How to Calm a Dog That’s Overly Active at Night

Tire Your Dog Out During the Day

A tired dog is a well-behaved dog. According to Pat Miller, excessive nighttime activity often stems from pent-up energy. To prevent this, schedule at least three intense play sessions daily—like fetch up hills, obstacle courses, or doggie daycare. These activities should leave your dog physically exhausted. A simple walk around the block isn’t enough; it’s more of a warm-up than a workout for energetic dogs. For breeds like Border Collies, more physical challenges are appropriate, while brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs need gentler, breed-appropriate exercise.

Use Calm Cues to Reset Energy Levels

When your dog becomes overly excited at night, stay calm yourself. Your energy affects theirs. Try the "All done" cue in a low, steady voice—even if you’re internally stressed, act composed. If your dog doesn’t respond, ask for a sit using a clear visual signal. Sitting helps regulate their internal physiology and emotions. Even if they pop up, ask again. Repeating the sit reinforces calmness. When your dog calms slightly, reinforce it with a long, soothing "Go-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-d" instead of excited praise, which can re-energize them.

Remove Attention to Break the Spiral

If your dog is spinning out of control, turn your back and remove your attention. This is a proven de-escalation tactic. When your dog stops and looks at you with calm focus, that’s the moment to resume interaction. This teaches them that calm behavior leads to rewards, while hyperactivity leads to no response. Avoid reinforcing wild behavior with attention—even negative attention can be rewarding.

Train for Calmness with Targeted Exercises

Nan Kene’s book outlines training exercises that help dogs learn to relax, focus, and respond calmly. Key skills include: choosing to relax instead of acting out, maintaining eye contact, sitting and staying, targeting, and remaining calm during triggers like doorbells or leash prep. These exercises build on each other and should be mastered in order. Start in a quiet environment to set your dog up for success. Avoid training during a crisis or in high-distraction areas.

Manage the Environment and Routine

Even with exercise, managing your dog’s routine is essential. Prevent access to rewarding behaviors—like bouncing on the couch or barking at the door—by controlling their environment. Use management strategies like baby gates or crates when needed. Consistent routines help dogs know what to expect, reducing anxiety and overactivity. Combine this with daily exercise and calm training to create a balanced, peaceful nighttime routine.