How to Calm a Hyper Puppy or Dog
The Complete Guide from Sian at Lavender Garden Animal Services
I’m Sian, owner of Lavender Garden Animal Services and creator of the Quick Calm Down Online Mini Course. For over 5 years I’ve helped tired, overwhelmed puppy and dog parents turn chaos into calm with science-based, force-free methods.
This guide shares seven of my favourite tips so you can start seeing results today. While many of these tips are great for puppies, they’re just as relevant for adolescent and adult dogs who struggle to settle and be calm. If you want more support, then my cost effective Quick Calm Down Dog Online Mini Course is ready when you are.
Why Puppies Seem to Have an Endless Supply of Energy
If your dog constantly seems “on” or wired, even after walks or training, there’s likely more going on under the surface. Here are three common reasons dogs struggle to calm down and appear hyperactive:
Normal growth spurts
Younger dogs, especially puppies and adolescents, go through huge mental and physical growth spurts. The bursts of energy, poor impulse control, and short attention spans? Completely normal, but exhausting when you’re in it.Exercise that is out of balance
Under-exercising leaves dogs frustrated, but overdoing high-energy play or long walks can have the opposite effect: it floods their body with stress hormones that keep them buzzing for hours.Not Enough Mental Stimulation
Dogs are natural problem-solvers. Without regular sniffing, foraging or enrichment games, they’ll invent their own fun, often in the form of barking, chewing, or general chaos (a.k.a self-employment). Helping your dog feel calm is about meeting their emotional, physical and mental needs in balance, while supporting your nervous system too.
To create calm we need to meet physical needs, satisfy the brain and teach simple relaxation skills.
Seven Ways I Help Clients Calm Their Over-Excited Puppies
Match Exercise to Your Dog - Age and Breed
Forget the old “five-minute rule.” While it used to be a popular guideline, it doesn’t reflect what we now know about puppy development or individual needs, and it often leaves both dogs and humans confused or frustrated.
Instead, I recommend aiming for around 30 minutes of gentle, age-appropriate activity per day, tailored to your dog’s breed, temperament, and current energy levels. That might look like a calm walk, short bursts of play, a little training, or some enrichment at home.
And here’s something that often gets missed: Include 5–10 minutes of passive socialisation, not busy meet-and-greets or overexciting environments, but simply sitting quietly together in the world. That could mean perching on a bench, watching the world go by from the car, or settling on a blanket in a park. It helps your dog build confidence, learn to regulate their emotions, and practise just being in different spaces without always needing to do something.
It’s not about wearing them out. It’s about helping them feel safe, connected and able to settle at their own pace. A working Cocker Spaniel may love gentle fetch in grass while a Shih Tzu prefers a quiet scent trail in the garden. Balanced activity prevents both boredom and overtired meltdowns.Feed the Brain With Daily Enrichment
A five-minute sniff-and-search game can calm a dog far more effectively than a long walk. Try:
● Scattering food in the grass or hiding food around the house for them to find
● Freezing meals onto lickmats or kongs
● Hiding treats in a rolled-up towel
You’ll find practical demos and ideas like these inside the Quick Calm Down Dog Mini Course.Spot Overexcitement Before It Explodes
Dogs rarely go from calm to chaos without signs. Watch for:
● Zoomies
● Grabby behaviour
● Barking
● Big eyes or fast tail wags
Redirect early with something grounding, like a scatter of treats on the floor. Sniffing is incredibly regulating for dogs and helps reset their brain.Create a Relaxation Station
Choose a quiet spot in your home with a comfy mat or bed. Each time your puppy steps onto the mat, drop a treat between the paws. When you see longer pauses, praise and add a chew.
Over time, this space becomes a cue for rest, not just somewhere to park them when things are busy.
My 7-day calming protocol is included inside the Quick Calm Down Dog Mini Course if you’d like a full step-by-step plan.Keep Training Short & Simple
Mini sessions (just 2–3 minutes!) are often more effective than trying to power through a long lesson. Always end with something easy (or a little game) - so your dog finishes feeling confident and settled.Reward Calm (Not Just Cue It)
If your dog is jumping, barking or seeking attention, even a “no” can feel rewarding. Instead:
● Pause
● Wait for calm (e.g. four paws on the floor)
● Mark it with “Good”
● Then reward
The more you notice and reinforce calm behaviour, the more it becomes the norm.Keep a Predictable Daily Rhythm
Consistent routines (feeding, walks, training and downtime) help your dog feel safe and regulated. Predictability lowers stress and supports learning.
You’ll find printable rhythm planners inside the Quick Calm Down Dog Mini Course to help create a structure that works for you.
A Success Story From One of My Students
“We’ve never felt so connected to a dog as we do with Honey. It’s like we can truly understand what’s going on for her, and I’m sure it’s all down to what you’ve taught us”
— Zara with Honey
What You Receive Inside the Quick Calm Down Dog Mini Course
🌿 Mindful Moments for You
Therapist-backed techniques to help you stay calm and grounded - even on the harder days.
⏳ The 5-Minute Reset
A quick, doable reset you can use when things are spiralling. Helps both you and your dog calm down and reconnect.
🧘 The 10-Day Relaxation Challenge
Short, step-by-step guidance to help your dog learn how to settle at home - without needing perfect behaviour or a full routine in place.
🐾 Quick Wins
Simple, low-effort training ideas that support calm without taking over your day.
✨ Bonus: Chewing for Calm PDF
Learn which chews work best to naturally soothe your dog (and why some common options actually rev them up).
🏆 Quick Training Wins
Simple, bite-sized exercises to boost your dog’s focus and self-control, helping them settle faster and make better choices.
PLUS
✨Bonus Chewing for Relaxation PDF ✨
Not all chews are created equal!
Discover how to use chews effectively to naturally soothe your dog and promote longer-lasting calm.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Not at all. These strategies work beautifully for dogs of all ages who struggle to settle or feel overstimulated.
-
No. Gentle learning can begin at eight weeks. The course has effective training skills appropriate for dogs of any age.
-
Yes, by meeting your dog’s needs and creating a calmer foundation, you’ll often see those behaviours reduce naturally.
-
You have lifetime access. Move at your own pace and revisit whenever you or your puppy needs a reminder.
-
A standard collar or harness, a few safe toys and everyday treats are enough.
-
Absolutely. All methods follow modern, force-free guidelines endorsed by leading behaviour organisations.
Your Next Step Toward a Calmer Dog (and a Calmer You)
You’ve now got seven simple strategies to start calming your dog today. Use them, bookmark this page, share it with a friend.
If you’d like structured support, gentle guidance and no-pressure progress, enrol onto the Quick Calm Down Dog Mini Course is here to help.
Hundreds of UK dog parents have already traded chaos for calm through our training methods. Click below and join them now.
Join the Quick Calm Down Dog Mini Course
✔ Hyper behaviour often stems from growth phases in puppies, unbalanced exercise and unmet needs - not “bad” behaviour.
✔ Blend physical exercise with enrichment games and watch for early signs of over-arousal.
✔ Teach calm and relaxation, reinforce calm choices and keep a predictable routine.
✔ For a full step-by-step plan, enrol in the Calm Down Dog Mini Course.
With patience, consistency and compassionate guidance, your dog will master the art of calm. I am here to help every step of the way.
