How to Calm Down a Hyper Dog with Training
One of our go-to ways to get your over-excited dog to calm down is simply teaching them cues on how to settle themselves down. This method works best during playtime or when your dog has gotten very excited and energized over something like a new toy, running around with you, or seeing other people and dogs.
If you are engaged in a very high-energy situation with your dog (like playing tug) to begin teaching them cues, you first need to calm yourself down. Stop engaging in the play and calm down. We like to repeat the words "calm down" in a soothing voice as we do this to give your dog the cue that something is happening. Then, stop engaging with the excitement. Don't continue playing with them. Simply stop, calm down and relax. Try to not touch, look or talk to them at this point.
Then once they have stopped playing, encourage calm behavior! Get them to lay down and calmy praise your dog - stopping the high energy playing and repeat your "calm down" phrase as you praise them. Keep using this method multiple times a day, and you will instill calm training into your hyper dog!
How to Calm Down a Hyper Dog Naturally
If you have a hyper dog who always seems to be high energy, not just during playtime, then you may want to use some natural remedies to calm them down in their daily life. There are a couple ways to do this.
One method is to wear your dog out! It sounds like a lot of work, but we promise it isn't. Some hyper dog breeds need to exude more energy every day to calm down. You can wear them out by ensuring they get plenty of walks that include mental stimulation, like asking for a sit and to look at you throughout the walk.
Another way is through mentally stimulating toys. There are dog mental stimulation toys you can DIY. Our favorite is rolling out a towel to lay flat, placing small treats across the entire towel, then rolling it back up. Show your dog and direct them to find all the goodies! They will have to figure out how to unroll it and discover the treats.
You can also place treats under bowls and cups and have your dog find them. Simple games like this will work them mentally and help wear them out. This is a natural approach to calming your dog down while also giving them an activity to focus on.
How to Calm Down a Hyper Dog with Medicine
If you need to go even further, you can calm down a hyper dog with medicine. There are different levels of what kind of medicine as well. You can keep a natural route and use things such as CBD treats or oil to calm them.
Doggie CBD helps a lot with calming anxiety naturally (it is derived from hemp and does not contain THC). They now sell CBD-infused treats or oil that you can drop into your dog's daily breakfast or dinner. If you try this, please remember every dog reacts differently. Keep an eye on your dog and take note of all changes to determine if it's helping or hurting your dog. You can also get your dog prescribed medication.
If you've done all of the above and still have an extraordinarily hyper or anxious dog, go visit your vet and start discussing medication options. Like humans, dogs can be prescribed Prozac, and it may help them settle and stay calm, happy, and relaxed.
Calming a hyper dog is no easy task, and while we all love our crazy dogs sometimes, it is essential to remember that they need our help to relax and settle down. Try going through our three easy methods to calm your dog and note what works and what doesn't. Soon enough, you and your hyper dog will have mastered this skill and can enjoy going from crazy playing to relaxed cuddles on the couch!
Teaching your dog this skill is vital, not just for your daily life at home, but can help in different outside environments and your own dog's health and wellness.
