How to Calm a Hyper Dog: Tips for Managing Your Dog’s Energy

A hyperactive pup can be adorable and entertaining with all their excited barking and playful energy. However, excessive hyperactivity can quickly become disruptive to your household and frustrating when your dog is (sometimes literally) bouncing off the walls. Hyperactivity is common in many dog breeds and is often completely normal. While a hyper dog may just be expressing happiness or excitement, it can also signal boredom, behavioral issues, poor nutrition, or a lack of exercise and mental stimulation.

In this guide, we’ll explore effective ways to calm down a hyper dog and help them feel more balanced and relaxed.

Exercise For a Calm dog

Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to calm a naturally hyper dog. If daily walks aren’t enough to burn off your dog’s energy, try switching things up with more intense activities. Running with your dog can be a great way to increase their exercise level. If you’re not a runner, consider biking alongside your dog — it’s less physically demanding for you while still giving your pup a chance to burn off excess energy.

Swimming is another excellent form of exercise, especially if you live near a dog-friendly body of water. A weekly swim can provide a low-impact, full-body workout that helps tire out even the most energetic dogs.

If regular exercise still isn’t enough, consider introducing agility training. Many areas have dog gyms with agility courses and training classes designed to provide both physical and mental stimulation. You can also create your own agility course at home using DIY kits available online. For a step-by-step guide on building an agility course from scratch, check out this helpful resource from This Old House.

Incorporating a mix of physical and mental exercise into your dog’s routine can significantly reduce hyperactivity and promote a calmer, more balanced state of mind.

Play and Mental Stimulation

Playtime is not only fun but also essential for expending your dog’s pent-up energy, especially when it involves mental stimulation. Engaging your pup in activities that challenge their brain can be just as important as physical exercise in calming a hyperactive dog.

One great option is using puppy puzzles or treat-releasing toys. For example, the  Outward Hound Brick Puzzle Game is an interactive game that rewards your dog with treats hidden in increasingly difficult-to-open compartments. It’s a perfect way for you and your dog to bond while stimulating their mind.

Another option is the Sniff Diggy Fun Mental Stimulation Nose Work Mat, a felt mat that hides treats for your dog to sniff out. This encourages their natural scenting abilities and helps tire them mentally. If your dog loves peanut butter or other tasty treats, you can’t go wrong with the classic Kong toy. Simply fill it up and let your pup work to get the goodies out, which can keep them busy for a long time.

When you’re in the mood for outdoor play, tossing a tennis ball can provide a great workout for both your dog’s body and mind. If you struggle to throw the ball far enough, consider using a ChuckIt tennis ball launcher, which allows you to throw the ball across the park with minimal effort, ensuring your dog gets plenty of exercise.

Playtime doesn’t always have to be outdoors. Indoor games like hide and seek can be a fun and stimulating activity for your dog. Simply tell your dog to “sit,” then hide somewhere in your home, whether it’s on the couch or in the bathtub. Once you call them, they’ll be excited to find you, and rewarding them with treats and affection will reinforce the fun!

Whether indoors or outdoors, incorporating mental and physical play into your dog’s daily routine will help manage their energy levels and keep them mentally sharp.

Give Your Dog a Job

Some dogs are born with a natural instinct to work. This is because many breeds were historically bred to assist humans with specific tasks. While you might be familiar with German Shepherds working alongside the police or Labrador and Golden Retrievers serving as service animals, these aren’t the only breeds built to work.

Smaller breeds, such as Beagles and Dachshunds, were also bred to perform tasks. Beagles were originally scent hounds used to hunt small game like rabbits, a role they still fulfill today. Dachshunds, on the other hand, were bred to hunt badgers, often going headfirst into burrows to flush them out, which is why they’re known for their curious and sometimes "wild" nature.

Even if your hyperactive dog wasn’t bred for a specific job, giving them a task to focus on can have numerous benefits. Not only does it help to burn off excess energy, but it also helps to combat boredom, boost their confidence, and strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Most importantly, giving your dog a job can leave them feeling tired and satisfied.

Here are a few ways you can give your dog a job, even if they’re not part of a working breed:

• Buy Your Dog a Backpack: A simple way to give your dog a job is by getting them a backpack to carry during walks. You can add up to 10% of your dog’s body weight into the backpack. Not only does this help focus your dog, but it also may help them walk more calmly at your heel or reduce pulling on the leash, as they’re focused on carrying the load. Consider packing items like dog toys, first aid supplies, poop bags, a bottle of water, and a portable dog bowl. If you want to weigh the backpack down a bit more, you can even add a can of beans or two.
• Take Your Dog “Hunting”: You don’t need to be an avid hunter for your dog to enjoy a hunting-style activity. Take your dog on a hike in nature, where they can engage in behaviors that mimic hunting. For example, you can throw sticks into a pond or lake for your dog to fetch or let them explore bushes to flush out imaginary birds. This kind of activity provides mental stimulation and a sense of purpose, all while letting your dog enjoy the great outdoors. No animals will be harmed, but your dog will still have a blast.
• Consider Becoming a Therapy Team: Is your dog friendly, well-behaved, and enjoys attention from strangers? If so, you may want to consider becoming a therapy team. Therapy dogs visit patients in hospitals, kids in schools, and people in nursing homes, offering comfort and companionship. Your dog will get plenty of attention while providing an important service. Therapy dogs must be at least one year old and able to stay calm in distracting environments. If your dog is hyperactive, some training and strategies to manage their energy may make this a great option in the future. For more details, visit the  Therapy Dogs website.

