Are you dreaming of sitting in a café with your faithful hound at your side? Imagining relaxing in front of the television with your pup sleeping quietly in his bed? Sometimes the reality is quite different.

A dog that can't settle can be exhausting; if this is your dog, then consider the following:

• Are your dog's needs being met? If you have a high-energy working dog, then a 15-minute stroll around the block is not enough. Remember to include mental and physical activities.

• Sleep – dogs need a lot of sleep and rest. Adults 12 -16 hours a day. Puppies up to 20.

• Food – Think about the food you are feeding it can have an impact on behaviour.

• Training – does your dog know how to settle? Have you taught them?

• Happy dogs are usually relaxed; if you find out (and sort out) what's ruining your dog's ability to relax, you are halfway there.

Top ten for zen

1. Physical activity – make sure it is appropriate for your dog's age, fitness and breed.

2. Avoid intensive, high-energy activities such as ball throwing as a way of wearing your dog out quickly. Not only is this bad for joints, but it is also a very overexciting activity, and if this is their only outlet for the day, it can lead to a very fit, very hyper aroused dog that struggles to be calm.

3. Sniffing – let your dog sniff on walks! It is calming, relaxing, oh and tiring! I would highly recommend your read this blog outlining the rucksack walk (Steve Mann IMDT). You just need 15 minutes, a dog, and a rucksack – enjoy!

4. Brain games – mental stimulation is essential. Think about games, tricks, and activities that will get your dog thinking. Contact me for a handout on brain games or hop on my Facebook page, 'pawfect tricksters,' for more information on having fun with your dog and earning trick titles along the way.

5. Training – Teach them a 'settle' cue. In fact, practice all of your basic skills, little and often. This will not only improve general obedience, but also it is tiring in a good way.

6. Contra-freeloading – a fancy word for letting your dog earn their food allowance. Scatter feed or use enrichment toys.

7. Enrichment – use snuffle mats, kongs, Toppl's (west paw), lick mats, puzzle toys for your dog to 'earn' their daily food allowance.

8. Rest – Dogs need sleep and rest. Passive calming activities such as licking (lick mats, stuffed kongs) and chewing healthy chews (avoid rawhide) and secure, quiet place for them to settle and snooze. Remember! Adults 12- 16 hours puppies up to 20.

9. Scent work – your dog uses their nose to search for food, toys, or a specific scent. Scent work is high intensity, but your dog needs to work in a calm, methodical manner. It is also extremely tiring! Ask me for a hand out 'hide and seek.'

10. Magic matt – such an excellent behavior to teach, helps give them a clue as to what is required. You can use this at home and when you are out and about. Again ask me for a handout.

If you have a high-energy, over-excited dog, consider all of these steps. Make small changes and gradually introduce ideas. Give them a chance to breathe, think and relax and go from overexcited loon to zen master.

If you need more information or a copy of any of the handouts mentioned, email me at info@bark-ology.co.uk

Enjoy

Karen