How to Train a Hyperactive Dog: Calm Without Overtiring

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

A dog that bounces off the walls can exhaust a household. Before you worry, consider whether your dog's needs are being met, because many dogs described as hyperactive are bored, underexercised or overtired.

Check the basics

• Health: see your vet. Pain, thyroid problems and other conditions can affect behavior.
• Diet: ask whether your dog's food suits their age and activity.
• Sleep: puppies and many adult dogs need long daily rests. A tired, overstimulated dog can be wired.
• Exercise: enough, but not extreme.
• Mental stimulation: brain work tires dogs in a good way.

Balance exercise

Dogs need physical activity, but endless fetch or frantic play can teach them to need ever more. Mix:

• Walks with sniffing time
• Moderate play
• Training sessions
• Rest and quiet time

See how to teach a dog to find it.

Add mental work

• Puzzle feeders
• Scent games
• Short training sessions
• Learning new tricks
• Chews and lick mats

Ten minutes of thinking can tire a dog more than twenty minutes of running.

Teach calm

Reward calm behavior throughout the day. Teach settle on a mat. See how to teach a dog to settle and how to teach place command. Practice while you read or watch television.

Build impulse control

See how to train a dog with impulse control. Practice waiting, leave it and sit before play.

Control arousal

• Avoid games that wind your dog up, such as wrestling and frantic chase.
• End play before your dog is frenzied.
• Use calm voices and movements.
• Teach an off switch, such as a cue for settle.

Create a routine

Predictable routines help dogs settle. Include meals, walks, training and rest at consistent times. Provide a quiet place to sleep.

Puppies and adolescents

Young dogs are naturally energetic. Provide appropriate outlets and enforce rest. Expect improvement as they mature.

When to seek help

If your dog never settles, paces, cannot focus or seems distressed, see your vet and consider a behaviorist. Some dogs may have anxiety or other conditions.

Common mistakes

• Over-exercising. It can build stamina and arousal.
• Skipping rest. Tired dogs misbehave.
• Punishing exuberance. Reward calm instead.
• Ignoring mental needs. Provide brain work.

Troubleshooting

• Your dog zooms in the evening. Provide a calm activity and rest.
• Your dog cannot settle. Teach mat work, and reward.
• Your dog is overexcited with visitors. See how to train a dog to greet guests politely.
• Your dog destroys things. Increase enrichment.

Creating a calm environment

Reduce triggers that wind your dog up. Close curtains to limit view of passers-by, keep noise levels reasonable and use a quiet, comfortable bed away from the busiest part of the house. Offer a chew or lick mat to encourage calm, repetitive licking, which can lower arousal.

Plan quiet periods during the day. Puppies and young dogs may need to be guided into naps, using a pen or crate. See how to train an adult dog to use a crate. A rested dog is more able to learn and behave.

Monitoring progress

Keep a simple diary of your dog's activity, meals, sleep and behavior for a couple of weeks. You may notice patterns, such as wild evenings after missed walks or restless days after poor sleep. Share the diary with your vet or trainer, who can help adjust the plan.

Remember that adolescence can be a challenging phase, and improvement often comes with maturity, consistent training and a well-balanced routine. Celebrate the small wins, such as a few extra minutes of calm.

The takeaway

Meet needs, teach calm and balance activity with rest. Most energetic dogs can learn to relax.