My foster dog is SUPER HYPER!!!

ebayaddict0127

I've rescued three dogs as an adult and we've fostered one before. NONE of them were hyper like Joey (our newest foster). This guy is on overdrive 24/7. We try walking him, playing, staying calm... he's non stop go go go. I'm praying and hoping he's just nervous from the radical changes. Here's what's so weird. He's 10. I know for sure he's 10 because I have his puppy records. A 10 year old overactive dog?

He's the sweetest and cutest little guy ever, but the pacing and panting and barking when we leave the room and barking at night.. we're getting no rest.

So has anyone rescued or fostered a dog who acted like this during their adjustment period and finally calmed the heck down? Or is this how Joey is... is this his personality? Any tips on calming him down a bit? (Besides exercise and playing... and sedatives?)

PS - That's not Joey in my profile pic. That's my baby Mitzie Lou. She's such a good girl.

Joey has a sad story. He was with the same lady from puppyhood for 10 years until she was put in a nursing home. Her son took him and decided after a month or so he didn't want him so he gave him to some other guy. The other guy one day decided "I'm a cat person" and opened his front door and let Joey run free. Joey's neighbor found him and kept him until another neighbor volunteered to take Joey to the Humane Society (no kill shelter here). But Joey ended up at the high-kill shelter instead. That's where I stepped in and got him off death row.

Anyway... advice welcome!

willrun4bagels

How long have you had him with you for? My most recent rescue was a crackhead for the first month, ran around at 100mph from the time he left his crate in the morning until bedtime. He settled down eventually once he got used to his new routine.

Can he run around outside at all where you live? Taking my newer little guy for long runs with me definitely helps. Hope he settles down soon!

And last but not least, thank you for fostering :flowerforyou: both of my dogs came from high kill shelters. One from NY and one from GA.

ebayaddict0127

Oh we JUST got him. Friday evening. I've just never experienced this much hyper activity with any dog we've had. Especially a senior!

We're doing some toy fetching with him now to try and wear him out. He would probably fetch for hours if we let him.