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Originally Posted by Swirl  Some dogs are more hyper then others. I know some people that have to put their dogs on medicine due to the fact that nothing they did including strenuous workouts for the dog would tire them out. I don't want this for the dog. So I am looking for other ways besides what I am doing to get her energy out in a productive manner. |
THE LAST thing this dog needs is medication. Medication is for dogs suffering from severe anxiety or OCD behaviours - not for happy (but busy) and healthy dogs like yours. Many would LOVe to have a dog so full of it like yours seems to be!
As others have said, YOU need to change what you do because whatever is happening now is not working. Swimming is another wonderful form of exercise for young and old dogs alike in the winter here we take advantage of deep snow for some good exercise. What many people don;t realise is that a "walk" for many rotties is just a nice way to "clear out the cobwebs" what many dogs need is some high intensity exercise like playing fetch, running up & down hills etc. There's also the mental aspect which sounds like the main thing you are struggling with. Just because your dog "knows" how to sit, doesn't mean they are being stimulated mentally. I would agrue that a smart dog will be MORE work and you will have to be creative about the things she learns, likely for the rest of her life. as others have suggested, dog sports are great (once she is old enough).
This is one of those great examples of how important it is to do your research on a breed before you get the dog. A rottie is a WORKING dog, not a lap dog, and as such many rotties need jobs or they become destructive and end up in shelters. I am glad to see that you seem comitted to this dog and I would advise you to get into class or buy a dog trick for dummies book ASAP to keep that girlies mind occupied!