Ways to Calm Down an Overly Energetic Dog

Provide Adequate Physical Exercise

A tired dog is a well-behaved dog. If your dog is constantly spinning out of control, it’s likely due to pent-up energy. Schedule at least three intense play sessions per day—such as fetch on hills or obstacle courses—to exhaust your dog physically. Avoid relying on short leash walks, which are often just warm-ups for energetic dogs. For breeds with high energy, like Border Collies, more vigorous activity is needed. If time is limited, consider hiring a dog walker or enrolling your dog in doggie daycare, where eight hours of play with other dogs can significantly reduce hyperactivity.

Use Calm Cues to Reset Energy

When your dog becomes overly excited, stay calm yourself—your energy affects theirs. Speak in a low, steady voice and use a clear visual cue, like a hand signal, to ask your dog to sit. Sitting helps regulate their internal physiology and emotional state. Even if they pop up, ask again calmly. Use a long, soothing "Go-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-d" to reinforce any moment of calm. If your dog ignores the cue, try an out-of-context phrase like "Dinner Time!" to interrupt the spiral. This surprise can break the cycle and redirect focus.

Manage Excitement with Behavior Rules

Prevent your dog from being rewarded for hyper behavior. If they pull on the leash or bark at the door, turn around and go back to the house—don’t open the door until they’re calm. Teach that calm behavior leads to rewards, not chaos. Tethering your dog before walks can build patience and reduce anticipation. Establish that walks begin with a sit at the door, and only open when they’re relaxed. This sets a tone of control and calm from the start.

Train for Focus and Calm Behavior

Use structured training exercises to teach your dog to relax and focus. Key skills include maintaining eye contact, responding to name recognition, sitting and staying, and targeting. These exercises help your dog learn to choose calm over wild behavior. Start in a quiet space with minimal distractions. Use treats and praise—but avoid hype words like "Yes-Yes-Yes." Instead, use calm, soothing praise. Practice consistently, building on each skill before moving forward.

Interrupt and Redirect Overstimulation

When your dog becomes overly excited, remove your attention. Turn your back and ignore them until they calm down and look at you. Once they show calm attention, you can resume interaction. This teaches that calm behavior gets rewarded, while hyperactivity leads to no response. This method works especially well for attention-seeking behaviors and helps your dog learn self-control.