How To Calm Down a Crazy American Bully

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American Bully dogs are one of the happiest and loving dog breeds. They are great family pets, friendly with other dogs and people, and are extremely intelligent.

However, Bullies are muscular dogs that need outlets for their energy, or they can become hyperactive.

Here’s how to calm down a crazy American Bully:

1. Increase your Bully’s activity level.
2. Work on training your Bully.
3. Get your Bully some new toys.
4. Ask your vet about medication or supplements.

In this article, I will give you more details about each of these and give you some ideas that you can start using today to help your Bully calm down.

A hyperactive Bully can be dangerous for your family and your pup, so be sure to read until the end to get all of the tips!

1. Increase Your Bully’s Activity Level

The American Bully is a strong, muscular breed with a lot of energy. Though they are extremely sweet and calm-natured family dogs, Bully’s need more exercise than other dog breeds.

If you notice that your dog is jumping on you a lot or being destructive, they may be bored and need more exercise.

This YouTube video can help you with dealing with a hyperactive dog:

Here are a few things you can do with your Bully to increase their activity level.

Running

Running is a great way to release built-up energy. American Bullies love running off-leash in an open area or dog park, so it is a great idea to give your Bully some off-leash running time every day.

Bullies also love running with their owners. If you like to go for a daily jog or run, try bringing your dog along with you. You will both love the exercise and the bonding that comes from it, but make sure they are leash trained first.

Dog Treadmill

If you aren’t into running and the weather isn’t suitable for a dog park visit, you can try letting your Bully run on a treadmill. Dog treadmills are explicitly made for dogs to get extra exercise indoors and designed with dog safety. 

You can strap your Bully in and let them run as much as they want.

If you are interested in getting your Bully a treadmill, check out this PetSite Dog Treadmill. It is an excellent option for a rainy day or when you aren’t feeling as active as your pup, because it has side rails to prevent your Bully from falling off.

Swimming

Swimming is another excellent way to get your dog some more exercise. American Bullies love water and are happy to go for swims. You can swim alongside your dog in a pool or lake or even throw a ball or stick for them to fetch. 

Swimming is a great way to increase activity levels during the warmer months.

Playing Games

Playing games like fetch or tug-of-war is a great way to increase activity levels and bonding with your pet. As a bonus, these games are also mentally stimulating for your dog. It is great to play outside with your Bully, but there are tons of things you can play with inside too. 

Check out these few toys from Chewy that you can use to play indoors with your pet:

• Chuckit! Indoor Ball Dog Toy
• Mammoth Cotton Blend 5 Knot Dog Rope Toy
• Frisco Bungee Rope Tennis Ball Dog Toy

Biking

If you don’t want to run alongside your pup, try biking, as an American Bully will happily run alongside their owner while they bike if trained to do so. If you want to start biking with your dog, be sure to do your research first to ensure that you are both safe.

2. Work on Training Your Bully

American Bullies are brilliant dogs, and this high level of intelligence means they are easily trainable. One of the best ways to promote good behaviors in your pet is training. If you notice your Bully becoming overly excited, try out the following training techniques.

Professional Dog Training

Professional dog training is always an excellent option for dog parents. Dog trainers are experts in dog behavior, and they may be able to pick up on cues that you may overlook. Professional trainers will also train you to work with your dog regularly. 

They will be able to teach you commands, communication skills, and equip you with the tools needed to keep your pup on their best behavior.

Use Wait Commands

“Wait” commands are essential training skills for hyperactive dogs to master. Dogs who can properly wait are better at regulating their hyperactivity and are less likely to jump on you when you walk in the door, for example.

The main wait commands that you will want to work on are:

• Sit
• Stay
• Wait
• Lay Down

These commands are easy for most Bullies to pick up and will come in handy during other activities, like walking on leash or feeding times.

Clicker Training

American Bully dogs work well with clicker training. A clicker trainer is a device that makes a clicking noise or other sound paired with a treat. 

When your Bully masters the “sit,” for example, you’d click the clicker and give a treat.

This type of training works well with Bullies because it allows them to use their brain power. The act of clicking is faster than giving a treat, so it will enable your dog to better pair the noise with the good behavior that prompts the reward.

3. Get Your Bully Some New Toys

Mental exercises and toys that use brainpower are a great way to ensure your dog stays active and entertained. A bored Bully is prone to destructive behavior around the house, so providing toys to play with while you are away from home is a positive outlet for that energy.

Interactive toys like the ones below from Amazon.com are great options to consider:

• OurPets IQ Treat Ball: Dogs must actively play with this ball to dispense the treats.
• SNiFFiz SmellyUFO: This UFO-shaped toy will dispense treats as your dog plays with the toy.
• Outward Hound Puzzle Game Dog Toys: This toy allows you to play hide and seek with treats, enticing your dog to explore this interactive puzzle to get rewarded.

4. Ask Your Vet About Medication or Supplements

If you have tried everything and your pet still won’t calm down, it may be time to talk to your vet. Your vet may prescribe your dog medication or recommend a CBD product to help calm down your dog.

There are also some products you can try at home, like these calming products from Chewy:

• Calm Paws Serene Pet Calming Essential Oil: You can rub this essential oil on your dog’s back or add a few drops to their food or water.
• BarkLogic Calming Lavender Dog Shampoo: This shampoo will add some extra calm to your dog’s bath time.
• Zesty Paws Hemp Elements Calming Peppermint Flavored Chews: This chewable hemp supplement will help your dog to relax day-to-day.

Final Thoughts

American Bullies are one of the best breeds you can get, especially for families. However, you must be sure to keep your pup active so they don’t develop destructive behaviors. If you find yourself with a hyperactive Bully, try the following:

• Increasing their day-to-day activity.
• Working on their training skills to promote positive behavior.
• Get them some new toys to help stimulate their mind.
• Ask your vet about medications or calming supplements.

Following these tips in this article will keep your Bully entertained and you a happy owner!