If you’re looking for a sure-fire way to learn how to calm puppies, then this is the most important page you’re ever going to read.
Because while puppies can often be considered all kinds of wonderful, there are also times when they can be a little bit, shall we say …excitable.
Does this mean you should just give up hope and let them have free run of your home?
In a word… No.
See, even though puppies can be a handful at times, it’s by no means impossible to teach them how to remain calm and relaxed when you apply the right techniques.
This is why before moving on, I’d highly recommend checking out the Puppy Coach Program from Dan Abdelnoor over at The Online Dog Trainer. (see video below)
During the video, Dan discusses why most puppy training methods ultimately set you up to fail before revealing what to do instead to teach them to remain calm in any situation that usually triggers their behavior.
Watch the video, implement Dan’s training, and you should see a huge improvement in your pup’s ability to dial down their emotions.
Here’s the link to the video to take a look: Click Here To Discover How To Finally Calm Your Puppy Down Using A Simple, Highly Effective Training Technique That Takes Just Minutes To Implement!
(video will open in a new window)
How To Calm Puppies – 14 Clever Ways To Calm Your Puppy
Below I’ve put together a detailed list of my top proven ways to calm a puppy.
Feel free to scroll through and test each and every last one at your convenience.
Playtime Will Tucker Them Out
Do you play with your puppy?
It’s been proven time and time again that regular play in dogs and puppies is a sure-fire way to wear the little critters out while giving them much needed attention and stimulation.
Eventually, they’ll lose energy, enthusiasm, and above all, lack the motivation to be mischevious.
This is great if you have the time, energy and open space to play with your puppy
However, it might not be as suitable as some of the other methods further down, especially if you don’t have a lot of open space to play.
If this is the case then a dog sitter/walker is a great alternative.
Get Some Much Needed Exercise
I know this is similar to playtime but it still applies to puppies.
If you notice your little puppy is unusually active, it might be an idea to add to his daily exercise.
This could include…
- Hiking
- Jogging
- Visiting The Park
- Swimming
- Tug Of War Catch
Or anything else you can dream up in that big beautiful brain of yours.
Exercise has the same effect as playtime,
It’s tiring, draining, and it’s gonna wear your puppy down faster than a cheap battery.
Exercise is also highly distracting. So it’s gonna stop unwanted behavior and avoid any problems further down the line.
A Safe Space Is A Calm Place
Puppies are restless if they feel scared, threatened or anxious.
So it’s wise to take them somewhere they feel safe and secure.
Crates, a dog bed, a quiet park on a sunny day, or any other place that’s secluded from the mainstream.
Whatever you do, remember to make note of how your puppy responds when he’s in a safe place. Ideally, his stress levels should start to drop.
Let Them Do Something They Enjoy
To get rid of excess energy, let your puppy do something they really enjoy.
For instance, they might have…
- A favorite toy
- A game they enjoy
Or a spouse or child that they particularly love spending time with.
Letting your puppy/s spend time with others tends to form better bonds over time.
This is beneficial in more ways than one.
Calmness and attentiveness being one of them.
Reward Calm Behavior
Another ingenious way of calming your puppies is to set up a reward/punishment regime.
You can do this by rewarding them for being calm while denying them certain privileges when they act up.
An obvious choice would simply be to reward your puppy with a treat or two whenever they’re calm.
These could include extra food, playtime, or even a visit to their favorite park.
On the contrary, when they’re being a nightmare, you could deny them some of these privileges or even scale down the amounts of playtime or attention you give them.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Have you ever considered your puppy might be hyper because of what’s going on around them?
And it’s not just puppies. This is the case for everyone and everything in existence.
If you find that you personally feel restless, irritated, aggressive, or any other emotion under the sun. Chances are, your puppy will also pick up the behavior and feel the same way.
So before you start playing the blame game just take a minute to look at your own mood, then ask yourself
“Am I really helping the situation”
Try to develop a habit of staying calm especially when you’re around your puppies.
Trust me, it’ll go a long way long way in calming them down, reducing the amount of underlying stress they have.
As the great Jim Rohn once said:
“You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with”
And this applies to puppies as well.
WATCH VIDEO: Discover How To Finally Calm Your Puppy Down Using A Simple, Highly Effective Training Technique That Takes Just Minutes To Implement!