Nutritious Diet and Nutritional Supplements

Feeding your dog a balanced, high-quality diet is essential for their overall health and can play a significant role in calming a hyperactive dog. Proper nutrition supports the healthy function of their nervous system, which is key to managing energy levels. Consider adding Omega 3 supplements to your dog’s diet. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for supporting brain function and overall well-being, and they can also contribute to a shiny, healthy coat.

In addition to Omega 3s, calming supplements like CBD products for pets can be incredibly helpful for dogs with extra energy or stress. CBD can have a calming effect on the nervous system, which can promote relaxation.

Another beneficial supplement to consider is magnesium. This mineral helps relax the nervous system and supports muscle and bone health. Magnesium can promote a sense of calm in your dog, making it especially helpful for hyperactive dogs that need additional relaxation. When choosing magnesium supplements (or any supplements), ensure they are specifically designed for pets. Always check the ingredient labels to avoid additives or artificial ingredients that might be harmful to your dog. Just because a product is safe for humans doesn’t mean it’s safe for your pup, so it’s important to consult your vet before introducing new supplements to their routine.

Essential Oils

When used properly, essential oils can be a natural and effective way to help calm a hyperactive dog. However, it’s important to remember that just because an essential oil is natural, it doesn’t mean it is automatically safe for your pet. Essential oils should always be diluted with a carrier oil, such as olive or coconut oil, before applying them to your dog’s skin. A good rule of thumb is to use 1-3 drops of essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil.

Essential oils should also be kept out of your pet’s reach, as they can be harmful if ingested or used incorrectly.

For easy and safe application, you can create a calming spray by adding a few drops of essential oils to a spray bottle filled with water. Spritz the mixture around the room or on your dog’s bed to create a soothing environment. Another option is to use a diffuser to disperse the calming oils into the air. However, if you have cats in your home, it’s best to avoid diffusing essential oils, as they can be harmful to cats.

Some people also apply a drop of diluted essential oil to their dog’s collar. If you do this, ensure that it’s only a single drop to avoid any potential irritation or discoloration on the collar.

Some of the most calming essential oils for dogs include lavender, lemon, cedarwood, chamomile, and orange. These oils are known for their relaxing properties, and when used properly, they can help your dog feel calmer and more at ease. Always consult with your vet before using essential oils, especially if your dog has a preexisting health condition or if you’re unsure about their safety.

Obedience Classes

Dog training classes are not only an excellent way to teach your dog essential skills, but they can also be a great way to help tire out your hyperactive pup. Obedience classes teach your dog to focus on you and follow commands, even in distracting environments. This is especially beneficial for hyper dogs, as it helps them learn self-control and focus their energy in a productive way.

In addition to improving your dog’s obedience, these classes provide a fantastic opportunity for socialization with other dogs and people. Proper socialization is important for your dog’s overall behavior and well-being. Once your dog has mastered basic obedience, you can use the commands you’ve learned to redirect their energy when they get too hyper. By reinforcing these skills during your routine, you can help your dog stay calm and focused, while also giving them a mental workout that will tire them out.

Training your dog isn’t just about teaching them to behave—it's also about helping them expend that excess energy in a structured, effective way.

Pet Releaf's Stress Releaf CBD Line

Incorporating CBD into your dog’s daily routine can help them regulate their energy levels and promote a calm, balanced disposition. Pet Releaf’s CBD is full spectrum, which means it’s made from the entire hemp plant, providing the full range of beneficial compounds. Full spectrum hemp is preferred because it harnesses the synergistic effects of all the plant’s natural components, rather than isolating a single part through chemicals.

Pet Releaf’s hemp is grown right here in Colorado using sustainable and regenerative farming methods. Pet Releaf products are third-party tested, NASC certified, and USDA Organic, ensuring that your pet receives the highest quality CBD available on the market.

Our Stress Releaf line comes in two forms: oil and chews. The chews are ideal for dogs that experience occasional bouts of excessive energy or stress, or for picky eaters. On the other hand, the CBD oil is a great option for pets that may need more targeted support or those that don’t mind the dropper administration. Formulated with powerful functional ingredients like ashwagandha, baobab, and chamomile, Stress Releaf products is specifically designed to help soothe and calm your dog naturally.

A hyperactive dog can be a joy to have around, but when their energy gets out of control, it can create challenges for both you and your pup. With a mix of physical exercise, mental stimulation, proper nutrition, and calming products, you can help your dog achieve a more balanced, relaxed state. By incorporating these strategies into your dog’s daily routine, you'll not only reduce hyperactivity but also strengthen the bond between you and your pet, keeping them happy, healthy, and well-adjusted!