Dogs are naturally energetic creatures. They run, play, jump, and express their excitement in ways that can sometimes overwhelm us. While an overexcited dog may seem harmless, persistent hyperactivity can lead to behavioral issues such as excessive barking, jumping, chewing, and even aggression. The good news is that there are many natural, effective ways to calm an overexcited dog without relying on medication or harsh training methods.
In this guide, we will explore why dogs become overexcited, how to identify the signs, and most importantly, how to calm them naturally using proven strategies that improve their behavior and strengthen your bond.
Why Dogs Get Overexcited?
Overexcitement in dogs can stem from a variety of causes. Some of the most common include:
1. Lack of Physical Exercise
Dogs that do not get enough exercise often have excess energy that needs an outlet. Without regular physical activity, dogs can become restless, anxious, and overly excitable.
2. Mental Stimulation Deficit
A dog’s brain needs stimulation just as much as its body. Boredom can lead to hyperactivity and destructive behaviors as the dog seeks ways to entertain itself.
3. Lack of Training or Structure
Dogs thrive on routine and clear expectations. Without structure, they may not understand what behaviors are acceptable, leading to chaotic and excited responses.
4. Social Anxiety or Overstimulation
Some dogs become overexcited when they encounter new people, dogs, or environments. Overstimulation can trigger a high-energy response as the dog tries to cope.
5. Breed Tendencies
Certain breeds are naturally more energetic and excitable. For example, Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Jack Russell Terriers are known for their high energy levels and need for mental stimulation.
Signs Your Dog Is Overexcited
It is important to distinguish between normal excitement and overexcitement. Common signs include:
- Excessive jumping on people
- Constant barking or whining
- Inability to focus or follow commands
- Pacing or restlessness
- Hyperactive zoomies
- Chewing or destructive behavior
- Snapping or nipping when excited
If your dog displays these behaviors regularly, it may be time to implement calming strategies.
10 Natural Ways to Calm Your Overexcited Dog
1. Provide Regular Exercise
Exercise is one of the most effective ways to calm an overexcited dog. It helps release pent-up energy, improves mood, and promotes better behavior.
How much exercise does your dog need?
The amount varies based on breed, age, and health, but a good rule of thumb is:
- Small breeds: 30–45 minutes daily
- Medium breeds: 45–60 minutes daily
- Large breeds: 60–90 minutes daily
Include a mix of walks, play sessions, and off-leash running when safe.
Exercise ideas for high-energy dogs:
- Fetch
- Tug-of-war
- Agility training
- Swimming
- Long walks or jogs
- Hiking
2. Increase Mental Stimulation
Mental exercise can be just as tiring as physical activity. Dogs need challenges that engage their minds.
Mental stimulation activities:
- Puzzle toys
- Scent work or nose games
- Training sessions
- Hide-and-seek
- Interactive feeders
- Teaching new tricks
Tip: Rotate toys to keep them exciting and prevent boredom.
3. Establish a Daily Routine
Dogs feel calmer when they know what to expect. A consistent routine reduces anxiety and hyperactive behavior.
Daily routine example:
- Morning walk
- Breakfast
- Training session
- Midday rest
- Afternoon play
- Evening walk
- Calm time before bed
Consistency is key. Dogs quickly adapt to a routine and begin to feel more secure and relaxed.
4. Use Calm Energy and Body Language
Dogs are sensitive to human emotions and energy. If you are anxious or excited, your dog may mirror that behavior.
How to show calm energy:
- Speak softly and slowly
- Avoid sudden movements
- Keep your body relaxed
- Avoid engaging in hyperactive play when the dog is already excited
When your dog starts to calm down, reward the behavior with gentle praise or a treat.
5. Teach Impulse Control
Impulse control is the ability to resist immediate urges. Teaching your dog to control impulses can significantly reduce overexcited behavior.
Impulse control exercises:
- “Sit and stay”
- “Wait” at doors and gates
- “Leave it” for food or toys
- “Settle” on a mat or bed
Practice these exercises daily in short sessions, gradually increasing the duration.
6. Use Calming Scents and Natural Supplements
Certain natural scents and supplements can help calm dogs.
Calming scents:
- Lavender
- Chamomile
- Valerian root
Natural supplements (consult a vet first):
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- L-theanine
- CBD oil (where legal and vet-approved)
- Chamomile or valerian root extracts
Always consult a veterinarian before introducing supplements to your dog’s diet.