(video will open in a new window)
Call The Music Man
Even the most hyper puppy will have a tough time staying energetic, especially listening to something that is slow, soothing, and calming.
I mean, you don’t see people twerking to classical music, do you.
Same thing goes.
This is why it makes complete sense to play something calming and mellow whenever your puppy goes into overdrive.
And no, I don’t mean picking up the guitar and playing sweet notes till your puppy dozes off.
Just doing something as simple as downloading a few relaxing songs to your phone or any other device will have your puppy winding down faster than a snowman melting in a volcano.
Chew Toys Are Great For Destressing
Puppies love to chew.
Food, bones, toys, your favorite pair of high heels and anything else they can sink their teeth into.
So consider making use of these objects, with the exception of the high heels of course.
If you can get hold a chew toy (or bone). Just go ahead and let your puppy have at it until he’s tired.
A word of warning though. Be careful with the kinds of toys you select.
I’ve found that a few hazardous toys recently that contained some pretty dangerous things
Small removable objects and ever toxic materials that will put your puppies health at risk
So just be careful.
But if you have a toy or bone that you know is safe. Your puppy will be so engaged with what he’s doing, He’ll become detached from his surrounding environment.
It sounds strange, but this can create a great calming effect leaving them with litter energy or interest to seek other mischevious adventures.
Ignoring Your Puppy Can Be Beneficial (sometimes)
Much like the mailman puppies can get rather upbeat whenever they spot their owner.
This can be intensified when you respond to the excitement by playing along and reciprocating the same level of excitement.
To counter it, and calm your puppy faster…
…Ignore your puppy
Sounds bad I know but hear me out.
Reacting in a positive way to any kind of behavior will reinforce the fact the behavior is acceptable.
By ignoring the excitability your puppy will eventually get bored and become less excitable.
But to reap the full benefits you have to stay consistent.
When your pup eventually calms down, then you can show him all the love and attention he desires.
In time, he’ll realize that the only way he’ll get your attention is by acting in a calm way.
It takes practice and persistence, but it does work.
Bad Behavior Is A Big No-No
Just like kids, puppies get out of hand while they go about their day to day routine.
If you tolerating this behavior, all your doing is reinforcing the fact that it’s ok to misbehave.
So here’s what to do…
To ensure that they stay in check, address the situation immediately before it runs into a consistent habit.
If your puppy is acting up take them somewhere they feel safe and see if they calm down.
It doesn’t work all the time but it should at least make them realize what their behavior is unacceptable which in time will help them form consistent habits.
Too Much Alone Time Is A Bad Thing
Whether they’re in a crate, outside or confined to just one room, It’s wise never to leave your puppy unattended for too long.
It can make them feel tense, anxious and even nervous.
Over time this will take it’s a toll on them and in some circumstances, can even make them aggressive or hostile.
To stop this, keep a close eye on them and take time to monitor their daily routine.
Some Alone Time Is A Good Thing
Now I know I said you shouldn’t leave your puppy for a long time, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that alone time is a bad thing.
When used correctly that is.
The underlying logic is that puppies often relax and calm down well when they’re alone as opposed to when they’re in the middle of noise and hostility.
What you need to do is draw up a timetable. Scheduling in brief yet consistent intervals when your puppy can just chill the hell out.
Be There Even When Your Not
You’re not gonna be around all the time. So it’s wise to leave something around that reminds them of you for both comfort and familiarization.
Something that they will immediately associate with you.
For instance, some of your old clothing or a blanket you share to name a few.
Try it out and let me know what you think…
Don’t Make A Fuss When You Leave
When you leave your house don’t make a fuss.
I know it’s hard especially if you have an adorable litter critter but the rewards far outweigh the benefits on this one.
Start slow giving them a little less attention every time you leave.
If you do this slowly then your puppy will hardly notice that anything has changed at all.
I will take several days or even weeks to build up to this but it’s the best way to instill permanent habits for both you and your puppy.
Wrapping Things Up
It goes without saying that the strategies outlined above are just a few of many that will get you well on the way to a calm attentive puppy.
Try one or two out and watch you go from a backflipping excitable ninja to a mellow manageable mutt in no time.
And oh yeah… If you’ve made it to this point and still haven’t check out Dan’s step-by-step training over at The Online Dog Trainer then I’d highly recommend taking a look.
Do you have any other thoughts on how to calm puppies? Let me know in the comments below…
