Do You Have a Hyperactive Puppy? - Understanding Puppy Energy Levels

One thing you should definitely expect if you’re a puppy owner is for their energy levels to be quite high. Some dog breeds (and breed crosses) are, by their very nature, more spirited than others, but does that mean you have a hyperactive puppy on your hands?

Puppies often have bounds of energy that they must use up in order to remain happy and healthy, and understanding puppy energy levels is crucial when it comes to managing your dog’s activeness. James Wellbeloved investigates puppy energy levels and shows how you can help your canine companion grow into a well-behaved, calm dog.

WHY DO PUPPIES HAVE SO MUCH ENERGY?

Like human infants, puppies are experiencing the world for the first time. They will naturally be testing boundaries at this stage in their life, one of which is how fast they can run. Consequently, it’s only natural to expect your puppy to be a bit boisterous early on – especially if you got them at a very young age. Puppy exercises and games can be helpful here, so be sure to learn about them as a way of keeping your dog’s energy in check.

Puppy hyperactivity tends to be a phase, and they usually grow out of it as time goes by. However, if it’s been a while and you’re unsure about whether you’ve got a hyper puppy on your hands, you can always contact a vet for advice or reassurance.

PUPPY ENERGY LEVELS BY AGE

Puppy energy levels will almost certainly change as they grow. Likewise their activity needs to undergo a shift too, as outlined here:

• Birth to 10 weeks – this is the age at which puppies start exploring, usually with their mouths, and you can also expect plenty of running, jumping and even playfighting, particularly if there are other dogs around
• 10-16 weeks – you will start to notice your puppy entering an almost adolescent-like phase, continuing to explore while occasionally ignoring your commands. Don’t worry though; this is a normal part of their development, and patience is key here.
• Four to six months – following their “teenage” phase, puppies start to exhibit more adult-like dog behaviour, which includes playfighting with other dogs, so make sure yours is adequately socialised up to this point
• From six months up to two years – your puppy will reach adult dog size and slowly begin to transition out of their puppyhood; however, remember that this is a process, and be patient whenever they exhibit younger puppy-like behaviours

It’s important to prepare for your puppy to experience these changes, and that you’re there for them in the process. If at any point you become concerned about your puppy’s needs, get in touch with a vet for their professional opinion.