Why Is My Dog So Hyper When We See Other Dogs in the Park?

Most dogs enjoy interaction with other animals. Other dogs smell different, look different, sound different and represent a whole new exciting experience that can bring out the hyper side of a pup, particularly if he's an excitable breed. While some level of curiosity and excitement is to be expected, an overly hyper dog can run off potential new playmates at the park if he doesn’t learn good manners.

If your dog is an “only” dog, or if your pup doesn't regularly interact with other people or animals, going to the park and seeing other dogs is going to be a big experience. The park environment can incite emotions including excitement, anxiety and even fear that manifests itself as hyperactivity. Going to the park is actually a good way to start socializing your dog so he gets accustomed to being around other animals and learns how to conduct himself. If your dog is aggressive or scared, keep him at home until he can be properly trained and socialized.

Unaltered dogs often appear to go crazy if they see and smell other dogs, particularly those of the opposite sex who are of breeding age. This level of hyperactivity and drive can be forceful enough that your dog will try to break free from you to pursue the object of his desire. Think twice about taking an unaltered dog to the park unless you are able to maintain full control over him at all times.

Dogs need to be exercised on a regular basis to ensure they expend pent-up energy. A dog who sits in the house all day and goes to the park on a weekend is likely to act like a kid in a candy store. There will be so much activity and so much to see and do that he won’t know where to begin, and will be hyper as a result. Regular exercise and interaction can help curb this behavior slightly, though high-energy dogs will probably always have an initial burst of excitement when they realize they're in the car and headed to the park.

An overly hyper dog has the potential to get himself -- and, by association, you -- into trouble at the park if you're not careful. Always put a collar and leash on your dog when you're out in public to ensure he doesn't run off and jump on other dogs or people. If you and your dog enjoy going to the park together, do it on a regular basis so it becomes part of your pup’s routine rather than a rare treat. This will help desensitize him to all the activity that's taking place as well as socialize him at the same time.