Reactive dogs, especially herders, working breeds and mixes, are usually less reactive when they drain their mental and physical energy daily. Pent-up energy can drive reactivity and/or make existing reactivity worse.
Leashed walks around the neighborhood are good, but only if your pup remains under threshold. Once they go over threshold, the benefit from that walk is lost.
Instead, I recommend finding natural areas where any dogs, people and other triggers will be encountered at a distance, if at all. In that environment the long leash (15-20 feet) permits a dog to walk at a distance from their handler. We refer to this activity as a “sniffari” or “decompression walk.” The goal is for dogs to fill their instinctual need to sniff, follow their noses, exercise their brains and chase insects. Dogs set the pace. They decide where they’re going. They decide how long they’ll stop.
Sniffaris are tremendous energy releases. Although they typically move slower than an urban walk (great if you’re carrying a baby or having a conversation), the act of sniffing involves more of the dog brain than walking alone. A 30 minute sniffari can easily achieve the exercise effects of a 45 or 60 minute urban walk.
Flirt poles are awesome for energy burning, mental stimulation and human-canine bonding. It’s easiest when you have a secure fenced space (or open indoor area) so your pup can be off-leash, but that’s not a requirement. Many of my urban dwelling clients successfully use a long leash with the flirt pole, in the city.
If you have a fenced outdoor space, at least the size of a typical 2 car driveway, ball herding with a Collie Ball or similar is tremendous fun for most dogs. Herding giant balls burns mental and physical energy, and fulfills herding breeds and mixes on an instinctual level (enriching).
There are now mobile dog “gyms” in many cities. They offer non-motorized treadmills designed for dogs, and an operator that knows how to successfully introduce them. You can buy a manual treadmill (aka a “slatmill”) online, if desired.
Dogs can learn to use a human treadmill, though they’re not ideal. They’re shorter than dog treadmills, and most have a motor, so the dog isn’t walking autonomously. Your pup will likely need guidance for learning to use one.
Scent games are good energy burners you can utilize indoors. Start by hiding treats or dry food in the room your pup spends the most time in, while they’re elsewhere. Slowly expand the number of hiding places and the types of rewards, to hold your dog’s interest and motivate them to play the game.
Stuffed Kongs, puzzles, scatter feeding (aka “enrichment”) help deplete mental energy while engaging canine instincts. Variety is critical to long term success. I recommend having enough puzzles, games, and activities in your toolbox that you can feed 1 meal a day via enrichment and not repeat a tool in a week. Different sizes, shapes, delivery mechanisms help to hold a dog’s attention and motivate them to complete the puzzles.
Learning tricks and cues (commands) drains energy and provides enrichment.
Recreational herding is one of the most effective methods for burning pent-up energy I know of in herding breeds and mixes. Unless you live with livestock, you’ll need to take your pup to a professional with sheep, geese, etc., and have them show you the ropes.
No training or behavior modification program can overcome pent-up energy. Until we fulfill a dog’s physical and mental energy needs, we can’t truly reach them, at their core.
Try a variety of activities to help your reactive puppy or dog and practice them, daily. You may be surprised at the results!
©️Dee Green, 2025
Dee Green has been a professional dog trainer and canine behavior consultant for more than 20 years. She specializes in puppies up to 18 months, and fearful, anxious, and reactive dogs of all ages.