How to stop dogs from playing all the time?
Yvonne Blanda
2025-07-15 02:30:33
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: 5
I will usually separate and crate them twice a day to make them take a naptime. Will also kennel one or both as needed when they get to be too crazy. Another tactic that I find works, especially for food motivated dogs, is having a treat session. I call all the dogs over to me and start handing out little treat bites for the dogs that will sit. It refocuses their attention for a few minutes to something other than their best buddy.
When I have this problem with my own dogs, I get them to sit and lie down and keep them there for a moment so they have a chance to calm down. Usually doing this a few times will lead to them acting more calm all around.
You could also try a lot of focused exercise. Puppies can't take long walks, but a game of catch or something similar will tire them out. Also, force the naps. They need to sleep, just like toddlers.
Some tactics I've used when supervising dog play include physical separation - crates and baby gates are my lifesaver. Sometimes dogs, especially puppies, are exhausted and nearing a 'meltdown' but like toddlers, don't realize they're tired, so by physically separating them they will usually fall asleep and everyone can have a breather.
Maryse McDermott
2025-07-15 02:15:45
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: 9
Dogs need a balance of both physical and mental exercise. Many dogs when left alone in their yard, though they may play when initially let out, do not spend a whole lot of time interacting/playing with each other/ burning up a whole lot of energy. Keeping in mind that 'day time' is by nature the time when dogs spend more time resting than engaging in high energy activities. If they get bored being out on their own they may find something to do that you may not approve of - they can learn to run the fence line barking at people and dogs going by, they may take up nuisance barking, they may engage in some 'landscaping' -'self-rewarding' behaviors that are easier to prevent than to change after they have had opportunities to practice them. Perhaps consider adding some 'brain games' into their routine - a tired 'body and mind' can help to make it easier for dogs to relax and settle when we need them to. Brain games use more energy than physical exercise.
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