Puppyhood
Puppies are extremely energetic from 8 weeks to 6 months old. This is because puppies at this age are growing rapidly and their bodies are developing quickly. They have an innate need to play, explore their surroundings, and expend energy. According to an article on Purina’s website, puppies from 8-10 weeks old sleep up to 20 hours a day, but still have bursts of intense energy while awake (Purina, 2022). Another source notes that puppies 10-16 weeks old still have a lot of playful energy as their muscles strengthen and coordination improves. However, they may start settling down for slightly longer naps (HSNT, 2021).
Raising and training a high-energy puppy can be challenging for owners. It’s important to provide plenty of playtime, exercise, training sessions, and enrichment activities to meet a puppy’s needs. As puppies mature through the first 6 months, their energy levels start to decrease and it becomes easier to captivate their focus. With age, puppies gain greater control over their impulses and are more receptive to training. However, each puppy is an individual and the exact pace of development varies.
Adolescence
The adolescent period for dogs typically lasts from around 6 months to 1 year old. During this time, puppies are transitioning both physically and mentally from puppyhood into adulthood. Adolescent dogs often exhibit increased energy, rambunctiousness, and testing of boundaries as they explore their independence.
According to the RSPCA, “Adolescent dogs are energetic! Longer walks in quiet areas, lots of exploration and simply using their nose are a few of the most rewarding activities for dogs.” (Source) It’s important to provide enough physical and mental stimulation during this period to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Other noticeable changes during dog adolescence include continued physical growth, increased strength, and stubborn behaviors as they test rules and boundaries. Having patience, sticking to a routine, providing proper exercise, and maintaining training will help guide your puppy through this transitional stage into a well-behaved adult dog.
Maturing
Most dogs start to calm down around 1-2 years old as they transition from the puppy and adolescent stages into adulthood. According to Hill’s Pet, dogs reach physical maturity around 1 year old, although large breeds may keep growing until 2 years old. During this maturation process, your dog’s energy levels will start to decrease and their behavior will become more stable and predictable as they settle into adulthood.
Around 1-2 years old, dogs begin to gain better self-control and focus. Their attention spans grow longer and they become less hyperactive and impulsive. While the age varies by breed and individual, most young adult dogs will be less prone to destructive chewing, jumping up, and other overly exuberant puppy behaviors. They may still be quite playful and energetic, but are able to settle down more easily.
As your dog matures, continue reinforcing training and providing plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. But you should notice them gradually calming down, being less demanding of constant activity, and relaxing more often on their own. Have patience during the adolescent phase and this shift to increased calmness usually comes around age 1-2 for most dogs.
Breed Differences
The age at which a dog calms down can vary significantly depending on the breed. Some breeds like Labradors and Golden Retrievers tend to stay playful and energetic until around 2-3 years old. Other breeds like Chihuahuas and Shih Tzus tend to calm down earlier, around 1-2 years old. Much depends on the general traits of the breed – working/sporting breeds were bred to have high energy and drive, while toy breeds were bred to be companion lapdogs.
According to https://wildearth.com/blogs/dog-knowledge/when-do-puppies-calm-down, herding breeds like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds don’t calm down until 2-3 years old, while hounds like Beagles and Basset Hounds start mellowing around 1-2 years old. Giant breeds like Great Danes and Mastiffs tend to mature slowly and settle down around 2-3 years old. Smaller companion breeds like French Bulldogs and Pugs calm down earlier, around 1 year old.
So while general timelines exist, a dog’s specific breed traits heavily influence when they transition from the puppy hype into a calmer, more mature companion. Know your breed’s typical energy levels, and don’t expect your energetic pup to suddenly become a couch potato overnight!
Spaying/Neutering
Neutering, or castration, can help mellow out some dogs under 1 year old by reducing testosterone levels. However, this effect is limited and results can vary by dog. According to one source, “In general, however, neutering will have no effect on your dog’s personality, but it may influence his mood and make some behaviours more or less likely” [1]. Another notes that neutering “will only do so much to calm them down – the rest is up to you” through training and socialization [2]. So while neutering may help, it’s not a magic solution for hyperactivity. Appropriate exercise, training, and behavioral management continue to be key.
Exercise
Regular exercise is crucial for keeping dogs physically and mentally stimulated. Dogs that get adequate exercise are less likely to engage in destructive behaviors caused by boredom and excess energy. According to research from North Carolina State University, dogs that exercised more showed lower levels of undesirable behaviors like barking, chewing, and attention-seeking [1]. Exercise helps release pent-up energy and provides mental enrichment. The ASPCA recommends exercising puppies 5 minutes per month of age twice a day, and adult dogs at least 30-60 minutes daily [2]. Well-exercised dogs are less hyper, less likely to be destructive, and easier to train. Providing adequate physical and mental stimulation is key to having a calm, happy dog.
Training
Proper training and mental stimulation are essential for helping high-energy dogs learn to settle down. Obedience training teaches dogs important commands and provides much-needed mental stimulation. Training sessions tire out a dog’s mind and help them learn self-control. Consistent training also establishes you as the pack leader, making the dog more inclined to listen and obey commands to relax. The Dog Wizard recommends active training like agility courses, scent work, and trick training, as these activities give hyper dogs an outlet for their energy and intelligence.
Additionally, interactive toys and games provide mental stimulation between training sessions. Food puzzle toys, treat dispensing balls, hide-and-seek games, and chew toys require focus and problem-solving skills. Mentally tiring out your dog with training and play makes them more likely to settle down calmly afterwards.
Settling Cues
Teaching your dog to settle on cue can be a very effective way to help manage their energy. Getting your dog to relax and lie down calmly is an important skill. According to the Dumb Friends League, “Work up to about 30 seconds of relaxed body postures/non-pestering. Increase the time gradually, just a couple seconds at a time, over multiple sessions.” Start with short, easy durations. Reward your dog with treats and praise when they successfully settle on cue. Stay calm and ignore them until they settle down. Maddie’s Fund recommends, “When they do, praise and reward them with a treat.” Gradually increase the duration. Be patient during training sessions. With consistent practice, you’ll be able to tell your dog to “settle” whenever you need them to calm down.
Sources:
https://www.ddfl.org/resources/teaching-your-dog-to-settle/
https://www.maddiesfund.org/teaching-your-dog-to-settle.htm
Routine
Establishing a predictable daily routine can significantly help your dog feel more calm and secure. As pack animals, dogs thrive on structure and consistency. Knowing what to expect throughout the day prevents anxiety and reduces hyperactive behavior (source). This is especially true for puppies and adolescent dogs who are still learning the rules of the household.
Try to stick to a regular schedule for feeding, potty breaks, play time, training, and walks. Dogs do best when these activities happen at around the same times every day. Make sure your dog has sufficient physical and mental exercise built into the routine as well. Providing adequate outlets for their energy prevents destructive or hyperbehavior. Most importantly, be patient and consistent. It can take weeks or months for a routine to positively impact your dog’s behavior.
Patience
Maturity happens gradually; be patient and consistent. Puppies can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to fully calm down, depending on breed size and individual personality. It’s important not to expect your puppy to transform into a mature adult overnight. Keep in mind that dogs mature slowly in phases. Try to have realistic expectations for your puppy’s behavior at each age. For example, adolescent puppies may seem unruly as they explore and test boundaries. Rather than expecting perfect behavior right away, gently reinforce house rules and use management tools like crate training if needed. With consistent training and patience during the adolescent phase, your dog will eventually mature into a calmer adult. Look for gradual improvements over weeks and months, not overnight fixes. If you stay patient, establish structure through training, and build a strong bond with your puppy, the hyperactivity will subside as your dog matures.