8 Proven Ways to Calm Your Hyper Dog and Restore Peace at Home

Is your furry friend bouncing off the walls? Does your dog seem to have an endless supply of energy that’s driving you crazy? I’ve been there, and I know exactly how exhausting it can be trying to keep up with a hyperactive pup. The good news is that there are effective strategies to help calm your high-energy companion.

Many pet parents quickly label their energetic dogs as “hyperactive,” but according to experts, true clinical hyperactivity in dogs is actually quite rare. What you’re likely dealing with is a dog whose physical, mental, and social needs aren’t being fully met. Let’s explore some practical solutions that have helped me and countless other dog owners transform their energetic pooches into calmer companions.

Understanding Dog Hyperactivity

Before diving into solutions, it’s important to understand what might be causing your dog’s hyperactive behavior. Several factors can contribute to your dog’s energy levels:

• Breed characteristics: Working, herding, and sporting breeds naturally have higher energy levels
• Age: Puppies and young dogs (up to 3 years) tend to be more energetic
• Environment: Lack of stimulation can lead to pent-up energy
• Health issues: Some medical conditions can manifest as hyperactivity
• Anxiety or stress: Nervous energy can appear as hyperactivity

According to veterinarians, most dogs naturally calm down around 3 years of age. Until then, we need strategies to help manage their energy in positive ways.

1. Increase Physical Exercise

The most obvious solution is often the most effective tire them out! Most high-energy dogs simply aren’t getting enough physical activity

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to exercise. The amount needed varies based on your dog’s breed, age, and individual personality. However, if your dog can’t settle down even at the end of the day, they probably need more exercise than they’re currently getting.

Try these exercise options:

• Longer or more frequent walks (with plenty of sniffing opportunities)
• Playing fetch or tug (with rules to make it a mini training session)
• Swimming for low-impact exercise
• Jogging with your dog
• Dog parks for social play and running
• Dog daycare for supervised play with other dogs

For working and herding breeds consider dog sports like agility lure coursing, or disc dog competitions. These activities are excellent energy burners and provide mental stimulation too.

2. Provide Mental Stimulation

Physical exercise alone isn’t enough. Mental stimulation is equally important for calming a hyperactive dog, and sometimes it’s even more effective at tiring them out.

“Dogs are athletes, so it’s not always easy to exercise them to the point of exhaustion, but it’s surprisingly easy to work their brains until they’re begging for a break,” says Victoria Schade, a certified professional dog trainer.

Try these brain-taxing activities:

• Puzzle toys that dispense treats or food
• Sniffing games like “find it” that tap into your dog’s natural scenting abilities
• Training sessions for new tricks or commands
• Shaping games with a clicker that encourage creative thinking
• Scent work or nosework activities

Even feeding time can become a mental workout by using food puzzles or scatter feeding instead of a regular bowl.

3. Establish a Consistent Routine

Dogs thrive on predictability. A consistent daily routine helps your dog know what to expect, which can reduce anxiety and hyperactive behavior.

“A predictable daily rhythm eases anxiety by setting clear expectations,” says Kris Hampton, a professional dog trainer. “When meals, walks, play sessions, and rest times happen at roughly the same hour each day, your dog learns to settle into a pattern instead of anticipating nonstop action.”

Try to schedule these activities at similar times each day:

• Morning walk
• Feeding times
• Play sessions
• Training time
• Quiet time/bedtime

This structure helps your dog learn when it’s appropriate to be active and when it’s time to relax.

4. Reward Calm Behavior

We often inadvertently reward hyperactive behavior by giving it attention. Instead, make a conscious effort to acknowledge and reward your dog when they’re calm.

“Taking the time to connect positively with your dog when he’s calm, like when he’s resting in his bed or hanging out quietly near you, will encourage him to perform that behavior more often,” explains Schade.

When your dog is lying quietly, offer gentle praise and maybe a calm pet. Remember that behavior that gets rewarded gets repeated!

Start by catching moments when your dog is naturally calm, then gradually increase the duration of calm behavior before offering rewards. Over time, your dog will learn that being calm brings positive attention.

5. Teach Impulse Control Through Training

Many behaviors that seem hyperactive are actually a lack of impulse control. Teaching your dog manners and basic commands helps them learn self-regulation.

Focus on these essential commands:

• Sit and stay
• Down
• Leave it
• Wait
• Place/bed command
• Watch me

The “say please by sitting” method is particularly effective. Before your dog gets anything they want—walks, food, play, attention—ask them to sit first. This simple rule teaches your dog that calm, controlled behavior is the way to get rewards, not frantic energy.

