How to Calm Down an Overly Energetic Dog

Tire Your Dog Out First

A tired dog is a well-behaved dog. If your dog is constantly spinning out of control, the root cause is often excess energy. Experts recommend scheduling at least three intense play sessions per day—like fetch up hills, obstacle courses, or active games—to exhaust your dog fully. A simple walk around the block isn’t enough; it’s more of a warm-up for young, energetic dogs. For dogs who need more activity, consider doggie daycare or organized playgroups, where they can run and socialize for hours. These sessions can significantly reduce hyperactivity by giving your dog a safe, structured outlet for energy.

Use Calm Commands to Reset Behavior

When your dog is already overstimulated, the first step is to stay calm yourself. Your dog picks up on your energy, so speaking in a low, steady voice and moving slowly can help de-escalate the situation. Try the “All done” cue, keeping your tone quiet and confident—even if you’re feeling stressed. If that doesn’t work, ask your dog to sit using a clear visual signal. A dog’s posture affects her emotions, and sitting helps her physically and mentally settle. If she pops up, simply ask again. You can repeat this several times, staying calm throughout. Each moment of calm attention should be reinforced with a long, soothing “Go-o-o-o-o-o-o-d” to reward the behavior without exciting her further.

Redirect Attention with Unexpected Cues

If your dog ignores your calm commands, try surprising her with an out-of-context cue like “Wanna go on a walk?” or “Dinner Time!” Even if you’re at the dog park and dinner is hours away, this can break the emotional spiral. The sudden shift in focus can interrupt the excitement and redirect her attention to you. If she responds, immediately reinforce the calm behavior with quiet praise like “Gooooooooood dog.” Avoid using high-energy words like “Yes-Yes-Yes,” which can escalate excitement instead of calming it.

Manage the Environment and Routine

Prevention is key. Manage your dog’s environment to avoid rewarding hyper behavior. For example, don’t open the door or start a walk until your dog is calm. Teach her that calmness leads to rewards—like a walk or playtime—while excitement leads to no action. Use tethering to build patience and reduce anticipation. If your dog pulls or barks when you head toward the door, turn around and return to the house. This teaches her that calm behavior is required to access the fun. Establishing a calm start to walks or outings increases the chances of a peaceful experience from beginning to end.

Practice Daily Calming Exercises

Consistent training builds lasting calm. Use structured exercises to teach your dog how to relax, focus on you, and respond calmly to daily triggers—like the doorbell, leash, or visitors. Key skills include: - Maintaining eye contact - Sitting and staying - Targeting (touching a hand or object) - Greeting people calmly

These exercises are designed to be taught step-by-step, with clear goals and troubleshooting tips. Start in a quiet space to avoid distractions, then gradually add real-world challenges. The goal is to help your dog choose calm over chaos, even in exciting situations.