Around 48% of American households own a dog.
It’s clear we love our furry friends but sometimes, depending on the pup and their breed, they can get a little… excited.
If you’re unsure how to calm down a hyper dog, you’ve come to the right place. Follow our top 10 tips to calm down Fido.
Table of Contents
Signs of a Hyper Dog
Before we jump into tips for calming a dog, it’s important to understand the symptoms.
Hyperactive dogs constantly have high energy, can’t focus, and are easily distracted. If untreated, your pup may become aggressive, impossible to train, and be overly attention-seeking.
The most hyperactive dog breeds are:
- Border collies
- Labradors
- Australian Shepherds
- Chihuahuas
- Poodles
- Jack Russell Terriers
Hyperactivity occurs because of issues like boredom, anxiety, and a poor diet. But, luckily, there are many ways to start calming your dog.
Here’s How to Calm Down a Hyper Dog
A hyperactive pup can be a pain so you must act quickly so it doesn’t become a persistent problem. Not sure what you need to know about calming down a dog?
Here are our top 10 solutions.
1. Ignore Your Dog’s Hyper Behavior
The best way to calm your dog is ignoring them because they’re fighting for your attention.
When you give notice to your pup during a hyper outburst, you’re reinforcing the behavior you’re trying to eliminate.
The next time your pet jumps or nips when they’re overexcited, don’t touch, talk, or give them any eye contact. You’ll be surprised how quickly your pup settles down.
2. Give Your Dog a Job
The second best way to calm a dog is by keeping them busy with a job. This helps redirect their hyperactivity into a productive activity.
For instance, teach your dog to retrieve items for you from balls to newspapers. Or, train your pup to guard you and your home with adequate training.
3. Go for a Dog Walk
Because our world is fast-paced, we often overlook how much physical stimulation our dogs need. A fantastic solution to a hyperactive dog is exercising them so they’re pleasantly exhausted when they get home.
Take your dog for an hour-long walk in the morning, and a shorter one in the evening. Let your pup follow his nose as smells will stimulate his brain too.
If no one’s at home during the day, hire a dog walker or sign up for doggy daycare so your pet stays active.
4. Create a Routine
Like humans, dogs thrive in a steady routine.
In the morning, for example, give your pup breakfast, go for a walk, and a game of frisbee before your household leaves for work or school.
Ask whoever returns home first to take the pup for a walk or play a quick game. And in the evening feed your dog then go for another long walk.
A routine is especially crucial for adopted dogs who have moved around a lot and aren’t used to structure. But once they fall into a regular pattern, their hyperactive outbursts will be infrequent.
5. Try CBD Oil
You should try CBD oil for dogs with separation anxiety and hyperactive behavior. Research conducted by vets found that CBD effectively relieved anxiety in dogs.
Find a reputable brand of CBD oil and start with a small dosage before working your way up. Ideally, your pup should consume a small amount of CBD oil each day. But it’s best to consult with your vet before introducing CBD oil to your pet as every individual case is different.
Or, try aromatherapy as scent plays a major role in your pup’s navigation of the world. Aromatherapy uses a combination of essential oils to improve your dog’s overall health and wellbeing.
The best method is massaging essential oils directly on your dog’s coat where there’s minimal fur. Target his belly, inner thighs, legs, and under the neck.
If you’re unfamiliar working with essential oils, try shampoos that have been infused with oils like lavender to relax your pup.
6. Correct Problem Behaviors
Training tackles many problems that arise when your pup is hyperactive.
Barking, chewing, and jumping are all correctable when you take the time to train your dog. Training with positive enforcement also strengthens your bond with your dog so it’s a win-win.
7. Consider Your Energy
Dogs often reflect their owner’s or the household’s mood.
Are you stressed because of work? Or are you in a calm, assertive mood?
If you display anxious body language or tone of voice, it can affect your dog’s energy. Always try to remain calm around your pup to quell their hyperactive behavior.
8. Switch Up Fido’s Diet
Avoid cheap dog food as it’s overloaded with carbs which are terrible for your pet. If you constantly feed your pup unhealthy food then they’ll be irritable and display negative behavior.
Instead, get premium food, and you’ll notice a change in Fido’s attitude.
9. Upgrade the Dog Toys
An excellent way to keep your pup entertained is by giving her brain-stimulating dog toys.
Buster Cubes, for example, let you fill-up the toy with your dog’s favorite kibble and she has to figure out how to dispense the pellets.
10. Get a Medical Evaluation
If you follow these steps and your pup is still hyperactive, contact your vet. Many dogs exhibit hyper behavior but many pups have diagnosable ADHD where they need supplements to calm them down.
That’s How to Calm Down a Hyper Dog
Now you know how to calm down a hyper dog.
These are easy to implement so your pup calms down more. Making sure they have sufficient exercise, premium food, and brain stimulation will reduce any hyperactive behavior. Good luck!
Did you find this article helpful? If so, check out our other pet-related content.