A real question from r/Dogtraining that deserves a real answer. Not generic advice — specific steps.
I’ve had the kitten in my house for two weeks now and they have no problems with each other. He will play with her and is confident enough to not hiss or swat in fear upon seeing her. She doesn’t try to bite and her tail wags happily. The problem is that my dog is high energy and will follow him around everywhere. Constantly looking for him or watching him so that she can engage. It’s not malicious, but rather annoying and I can tell the kitten gets tired of it too. If she’s not chasing, she’s panting and looking around, anything but relaxing. Once he decides to take a nap, she will too, and it’s the only time she will relax. She has hyper-fixation issues with things like lasers and shadows, where her focus is hard to break when she sees them. I don’t want it to get to that point with the
Provide your dog with plenty of physical and mental stimulation through training, play, and daily exercise to help them relax. Implement a consistent routine and positive reinforcement to address any unwanted behaviors.
I hear you, the struggle with an energetic pup is real! Here's the thing - dogs like your Australian shepherd are highly intelligent, sensitive, and adaptable by nature. When they don't have their needs met, they find creative (and often destructive) ways to get attention and release that pent-up energy. The key is to tap into their innate drive to learn, explore, and engage with you. Start by establishing a strong foundation with the Seasonal Adaptation Strategy - this involves adjusting your training and activities to match your dog's changing energy levels throughout the year. Next, use the Threshold Management System to gradually expose your dog to new sights, sounds, and experiences while keeping them below their stress threshold. This helps build confidence and reduce anxiety. For the biting and couch-surfing, try the Traffic Light System. When you see the warning signs (yellow light), quickly interrupt the behavior with a sharp "Ah-ah!" then redirect your dog's attention to a toy or treat. Reward calm, relaxed behavior (green light) with praise and playtime. Removing access to the couch can also help. Consistency and patience are key. As you implement these strategies, you'll start to see real breakthroughs. Your dog will learn to self-soothe, settle on their own, and channel that energy into more positive outlets. Before long, you'll have a relaxed, well-adjusted pup who's a joy to be around. Hang in there - you've got this!
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