cross Pet Insurance processed many such claims in 2024. The most common accidental injuries in pups under 6 months included eating non-food items and poisoning, with treatment costs reaching as high as $7,000.

5. Long-term health issues from over-exercise

It’s so easy to accidentally “overdo it,” especially with active breeds - you buy into the fallacy that if you just tire them out enough, you’ll get some peace. But growth plates, tendons, joints and ligaments are still developing — and too much repetitive or high-impact exercise can cause injury or increase the risk of issues like arthritis later on.

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How to manage over-excitability safely

A hyperactive dog isn’t “naughty” — they just haven’t learned how to regulate their arousal yet. Here are a few practical, science-based ways to help them calm down and stay safe.

1. Teach calm as a trained behaviour

Your pup won’t magically “grow out of” over-excitability — you need to show them how to settle.

• Use training techniques to calm their nervous system: bond gaze and zen down are two great ones to try, they work with your pup’s physiology to induce calmer states 
• Train your pup to settle on a clip station. This is not just a management tool, it is actually one of the most powerful techniques to help teach your pup to settle and be calm. A must have in your toolkit for hyperactive pups. 
• Regularly reinforce calm engagement rather than amped-up behaviour.
• Ensure you don’t inadvertently reward hyperactive behaviours e.g. by talking to or handling  your pup during hyperactive moments such as jumping up, overstimulating them when you arrive home, or giving them the outcome they desire when acting hyperactively, such as letting them off lead while pulling. 
  

2. Build impulse control early

Impulse control exercises teach your dog to pause before reacting.

Try:

• “Wait” at doors, gates, and before food bowls
• “Sit” before greeting
• Alternate play with command work using a clicker, to show your pup how to dip in and out of play arousal. For example, play tug then intermittently use a “leave it” command and settle your pup with a few commands before resuming. Or insist on a “Down” in between throws while playing fetch. Or call your pup away from play with another dog for a few commands, then release them to play again. 
  

These simple behaviours give your dog a “default setting” of self-control.

3. Use enrichment

High-energy dogs need ways to burn mental energy — not just physical. This makes a bigger difference than most people realise. 

Enrichment ideas:

• Sniff walks
• Puzzle feeders
• Scatter feeding
• Scent games
• Chew-based calming activities
• Training short, fun sessions throughout the day
  

Mental work tires dogs out more safely than constant high-speed exercise. This is especially important for the working breeds. 

4. Exercise wisely

Appropriate exercise is essential in the management of a highly active dog. But not all exercise is created equal. Avoid:

• Repetitive, high-impact ball throwing
• Long runs for puppies
• Jumping off high surfaces
• Excessive rough play with bigger dogs
• Anything that is excessively jarring, particularly in puppies under 12 months old
  

Instead, choose:

• Controlled play
• Interval-style walks
• Swimming 
• Structured training that mixes movement, thinking, and calm.
• Many high-energy breeds enjoy having a “job” as they mature, such as agility. 
  

5. Manage the environment

Prevention is your best friend.

• Use baby gates, pens, leads, and fences to limit impulsive dashing.
• Keep toxic foods, socks, small toys, and hazards safely out of reach.
• Supervise pups closely during the high-risk early months.
  

Please insure your pup from Day One

Even the best-trained, best-managed puppies are still puppies — curious, impulsive, fast, and not fully aware of danger.

That’s why I strongly recommend having pet insurance from the moment you bring your pup home. Accidents can happen on day one, and early injuries can lead to lifelong, expensive issues.

Southern Cross Pet Insurance offers 6 weeks of free cover for pups aged 6–26 weeks. It’s a complete no-brainer — it protects you while you explore longer-term options, and gives you huge peace of mind during the most accident-prone stage of your pup’s life. Check out the offer here. 

The bottom line

Hyperactivity is most often a skill gap. Your pup needs your help learning to regulate themselves, build impulse control, and burn their energy in safe, healthy ways.

Combine thoughtful training, appropriate exercise, smart enrichment, good routines and pet insurance from day one, and you’ll protect your pup’s body, mind, and long-term wellbeing.

A calm dog is a safer dog — and a safer dog is a happier, healthier companion for life.

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This content is created in partnership with Southern Cross Pet Insurance.
*Based on data provided by Southern Cross Pet Insurance for claims received for dogs between 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2024.

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