HOW TO CALM A HYPER PUPPY
Most of the time, puppies – whether they’re “hyper” or not – can benefit from some straightforward advice that helps them remain calm, comfortable and above all, healthy and happy. These include:
- Setting a fixed schedule – puppies need clear boundaries, and establishing these early for things like walks, sleep and playtime will let them know when it’s OK to be more or less active than usual
- Providing more activity in the home – take time to provide your puppy with positive experiences that engage them mentally as well as physically (e.g. teaching new tricks, like how to sit or come to you)
- Not reinforcing hyperactive behaviour – this is often how puppies seek attention, so don’t give in right away; ignore them until they calm down a bit, then reward their good behaviour with some happy attention
- Being patient and understanding – while you may be feeling stressed, showing this emotion to your hyper puppy could make things worse. Remaining calm and providing a steady influence will help them learn this important behaviour and go a long way to stabilising their energy levels.
If your puppy doesn’t respond to these techniques after making them a regular part of their routine, get in touch with a vet straight away as there could be a bigger issue here, such as anxiety.
A hyper puppy isn’t usually cause for concern, as making a few positive changes to their lifestyle will help many young dogs settle themselves naturally. If puppy hyperactivity does worry you though, make sure you ask your vet about it and get their professional opinion on what’s best for your dog’s specific situation.