7. Create a Safe Space
A calm, safe space can help your dog relax when they feel overstimulated.
How to set up a calming area:
- Use a quiet room or corner
- Add a comfortable bed or crate
- Include favorite toys or chew items
- Use soft lighting
- Play calming music or white noise
Teach your dog to go to this space when they need to calm down.
8. Practice Relaxation Training
Relaxation training helps dogs learn how to settle on cue.
Steps for relaxation training:
- Ask your dog to lie down.
- Reward calm behavior with treats.
- Gradually increase the duration before giving the reward.
- Add a cue word like “relax” or “settle.”
- Practice in different environments.
Over time, your dog will learn to relax on command, even in stimulating situations.
9. Manage Triggers
Identifying triggers is crucial to calming an overexcited dog.
Common triggers include:
- Guests entering the home
- Other dogs passing by
- Car rides
- Loud noises
- Feeding time
How to manage triggers:
- Use a leash or baby gate to control access
- Desensitize your dog gradually
- Reward calm behavior when the trigger appears
- Avoid overstimulation during sensitive times
10. Use Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is the most effective training method for calming an overexcited dog.
Examples of positive reinforcement:
- Treats
- Praise
- Toys
- Extra attention
Key rules:
- Reward calm behavior immediately
- Avoid rewarding jumping or barking
- Be consistent with commands and expectations
Advanced Natural Techniques
1. Canine Massage
Massage can help reduce anxiety and tension in dogs. It improves circulation and releases feel-good hormones.
Basic massage techniques:
- Long, gentle strokes along the back
- Circular motions on the shoulders
- Gentle ear rubs
- Light pressure on the chest and belly
Always watch your dog’s body language and stop if they show discomfort.
2. Acupressure
Acupressure involves applying gentle pressure to specific points on the body. Some dogs respond well to this natural calming method.
Common acupressure points for relaxation:
- Between the eyes
- Base of the skull
- Along the spine
- Inner forelimbs
If you are unsure, consult a professional animal acupressure therapist.
3. Energy Work (Reiki)
Some pet owners find Reiki helpful for calming anxious dogs. It involves gentle, non-invasive touch to balance energy.
While scientific evidence is limited, many dog owners report positive results. If you choose to try Reiki, ensure the practitioner is experienced with animals.
Weekly Training Plan to Calm an Overexcited Dog
This weekly training plan focuses on exercise, mental stimulation, routine, impulse control, and relaxation training, and is designed to create long-lasting calm behavior.
Week 1: Build Structure & Basic Calmness
Goal: Establish routine and start basic impulse control.
Day 1: Routine & Calm Environment
- Morning: 20–30 min walk
- Midday: Calm time on a mat
- Evening: 20–30 min play session
- Night: 10 min gentle petting, no excitement
Day 2: Teach “Sit” & “Stay”
- 5 minutes training sessions (3 times/day)
- Reward calm sitting
- Add “stay” for 5–10 seconds
Day 3: “Wait” at Doors
- Practice “wait” before entering/exiting
- Reward only when calm
Day 4: Mental Stimulation
- 10–15 minutes puzzle toy
- 10 minutes scent work (hide treats)
Day 5: Controlled Greetings
- Ask guests to ignore the dog until calm
- Reward calm behavior
Day 6: Longer Walk + Calm Time
- 40-minute walk
- 15 minutes relaxation on a mat
Day 7: Review & Reward
- Practice all exercises
- Reward progress
- Note improvements
Week 2: Increase Impulse Control
Goal: Strengthen control and calm behavior during excitement.
Day 1: “Leave It” Training
- 5–10 min sessions
- Reward when the dog ignores the item
Day 2: Calm Energy Training
- Practice calm behavior in front of exciting objects
- Reward only when calm
Day 3: Longer “Stay”
- Increase stay duration to 20–30 seconds
- Practice in different rooms
Day 4: More Mental Games
- New puzzle toy
- Hide-and-seek with treats
Day 5: Controlled Playtime
- Teach “start” and “stop” signals during play
- End play immediately if the dog gets too excited
Day 6: Outdoor Calm Practice
- Practice calm walking near other dogs or people
- Reward calm behavior
Day 7: Rest & Review
- Light exercise only
- Practice relaxation training
Week 3: Desensitization & Calm in Real Situations
Goal: Reduce overexcitement around triggers.
