Pet sitting high-energy dog breeds

Updated 11/09/2024

Some pups have endless energy. Finding the off-switch for some high-energy dog breeds or active dogs whilst pet sitting can seem rather daunting. But it really doesn’t need to be! For sitters who love the outdoors and being active, this can be an ideal sitting situation.

To make sure you’re as prepared as paw-sible, here are some tips and tricks on high-energy dog breeds and caring for active breed dogs.

What are high-energy dog breeds?

High-energy dogs and pups who have boundless energy throughout the day, require lots of physical and mental stimulation and can become destructive and aggressive if their needs aren’t met. For example, any working breed is a high-energy breed - these pooches were bred specifically to have a busy, active day job on a farm or large areas of land for hunting or retrieving. With this in mind, here are some of the most common high-energy dog breeds:

• Border Collies
• German Shepherds
• Australian Shepherds
• Australian Cattle Dogs
• Labradors
• Dalmatians
• Springer Spaniels
• Cocker Spaniels
• Golden Retrievers
• Siberian Huskies

Surprisingly, dog breeds considered to be lazy are in fact active dogs. However, they may begin to slow down at a younger age due to their size. These include

• Bernese Mountain Dogs
• Great Danes
• English Mastiffs
• Newfoundlands

Of course, every doggo is different, and a pup considered a high-energy breed may not be due to their medical history or personality. If you’re ever worried about your dog’s energy levels, be sure to make an appointment with their vet immediately.

Is there such a thing as small energetic dogs?

Absolutely! Anyone who is a pet parent to or has cared for a Jack Russell Terrier knows these bite-sized barkers have unlimited energy. Ever seen what happens when one is let off their leash? If you haven’t and you’re curious, make sure they’re well-trained in recall, you’re both in a safely enclosed area, and you’re at a good level of fitness. Other small energetic dogs include:

• Shiba Inu
• Miniature American Shepherds
• Whippets
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Miniature Pinscher
• Border Terrier
• Patterdale
• Miniature Poodle

Basically, any small dog breed with the word ‘terrier’ or ‘miniature’ in its name. What they lack in size they certainly make up for in hyperactivity.

Tips for calming hyper dogs

High-energy dogs need a strict routine

Arguably the most important tip on the list is that hyperdog breeds need structure. Of course, all pups do, but high-energy dogs need enforced rules and routines to help prevent frustration. As the substitute carer whilst their pet parents are away, you need to make sure their day-to-day remains as much the same as possible. Active dogs are intelligent dogs and help with behavior whilst also keeping them happy.

Long walks and places to roam

Active dogs need lots of exercise every day. As their daily dog walker whilst their pet parents are away, you’re responsible for making sure the physical needs of these bundles of barking energy are met. Many of these small energetic dog breeds and large working breed dogs need at least a one-hour or two-hour walk each day, and some might require a lot more and often more than one walk.

If you’re house sitting out in the country, you may have the luxury of wide-open spaces where the dogs can safely run around. Ask the pet parents for recommendations on walks and areas that are safe for off-leash walks or places for them to run about freely. Beware of rural hazards including livestock - never presume a field or walk is safe or allowed for off-leash activities, always assume it’s on leash only unless you’re certain it’s not.

For those house sitting in urban areas, you might be limited with the choices of where to take your pup pal on their daily walk, especially if you don’t have a car or can’t use public transport. Again, chat with the pet parents before they leave and see what they suggest. Most cities will have at least one dog-friendly park or beach within walking distance.

Don’t forget mental stimulation

Most active breeds are super smart, so they’ll need puzzles, toys, and other things to keep their minds occupied as well as their furry legs. The best way to tire out an active dog is to combine mental and physical stimulation.

Be sure to play with them throughout the day with tug-of-war toys, balls, or frisbees to keep them stimulated. Include some calmer activities such as safe chew toys or pup puzzles to allow for some physical downtime whilst preventing boredom. Changing up their walking route by making a different recommendation each day will also keep their minds curious and happy.  

Make sure you can commit the time to their care

To follow on from the points around mental and physical stimulation, as a pet sitter, you need to be honest about how much time in your day you can commit to their needs. If you work long or unpredictable hours, or you’re unable to fulfill active activities, active dog breeds may not be a good choice of pet pal for you.

Look for obstacle courses

We don’t mean suggesting their pet parents enter them for Best In Show, but some dog-friendly parks have small obstacle courses where pups can run around for free. What’s paw-some about them is that they combine mental and physical stimulation whilst also offering their humans a workout. Some places allow you to pay a small fee to spend an hour or two running around a more complex, built-up doggo obstacle course for them to explore. Kind of like a pup play center! Talk to their pet parents and see if they have any favorite spots to unwind their hyperhound.

Meet our veterinary expert, Lizzie

This article has been checked by veterinarian Lizzie Youens BSc (Hons) BVSc MRCVS. Lizzie graduated from the University of Bristol in 2011, and has been working in first opinion companion animal practice. She has worked in a variety of clinics across the UK, from large hospitals to small branch practices. She enjoys doing a mixture of medicine, surgery and emergency work. Lizzie currently works in a small rural practice where she enjoys working in a close-knit community.

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