How Do I Calm My Puppy Down? 17 Proven Ways That Actually Work

Calm puppy sleeping

Ever felt like you’re living with a tiny furball tornado? I get it. Yesterday, my puppy Baxter decided that 3 AM was the perfect time to practice his Olympic sprints around my bedroom. We’ve all been there!

If you’re desperately wondering “how do I calm my puppy down,” you’re not alone Those adorable little bundles of joy can sometimes transform into hyperactive monsters that leave you questioning your life choices

But don’t worry! I’ve compiled 17 proven methods to help tame that wild energy and restore peace to your home. These techniques are backed by science and dog training experts, so you can feel confident they’ll actually work.

Why Are Puppies So Hyper Anyway?

Before we dive into solutions it helps to understand why your furry friend is bouncing off the walls. Puppies have tons of energy—it’s perfectly normal! They’re like toddlers discovering the world for the first time, except they have four legs and sharper teeth.

Common reasons for puppy hyperactivity include:

• Excess energy: Not enough exercise or playtime
• Boredom: Lack of mental stimulation
• Anxiety: New environments or separation issues
• Attention-seeking: They’ve learned that crazy behavior gets your attention
• Overstimulation: Too much excitement or activity

Now that we understand the “why,” let’s tackle the “how do I calm my puppy down” question with these effective strategies.

17 Ways to Calm Your Puppy Down

1. Play Classical Music

This isn’t just some random suggestion—it’s backed by science! Research shows that playing classical music significantly reduces stress in dogs. Studies have observed that when classical music is played, dogs spend more time in a relaxed state compared to other types of music.

The “Four Seasons” by Vivaldi has been successfully used in animal shelters to calm kenneled dogs. When you leave for work, try putting on some Bach or Mozart to help your puppy relax. There are even special YouTube channels like “Relax My Dog” created specifically for this purpose.

2. Physical Exercise: Tire Them Out

A tired puppy is generally a well-behaved puppy! Make sure your furry friend gets plenty of age-appropriate exercise every day. This might include:

• Short walks (appropriate for their vaccination status)
• Playtime in a secure yard
• Fetch games
• Gentle tug-of-war
• Puppy playdates (with vaccinated dogs)

Remember that puppies don’t need intense exercise—short bursts of activity throughout the day work best for their developing bodies. And bonus: regular exercise releases endorphins that naturally reduce anxiety and stress!

3. Mental Stimulation is Just as Important

Physical exercise alone isn’t enough. Your puppy’s brain needs a workout too! Mental stimulation can actually tire a puppy out faster than physical exercise in many cases.

Try these mental enrichment activities:

• Puzzle toys filled with treats
• Training sessions (keep them short—5-10 minutes)
• Snuffle mats
• Hide and seek games
• New toys that make different sounds or have various textures

4. Create a Consistent Schedule

Dogs thrive on routine! Establishing consistent times for meals, potty breaks, play, training, and sleep helps your puppy feel secure. When puppies know what to expect, they’re less likely to get anxious and hyperactive.

I noticed a huge difference with my pup when we started following a strict schedule. Before, he was all over the place, but now he actually settles down when he knows it’s “quiet time” according to our routine.

5. Use a Crate or Safe Space

Every puppy needs their own “zen den”—a quiet, comfortable space where they can retreat when life gets overwhelming. This might be a crate, a dog bed in a quiet corner, or a puppy-proofed room.

Make this space super inviting with:

• Comfy bedding
• A favorite toy
• An item with your scent
• A cover over the crate (if using one) to create a den-like feeling

Teach your puppy that this space is associated with calmness and rest, not punishment.

6. Try Aromatherapy

Did you know puppies have an incredible sense of smell? Studies have shown that certain scents can have a calming effect on dogs. Lavender and chamomile in particular have been proven to reduce activity and vocalization in dogs.

You can use:

• Dog-safe essential oil diffusers (placed well away from where your pup can reach)
• Specially formulated calming sprays
• Dog-appeasing pheromones (DAP) diffusers or collars

Always check with your vet before using any scents around your puppy, as some essential oils can be toxic to dogs.

7. The Power of Touch: Gentle Petting

Research shows that just 8 minutes of gentle stroking can significantly decrease a dog’s heart rate. Focus on petting areas with high nerve concentration like the chest, behind the ears, and along the back.

BUT—and this is important—avoid hugging! Studies have found that hugging actually increases stress in most dogs because it restricts their movement. Stick to gentle petting instead.

8. Reward Calm Behavior

One of the biggest mistakes we make is giving puppies attention when they’re hyper but ignoring them when they’re calm. This accidentally teaches them that crazy behavior = attention!

Instead, catch your puppy being calm and immediately reward with:

• A quiet “good boy/girl”
• A gentle pet
• A small treat
• Brief, calm play

Over time, your puppy will learn that being chill gets them the good stuff!

9. Stay Calm Yourself

Puppies are emotional sponges! If you’re stressed, anxious, or overly excited, your puppy will mirror those emotions. When your puppy is bouncing off the walls, take a deep breath and respond with a calm, steady energy.

