Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Here are some helpful tips on how to help your puppy when they are overexcited.
Puppies are naturally energetic and curious, sometimes leading to high excitement, especially when overtired, overstimulated, or in a new environment. Knowing how to help your puppy relax when overexcited is key to setting them up for a calm, well-adjusted life.
Here are suggestions for calming your puppy down focusing on using a crate or pen as a positive space, not as a form of punishment.
I am sure you have noticed puppies have a lot of energy, but they also need frequent rest to grow and develop. Just like young children, puppies can become overstimulated, and this often shows up as bursts of hyperactivity, zoomies, or running around and nipping, barking, and jumping.
When your puppy becomes overexcited, it’s essential to help them wind down. A calm environment allows them to reset and prevents them from getting into a habit of over-stimulation.
While crate or pen training is often associated with housebreaking or keeping puppies safe, these areas can also encourage relaxation and teach self-soothing.
A crate or pen can be a valuable tool for encouraging relaxation, providing a confined space where your puppy can feel secure. However, your puppy must view this space as a cozy retreat, not as a punishment.
Here’s how to do that:
When introducing your puppy to the crate or pen, make it a positive fun, and rewarding experience. Leave the door open initially and let your puppy explore it freely, associating it with good things like treats and affection.
When it’s time for your puppy to rest, lead them to the crate or pen calmly, your calm will encourage calmness in your puppy.
To make the crate or pen a happy space, include items that provide comfort and help your puppy relax. For example, a frozen Kong or a similar toy filled with a puppy-safe treat, like cream cheese or yogurt, provides both mental and physical stimulation. Puppies love chewing, and the challenge of working to get the frozen treat keeps them occupied and helps them settle down.
Having a variety of safe chew toys or plush toys inside the crate gives your puppy something soothing to focus on. Chewing helps puppies relieve teething discomfort and provides a natural way to unwind.
Make sure they have access to water especially if your puppy is in a warm environment or will be resting for an extended period. A spill-proof bowl or crate water bottle can help keep the crate clean while keeping your puppy hydrated.
Puppies thrive on routine, and setting a structured schedule can help your puppy understand when it’s time to play and when it’s time to relax.
Plan for consistent rest times throughout the day. These breaks will allow your puppy to reset and avoid becoming overstimulated. Consider placing your puppy in their crate or pen for short naps, especially after play sessions or walks.
Their crate or pen should be placed in a calm, low-traffic area of your home where your puppy won’t be disturbed. Keeping the space quiet can help prevent stimulation from other activities, allowing your puppy to settle and feel at ease. However, in my home the daytime crate is in the living/kitchen area.
Encourage calm behaviour by rewarding your puppy when they are relaxed in their crate or pen, even though you may have already placed treats, toys, chews etc in their crate. These extra rewards will help them associate calmness with positive reinforcement and help motivate them to repeat these behaviours.
Helping your puppy to learn to relax takes patience and consistency. Some puppies may take to the crate or pen straight away, while others may need more time to feel comfortable. Make it fun, go at your puppy’s pace, and remember that it’s normal for them to experience some excitement or resistance as they adjust to this routine.
With consistent guidance, your puppy will understand that their crate or pen is a safe, comfortable space to relax. Over time, this will become valuable for preventing overstimulation and will encourage calmness in different situations.
Remember that every effort you put in now will help lead to a well-behaved and happy adult dog who understands how to settle down and relax. Patience, love, and consistency are the keys to helping your puppy grow and be a well-adjusted, calm companion.
Until next time,
