Learn to Calm Down An Overly Excited Dog

If you're a dog owner, you’ve probably encountered a situation where your dog gets overly excited. Whether it's when you come home, when they see their leash, or when they’re about to play, excessive excitement can quickly turn into unwanted behavior.

In this article, we’ll explore why your dog might be so hyper and share practical tips to calm them down, creating a more relaxed and enjoyable environment for both you and your furry friend.

Why is Your Dog So Excited?

Understanding why your dog is overly excited is the first step in managing their energy. There are several reasons why dogs become overly excitable:

Lack of Exercise

Dogs, especially high-energy breeds, need regular physical activity. Without enough exercise, your dog’s pent-up energy can turn into hyperactive behavior. Daily walks, runs, or play sessions can help manage their excitement levels.

Mental Stimulation is Key

Dogs, like people, need mental exercise. If they don’t have enough to do, their excitement can escalate. Interactive toys, training sessions, and puzzle feeders are great ways to keep their minds engaged.

Overstimulating Environments

Sometimes, the environment around your dog can make them overly excited. Loud noises, new surroundings, or too much stimulation from other pets or people can cause a dog to act out. Recognizing these triggers can help you manage their reactions.

Signs of an Overly Excited Dog

Before you can calm down an overly excited dog, you need to know what signs to look for. Here are some common indicators:

• Pacing: Your dog might start walking back and forth.
• Jumping: An excited dog often jumps on people or objects.
• Barking: Excessive barking is a clear sign of excitement.
• Whining or Whimpering: A dog that is overly excited might vocalize a lot.

Tip: The sooner you recognize these signs, the easier it will be to address them before they escalate into undesirable behavior.

5 Steps to Calm Your Overly Excited Dog

Step 1: Redirect Their Energy

The first step in calming your dog down is to redirect their energy. Instead of telling them "no" or scolding them, offer them something else to focus on. This could be a toy, a trick, or a game.

Training your dog to follow basic commands like "sit" or "stay" helps channel their energy positively.

Step 2: Use a Calming Routine

Dogs thrive on routine. When your dog knows what to expect, they feel more secure and less likely to become overly excited. Try to establish regular playtimes, walks, and meals to create a sense of consistency and calm.

Regularly practicing basic commands can also help reinforce their calm behavior.

Step 3: Physical and Mental Exercise

As mentioned earlier, exercise is key to managing excitement. But it's not just about physical activity—mental exercise is just as important.

Interactive toys or puzzles can stimulate your dog’s mind, making them more relaxed and less excitable. A mentally tired dog is often a calm dog.

Step 4: Use Aromatherapy

Believe it or not, scents like lavender can help calm an excitable dog. Studies show that certain smells can have a soothing effect on dogs, helping them feel more relaxed. You can use lavender-scented sprays or oils to create a calming atmosphere.

Step 5: Provide Safe Spaces

Sometimes, all your dog needs is a quiet space to relax. Creating a "safe space" where your dog can retreat to when they feel overstimulated is a great way to help them calm down. This could be a crate, a quiet room, or a designated corner in your home.

The Importance of Training from Day One

One of the most effective ways to manage your dog’s excitement is through early training. The sooner you start teaching your dog basic commands like "sit," "stay," and "down," the easier it will be to handle their overexcitement.

Training isn’t just about teaching commands; it’s about building a relationship with your dog that’s based on trust and understanding.

Quick Recap

Dealing with an overly excited dog can be challenging, but with the right approach, it’s manageable. Here’s a quick summary of the steps to calm your dog down:

1. Redirect their energy with toys or commands.
2. Establish a calming routine with consistent play, meals, and training.
3. Exercise both physically and mentally to reduce excess energy.
4. Use aromatherapy like lavender to soothe their nerves.
5. Create a safe space where your dog can relax when feeling overstimulated.

By recognizing the signs of overexcitement and using these practical techniques, you can help your dog become more relaxed and well-behaved. Remember, consistency and patience are key. You’ve got this!

Enjoy This Video About Dogs Training

Source: Cesar Millan

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