As Jim Rohn wisely said, “You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with.” And guess what? This applies to puppies too! Be the calm you want to see in your puppy.

10. Give Appropriate Chew Toys

Chewing is a natural stress reliever for puppies. Providing appropriate chew toys not only protects your furniture but also helps calm your puppy.

Good options include:

• Frozen Kong toys filled with puppy-safe treats
• Bully sticks (supervised)
• Puppy-specific teething toys
• Dental chews designed for puppies

Always supervise your puppy with new chew toys and remove any that become damaged to prevent choking hazards.

11. Ignore Attention-Seeking Behavior

This one’s tough but effective! When your puppy is jumping, barking, or otherwise acting wild to get your attention, completely ignore them. Don’t make eye contact, speak to them, or touch them.

The second they calm down, that’s when you calmly reward them with attention. Consistency is key here—everyone in the household needs to follow this rule.

12. Balance Alone Time and Togetherness

Puppies need to learn independence, but too much alone time can make them anxious and hyperactive. On the flip side, constant attention can create an overly dependent puppy who never learns to self-soothe.

Aim for a healthy balance:

• Short periods of separation throughout the day
• Gradually increasing alone time as they mature
• Quality interaction when you are together
• Teaching them to entertain themselves with appropriate toys

13. Don’t Make a Big Deal About Departures

Going crazy with “bye-bye puppy!” when you leave and “I missed you soooooo much!” when you return teaches your puppy that separations are a big emotional event.

Instead, keep departures and arrivals low-key. Leave quietly and return calmly, only giving attention when your puppy is settled. This helps prevent separation anxiety, which often manifests as hyperactivity.

14. Use a Thundershirt or Pressure Wrap

Thundershirts® work by applying gentle, constant pressure to your puppy’s torso, similar to swaddling a baby. This pressure has a calming effect on many dogs, especially during stressful situations like thunderstorms, fireworks, or when they’re overexcited.

15. Consider Natural Calming Supplements

There are several veterinarian-approved supplements that can help take the edge off puppy energy. Always consult with your vet before trying any supplement, but these are popular options:

• Nutramax Solliquin Soft Chews
• VetriScience Composure Soft Chews
• Purina Calming Care Supplement Powder

These contain ingredients like L-theanine, casein, and probiotics that support relaxation without sedating your puppy.

16. Desensitization for Specific Triggers

If your puppy gets hyper in specific situations (like when visitors arrive), you can use desensitization techniques. This involves gradually exposing your puppy to the trigger at a low intensity while keeping them calm, then slowly increasing the intensity over time.

For example, if doorbell rings set your puppy off:

1. Play a recording of a doorbell at very low volume
2. Reward calm behavior
3. Gradually increase volume over many sessions
4. Practice with real doorbell rings

17. Consult a Professional When Needed

Sometimes, excessive energy or anxiety needs professional intervention. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian or a certified dog trainer if:

• Your puppy seems unusually hyperactive
• Calming techniques aren’t working
• The hyperactivity is getting worse
• Your puppy seems genuinely distressed

They can rule out medical issues and provide customized training plans.

Creating a Calm-Down Routine

One of my favorite strategies is developing a specific “calm-down routine” that signals to your puppy it’s time to relax. Mine goes something like this:

1. Turn on classical music
2. Get out a special chew toy reserved just for quiet time
3. Sit quietly with minimal interaction
4. Reward calm behavior

After doing this consistently, my puppy now starts to settle as soon as he hears the music!

A Final Word of Encouragement

Remember, puppies are puppies! They’re naturally energetic and excitable. Learning to calm down is a skill that takes time to develop, just like potty training or learning to walk on a leash.

Be patient with your furry friend and celebrate small victories. That moment when your puppy chooses to lie down quietly instead of zooming around the house? That’s progress!

I’ve been there with the puppy crazies, and I promise it does get better with consistent training and patience. Before you know it, that wild little ball of fur will mature into a well-balanced dog who knows when it’s time to chill out.

What techniques have worked best for calming your puppy? Share your experiences in the comments below!

To calm a hyper puppy, provide consistent physical exercise and mental stimulation, such as walks and puzzle toys, while simultaneously ignoring hyperactivity and rewarding calm behavior with praise and treats. Establish a predictable routine, offer a calm environment with a comfortable space for sleep, and consider using calming tools like calming treats, pet-friendly aromatherapy, or calming music. Always remain calm yourself, and consult a vet or professional if hyperactivity persists, as underlying medical or behavioral issues could be the cause.

To teach a puppy to calm down, you should provide adequate exercise and mental stimulation, establish a consistent routine, and reward calm behavior with treats and praise. You can teach a “settle” cue, provide stimulating chew toys and puzzle feeders to occupy their mind, and create a dedicated relaxing space like a mat or crate.

The 3-second rule for puppies, also known as the “3-Second Rule for Dog Greetings,” is a technique for initiating and ending interactions between dogs to prevent overwhelm, stress, and conflict. You allow a brief greeting (around three seconds), then separate the dogs to give them a chance to process the encounter.