Day 1: Trigger Identification
- List triggers (guests, car rides, other dogs, etc.)
- Start desensitization training
Day 2: Guest Training
- Have a friend visit
- Ask the dog to “sit” and “stay”
- Reward calm greetings
Day 3: Car Ride Calm
- Short car ride (5–10 minutes)
- Reward calm behavior after the ride
Day 4: Dog Socialization
- Controlled meeting with another calm dog
- Keep interactions short and positive
Day 5: Loud Noise Desensitization
- Play soft sounds (traffic, doorbell)
- Reward calm behavior
Day 6: Longer Training Session
- Combine sit, stay, wait, and leave it
- Reward only calm responses
Day 7: Rest & Calm Practice
- Short walk
- Relaxation training
Week 4: Advanced Calm Training & Maintenance
Goal: Make calm behavior a permanent habit.
Day 1: “Settle” Command
- Teach “settle” on a mat
- Reward calm lying down
Day 2: Off-Leash Calm Training (Safe Area)
- Practice in a fenced yard
- Reward calm behavior
Day 3: Extended Calm Period
- Practice calm behavior for 5–10 minutes
- Gradually increase duration
Day 4: Combine Exercise + Training
- Walk or play, then practice calm immediately after
- Reward the calm transition
Day 5: Advanced Impulse Control
- “Leave it” with high-value treats
- Increase difficulty gradually
Day 6: Real-World Practice
- Visit a park or public place
- Focus on calm behavior near triggers
Day 7: Final Review & Plan Forward
- Review progress
- Set a maintenance schedule
- Reward your dog for consistent calm behavior
Maintenance Plan (After Week 4)
To keep your dog calm in the long term:
- Daily exercise (30–60 minutes)
- 10–15 minutes mental stimulation
- 2–3 short training sessions daily
- Calm time on a mat every day
- Consistent routine and boundaries
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Punishing Excitement
Punishment can increase anxiety and make excitement worse. It can also damage your bond with your dog.
2. Inconsistent Training
Inconsistent rules confuse dogs. If you allow jumping sometimes and punish it other times, your dog will not understand what is expected.
3. Ignoring Physical Needs
Exercise and mental stimulation are not optional. Without them, calming techniques will have limited success.
4. Overusing Treats
Treats should be used as a reward, not a crutch. Too many treats can lead to weight gain and dependency.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your dog’s overexcitement is severe or accompanied by aggression, fear, or destructive behavior, it may be time to consult a professional.
Seek help from:
- Certified dog trainer
- Animal behaviorist
- Veterinarian
A professional can help identify underlying causes and create a customized plan.
Final Thought
Calming an overexcited dog naturally is entirely possible with patience, consistency, and the right strategies. By providing sufficient exercise, mental stimulation, structure, and gentle training, you can help your dog become more balanced and relaxed. Natural calming methods like massage, relaxation training, and creating a safe space can further support your dog’s emotional well-being. Remember, every dog is unique. It may take time to find the combination of techniques that work best for your pet. But with dedication and love, you can help your overexcited dog become calm, confident, and happy.
FAQ’s
Why is my dog so overexcited all the time?
Dogs can become overexcited due to lack of exercise, mental stimulation, inconsistent training, or anxiety. Some breeds are naturally more energetic and require more activity.
Can exercise really calm a hyper dog?
Yes, regular exercise helps release excess energy and reduces restlessness. A tired dog is usually calmer and easier to train.
How long does it take to calm an overexcited dog?
It depends on the dog’s age, breed, and behavior history. Most dogs show improvement within a few weeks with consistent training and routine.
Are calming supplements safe for dogs?
Some natural supplements like omega-3, chamomile, and L-theanine can help calm dogs, but you should always consult a veterinarian before using them.
Can calming scents like lavender help my dog?
Yes, calming scents like lavender and chamomile may help reduce anxiety in some dogs. Use them carefully and ensure your dog does not have any allergies.
What should I do if my dog gets excited when guests arrive?
Teach your dog to “sit” and “stay” near the entrance, use a leash or baby gate, and reward calm behavior. Practice with friends or family to desensitize your dog.
Is it normal for puppies to be overexcited?
Yes, puppies naturally have more energy and shorter attention spans. Early training, playtime, and mental stimulation can help reduce hyperactivity as they grow.
Also Read: