Before you take your dog out to do any training, drain their energy. Your lessons will get through much faster when they are drained of energy and will also make it easier on you. I have a german shorthaired pointer who is 18 months old with immense energy. He has crazy bird drive and he is constantly pointing at the chickens and wanting to chase them and if I am out there my voice will keep him from going after them but I would not leave him alone out there if they were out of their run. He also absolutely loves running on the treadmill. I highly suggest it for your dogs. He is on it every morning while I am getting ready for work. There are times in the afternoon he jumps on it on his own and whines until we turn it on. The treadmill of course is just a supplement to throwing the ball, bike rides etc. It's great for the mornings and rainy, snowy or really cold days.