If you’re feeling frazzled and overwhelmed by the sky-high energy levels of your new puppy, you aren’t alone! Sure, puppies are adorable and a lot of fun - but after another day spent chasing after them as they pull things out of cupboards, chew on the laundry, bark at the TV and cause general chaos, we don’t blame you for wondering: ‘When will my puppy calm down?’.
In this article we’ll explain why puppies are so full of beans, what behaviours are normal for their age, and at what stage you can expect your puppy to finally chill out and let you relax for a moment.
Puppies are just like children - at first, everything is new to them and everything is either scary or exciting. They have few problem-solving skills at this early stage, and no idea how to regulate their moods. This means your puppy will do a lot of exploring, experimenting, and expressing every emotion they feel!
As a general rule, all puppies are hyper - but there are variables that can cause your pup’s energy levels to surge. These range from…
Probably the biggest sway factor to your dog’s hyperactivity levels is how old they are. While a newborn will sleep most of the day, a young puppy will have lots of energy for fun and exploration. An older puppy (a teen) will have a different kind of energy - more of a motivation to push boundaries and challenge you. See below for how you can expect a puppy to behave at different ages.
Here’s what to expect from your puppy as they grow through the different stages of puphood:
Newborn - 10 weeks.
From a newborn, their energy levels will be slowly increasing - however they’ll spend most of the day sleeping and only show energy in short bursts when they’re awake.
This is when a pup’s hyperactivity really spikes. Though they still nap lots to replenish their energy, these gradually become less frequent, and their waking hours are full of play, exploring and interacting with other people and animals. Early exposure to positive experiences, people and pets is crucial as this is the key socialisation window.
Pups are really energetic now! They’re increasingly playful and curious, usually engaged in physical activity when awake and full of boundless energy. Training and continued socialisation are really important during this phase - and enforcing a routine is crucial to calming them down.
This period marks the ‘teenage’ years. Your pup’s energy is still high - but it might shift from curious to rebellious, as they push their boundaries to see how far they can go. They may be generally more aggressive and destructive than you’re used to, especially if their breed’s prone to it. Consistent training’s integral right now, as they gradually transition into their calmer adult years.
If your pup’s been well socialised, i.e. they’ve spent time around lots of different people and dogs in varied environments; this could encourage calmer behaviour. Socialisation gives a puppy mental stimulation, resilience, and confidence, which teaches them about regulating their moods and impulse control. Ideally, a socialised puppy knows to calm down in different situations and will be more responsive to training.
Breed has a big impact on how energetic your dog might be and when those levels might fluctuate and decline. For instance, larger dog breeds such as Huskies, Dalmatians, German Shepherds or Rottweilers take longer to go through the various developmental stages - reaching the ‘teenage years’ between one and two years old, rather than from six months old like in smaller dogs. It may seem obvious, but they also have a bigger requirement for physical exercise to keep calm.
Some dog breeds are prone to being very excitable as puppies compared to other, more docile breeds. These include Jack Russels, Border Collies, Boxers, Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers and Beagles.
However, it’s a given that all manner of dog breeds will run you off your feet when they’re pups - even those known for being generally relaxed. From Shih Tzus to Labradoodles, Cockapoos, Pugs, Maltese, Dachshunds and Whippets, you’ll definitely have your work cut out when raising a young puppy.
So what you really want to know is: ‘how do I calm down my puppy?!’. Well, to some extent, you’ll have to embrace the whirlwind of having a puppy. Their energy levels will shift and fluctuate as they grow into an adult dog and it’s all part of the ride! However, there are steps you can take to keep your puppy feeling happy and safe, and ultimately, behaving as calmly as possible.
Routine is essential to a dog’s calmness, and when they’re a puppy is the prime time to establish it. Establish feeding, toilet breaks, walkies, playtime and bedtime at the same times each day, and eventually your pup will keep a baseline of calmness as they’ll know what to expect.
Physical activity and outdoor time is so important to a growing puppy with energy to expel. Don’t over-exercise them, but be sure they get regular time in the outside world to work their muscles, absorb the sights and smells of a different environment, and wear themselves out by the time they’re back inside. This is especially important for large dog breeds.
Just like us, a puppy’s anxiety can be triggered by their environment. Keep your pup’s space a serene sanctuary that encourages their relaxation. Set up comfy, quiet nooks filled with their favourite toys and blankets. Keep loud noises to a minimum if you can, and keep the atmosphere chilled with fresh air and soft lighting.
Soothe your pup by adopting a calm tone and petting them gently. As puppies are so receptive to the moods of their owners, you could try taking steps to regulate your own stress in hopes your puppy will mirror that energy.
Treats are crucial training tools, but some have natural calming ingredients that can help soothe your pup’s energy or anxiety. Try some calming puppy treats infused with hemp or chamomile and give them to your pup at times they could do with calming down, like during storms, when people are due to visit, or an hour or so before bedtime.
Training isn’t just important for teaching your pup new skills, it’s a useful distraction tool that keeps them occupied and their energy focused. Simple commands like ‘Sit’, ‘Stay’ or tricks like ‘Paw’ or ‘Roll over’ are great ways to engage their brain and channel their energy.
It’s completely normal for your pup to be driving you up the wall at times! A puppy’s energy levels are sky high in that first year, or even longer if you have a large dog breed.
If you feel your patience levels are running thin, or your pup’s particularly hyperactive, don’t hesitate to seek help, not just from friends and family but from your vet or a pet behavioural specialist.
They can offer training classes, tips, or resources to support you as you ride this rollercoaster of owning a puppy!
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