Many dog owners know the frustration of dealing with a hyperactive or anxious dog. Whether your dog is constantly bouncing off the walls, excessively barking, or displaying signs of anxiety, understanding the underlying causes of hyperactivity and anxiety, and taking a proactive approach to their care, can help improve their overall wellbeing and help you calm down a dog.
Whether your dog’s excitement is due to barking at squirrels, a new person in the house or anything that causes the dog to become anxious, having an arsenal of cues that you can ask the dog to do to distract him is key. But it takes time.
Without training, the only way to instantly calm your dog down is to remove him from the stimulus. If your dog is on the couch, looking out the window and barking at a pesky squirrel, remove the dog from the stimulus. If you’re walking the dog and he sees another dog and becomes excited, turn and walk away in the opposite direction.
If your dog goes crazy and you’re home—and your dog is properly crate-trained—put your dog in his crate. You can cover the crate, if needed, as this creates even more of a calming atmosphere. You can even close the door to the room, if need be, to muffle noise a bit.
If the dog isn’t crate-trained, you still need to remove him from the trigger, so pick him up if he’s little or grab a leash and go to another room together, away from the problem, may help him refocus on you. Note: Do not grab the dog’s collar and pull him away from the problem! That will only reinforce that something’s wrong.
If you don’t have a crate, depending on your dog, he may relax in a quiet room even after you leave, especially if it’s a room he is familiar with. Locking him in the bathroom alone will probably backfire on you, because chances are he’s never in that room and there is rarely a comfy spot for him to relax.
If the problem is noise outside, playing music or the TV can help. You don’t need to blast the sound. You’re just giving the dog a refocus.
If the problem is a new person, even a spot blocked by a baby gate may be enough to break the intensity of the excitement, provided he is used to the baby gate block.
If your dog knows the basics of sit, down, turnaround, and back, you have an array of cues (with rewards!) that you can do to refocus your dog. Use these exercises to take your dog’s mind off what’s bothering him. But you must have trained the cue and rewarded the response before you need it, so the cue is solid.
What Causes a Hyper Dog?
Hyperactivity in dogs typically stems from excess energy, lack of training or structure, or boredom. Some breeds are naturally very high-energy and require more physical exercise than others. Additionally, younger dogs typically have more energy than their older counterparts. Without adequate exercise or mental stimulation, these dogs can become restless.
Dogs that have not been properly trained and socialized or lack clear boundaries and routines may also act out in hyperactive ways. Boredom is common for dogs and, when dogs do not receive enough physical or mental stimulation, they often turn to hyperactive behaviors like jumping, barking, pacing, whining, or destructive behaviors like chewing.
Anxiety in dogs can occur for various reasons and is typically expressed by excessive panting, pacing, drooling, whining, hiding, or destructive behaviors. Common causes of anxiety include separation anxiety, fear of loud noises, changes in environment or routine, and traumatic experiences.
How to Calm a Dog Naturally
The way to calm dog naturally is to manage the dog with regular physical exercise. Depending on your dog’s breed, age, and health, taking them on daily walks, runs, play sessions, or training sessions can help burn off excess energy. Exercise releases endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce anxiety. Aim for at least 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Fetch, tug-of-war, and agility exercises are also great options.
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Engage in activities that stimulate both your dog’s body and mind, such as puzzle toys, scent games, hide-and-seek, or learning new tricks.
Establishing a Routine Can Help Calm a Dog
Dogs thrive on routine, and a lack of structure can contribute to anxiety. Having a consistent daily schedule for feeding, walks, playtime, and rest can help your dog feel more secure and reduce behavioral issues.
Calming Tools for Dogs
Various products are available to help calm anxious or hyperactive dogs. These products include calming diffusers and collars that use pheromone or scent technology to convey a calming effect on your pet; ThunderShirts, which can help during fireworks or thunderstorms by applying gentle, constant pressure on your dog’s body to calm them; and calming supplements, which can be added to your dog’s diet. Ingredients such as L-theanine, L-tryptophan, magnesium, and some probiotic strains have been shown to promote a reduction in anxiety-related behaviors.
If your dog’s anxiety or hyperactivity is severe, persistent, or seems to be getting worse, a visit with your veterinarian is in order. In some cases, medication may be recommended to help manage severe anxiety and improve your dog’s quality of life.
Hyperactivity and anxiety in dogs are both common issues that many pet owners face, but with patience, consistency, and the right approach, you can help your dog feel more relaxed and secure.
Providing ample exercise, mental stimulation, and a structured environment are key steps in reducing hyperactivity and anxiety.
Additionally, using calming products and seeking professional guidance from your veterinarian or a behaviorist can help provide further support. By addressing your dog’s needs, you can help them live a calmer, happier life.
