How to Calm a Puppy Down That Is Over-Excited? Some Practical Tip

Puppies are bundles of energy wrapped in fur, and sometimes their excitement can hit an all-time high. Over-excited puppies can be a handful, but with a little patience and the right approach, you can help your pup relax and bring the energy levels to a manageable place.

Here is how you can calm your puppy down:

Create a Calm Space

When your puppy is in overdrive, they may need a safe space to decompress. Create a quiet, cozy area just for them. A crate with soft bedding or a quiet corner of the house can serve as their retreat when the excitement becomes overwhelming.

Introduce this space when they are calm, so they associate it with relaxation, not punishment. You can use soothing background noise like calming music or a white noise machine to help them settle down faster. This designated space can become your go-to solution for calming your puppy when they are too worked up.

Know Why Your Puppy is So Over-Excited

Understanding why your puppy is bouncing off the walls is the first step. Puppies get over-excited for a variety of reasons. It might be that they are simply full of energy because they haven’t had enough exercise.

Noah / Pexels / Puppies, like kids, need an outlet for their energy. When they don’t get it, it spills over into wild behavior.

Another reason could be overstimulation. New people, unfamiliar places, or too much activity around them can cause excitement to spiral out of control. Puppies process the world differently than adult dogs, and all that stimuli can feel overwhelming.

Don’t Assume They Will Grow Out of It

It is tempting to think your puppy’s over-excited behavior is just a phase. But it is not something that automatically disappears with age. In fact, bad habits formed during puppyhood can stick around, making it harder to manage them as they grow.

Addressing over-excitement early on teaches your puppy how to self-regulate and respond to situations calmly. This kind of training builds a strong foundation for a well-behaved dog in the future.

Stay Gentle But Firm

When calming an over-excited puppy, your tone and actions matter. Yelling or scolding only adds more energy to the situation and can make your puppy even more worked up. Instead, use a calm and steady voice. Speak softly and avoid sudden movements that might encourage playful pouncing or barking.

Similarly, your body language also plays a big role. Kneel down to their level, move slowly, and offer a soothing touch. Stroking your puppy gently from head to back can help them relax.

Teach Your Puppy How to Wind Down

Teaching your puppy to calm down starts with clear, consistent training. Use commands like “sit” or “down” to redirect their energy. Training gives your puppy something else to focus on besides their excitement.

Tam / Unsplash / Reward calm behavior with treats or praise. When they are bouncing around, wait for a moment of calm before giving them attention.

This reinforces the idea that staying calm gets them what they want, not jumping and barking. Over time, this simple technique helps them learn how to control their energy levels.

Burn Off Their Energy

Sometimes, an over-excited puppy just needs to burn off some steam. If your pup has been cooped up inside, a brisk walk or a game of fetch can work wonders. Exercise is a simple, effective way to help them release pent-up energy in a positive way.

Make sure the activity matches their energy level. A short stroll might not cut it for a high-energy breed, but an intense game of tug-of-war or running in the yard can tire them out. A tired puppy is a calm puppy, and regular physical activity is key to keeping their energy in check.