Keep training sessions short (5-15 minutes) and fun. Consistent, positive training builds the mental muscles your dog needs to control their impulses.

6. Create a Calm Home Environment

Your home environment can either contribute to or help reduce hyperactivity. Making some adjustments can help create a more relaxing atmosphere for your dog.

Try these environmental changes:

• Use an Adaptil diffuser (releases calming pheromones)
• Play calming music designed for dogs
• Use white noise like a fan to mask outside stimuli
• Block windows that give your dog a view of activity outside
• Provide a comfortable “safe space” like a crate or bed where your dog can retreat

Reducing external stimuli helps your dog learn to relax instead of being constantly alert and reactive.

7. Give Your Dog a Job

Many hyperactive dogs, especially working breeds, need a purpose. Without one, they’ll find their own “job”—usually something you won’t appreciate, like rearranging your furniture or landscaping your yard!

“Dogs have species-specific and breed-specific needs,” says E. Foley, a certified professional dog trainer. “A life that does not give them enough of an outlet to meet those needs means their mental and physical energy will spill out into other behaviors.”

Consider these “jobs” for your dog:

• Carrying a backpack on walks
• Retrieving items
• Participating in nosework
• Learning advanced tricks
• Helping with household chores (in a dog-appropriate way)

Even simple tasks like finding hidden toys can give your dog a sense of purpose and redirect their energy.

8. Consider Diet and Supplements

While research on the connection between diet and hyperactivity in dogs is limited, what your dog eats can potentially impact their behavior.

Some low-quality dog foods contain fillers, byproducts, colorings, and sugars that might affect your dog’s energy levels. Consider switching to a high-quality food with identifiable meat sources and minimal fillers and preservatives.

For dogs with anxiety-related hyperactivity, there are several calming supplements available:

• L-theanine
• Melatonin
• Valerian root
• Chamomile
• Alpha casozepine
• Tryptophan

Always consult with your veterinarian before starting any supplements or changing your dog’s diet dramatically.

When to Consult a Professional

If you’ve tried these strategies and your dog’s hyperactivity persists, it might be time to seek professional help. Consider consulting:

1. Your veterinarian – to rule out medical causes like thyroid issues or neurological conditions
2. A certified dog trainer – for behavior modification strategies
3. A veterinary behaviorist – for severe cases that might benefit from medication

Some medical conditions that can cause hyperactivity include:

• Overheating
• High blood pressure
• Lung or heart disease
• Poisoning
• Neurologic conditions

For dogs with anxiety-related hyperactivity, medications like trazodone, fluoxetine, or clomipramine might be recommended by your vet.

My Experience with My Hyper Dog

When we first adopted our Border Collie mix, Max, his energy levels were through the roof! Nothing seemed to tire him out. Daily walks weren’t enough—he’d come home and immediately start racing around the house or pestering us to play.

What finally worked for us was a combination approach. We increased his physical exercise with morning jogs and evening fetch sessions. We also introduced puzzle toys and training games that made him think. The mental stimulation was actually more effective at tiring him out than physical exercise alone!

The biggest game-changer was teaching him that calm behavior gets rewarded. Instead of only interacting with him when he was bouncing off the walls, we made a point to quietly praise and pet him when he was relaxing. Over time, he learned that being calm brought attention too.

Final Thoughts

Remember that hyperactivity in dogs is usually not a behavioral problem but rather a sign that your dog’s needs aren’t being fully met. By understanding and addressing those needs, you can help your dog find their “off switch” and enjoy a calmer relationship.

Be patient during this process. Changes won’t happen overnight, but with consistency and the right approach, even the most energetic dogs can learn to calm down. The bond you’ll develop through these activities will strengthen your relationship and lead to a happier life together.

What strategies have worked for your hyper dog? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below!

The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline outlining the typical adjustment period for a rescue dog after adoption, broken into three phases: 3 days of feeling overwhelmed and nervous, 3 weeks of settling into a routine and showing their personality, and 3 months of feeling truly at home, trusting, and bonding with their new family. This rule provides a helpful framework for new owners to set realistic expectations and be patient, as the timeline can vary for each dog.

To deal with a hyperactive dog, provide consistent physical exercise like long walks and interactive play, and offer mental stimulation through puzzle toys, training, and new environments to prevent boredom. Reward calm behavior with praise and treats, ignore unwanted hyperactive behaviors by turning away, and establish a routine with a healthy diet. If hyperactivity persists, consult a veterinarian to rule out underlying medical issues or a certified behavior professional for guidance on anxiety.