13 ways to calm down your dog.

Are you struggling with a hyper-active dog? Or perhaps an adolescent who finds it hard to control their own impulses? Are you struggling to find ways to calm down your over-excited dog?

Here are some practical tips to help your furry friend relax and enjoy life at a slower pace. Keep in mind that every dog is different and what works for one might not work for another. But with patience and consistency, you can help your dog become calmer and more content.

Before I list the tips I’d like to add that any dog with sudden behaviour changes should first be seen by a vet to rule out any medical conditions as the cause of the behaviour. This is relevant for all types of dogs at all ages. So, please have that in mind if your dog suddenly goes from cute, cuddly, and friendly to over-excited, barking and lunging, or even growling or snapping at you or others.

Exercise

The saying goes, “A tired dog is a calm dog,” but that doesn’t mean you should overexert your pet. High-intensity activities like fetch can actually increase stress hormones, leaving your dog more agitated than before. Instead, consider slow walks that allow your dog to explore the world at a leisurely pace. This type of exercise can be just as beneficial, if not more so, for your dog’s mental wellbeing.

Massage

Like humans, dogs can benefit from a soothing massage. Gently rub or stroke your dog’s muscles, starting at the head and slowly working your way down the body. Be careful to avoid any areas that might be painful and take extra caution around bony parts.

Music

Soft, calming music or nature sounds can help soothe your dog’s nerves. Consider turning on Dog TV or similar programs (there are free videos on YouTube) to provide a relaxing auditory environment for your pet. Be careful though to screen what’s on the videos or in the music. Especially if your dog gets excited by the sound of certain birds or the meowing of a cat (like mine does).

Safe Space

Ensure your dog has his own safe space where he can be left alone. Fill it with soft blankets, a comfy dog bed, and some favorite toys and chews. Keep in mind, a safe space doesn’t have to be a crate – some dogs don’t do well with confinement. If you do use a crate, make sure your dog isn’t kept inside for extended periods.

Mindfulness

Practice mindfulness with your dog. Spend some time with your pet just sitting and watching the world go by. This can be a calming experience for both you and your dog, providing a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Food

Use food as a calming tool. Scatter some small treats in long grass and let your dog sniff them out. Sniffing is a calming activity for dogs, similar to breathing exercises in yoga or meditation. Long-lasting chews or a lickimat with something delicious can also provide soothing, engaging activities for your dog.

Day Off

Just like humans, dogs need downtime. Consider having a lazy day at home with your pup, where you just hang out and do very little. This can help your dog learn that not every day has to be filled with high-intensity activities.

Routine and Predictability

Many dogs thrive on routine and predictability. Stick to a regular schedule for meals, playtime, and bedtime to help your dog feel calm and secure. If you can’t always stick to a schedule, try to be consistent in how you do things to maintain predictability.

Guidance and Education

Teach your dog how to behave in different situations. For example, if you want your dog to stay calmly by your side at a café, teach them to relax on a mat with a long-lasting chew. It’s your job to help your dogs understand and adapt to our human environment.

Keep Your Own Stress Levels Down

Your stress can affect your dog. Try to keep your own stress levels down as much as possible. Breathing exercises, yoga, or mindfulness can help you stay calm, which in turn can help your dog.

Lavender

The scent of lavender can sometimes have a calming effect on dogs. Try using a lavender-scented spray or diffuser, but be careful not to spray too much or too close to your dog.

Thundershirts

Thundershirts are special garments that apply gentle pressure to a dog’s body, helping reduce anxiety. They are often used for dogs that are afraid of thunder, fireworks, or other loud noises. You can also create a DIY wrap for a similar effect.

Calming Supplements

While research is inconclusive, some dog owners have found success in using calming supplements. Talk to your vet about what might be beneficial for your dog, and remember to try different options to see what works best.

Remember, all dogs are individual with different needs and wants. What works for one dog may not work for another. But with patience, consistency, and love, you can help your dog become calmer and more content.

Finally if your dog is over the top excited because he is an adolescent I would like to link to two articles that have been written by colleagues of mine and they are brilliant for understanding our adolescent dogs a little bit better.

Cold Nose College/the-key-to-adolescent-dogs

Level Up dog training/adolescent-dogs-teenagers/

If you need further help in calming your dog, feel free to get in touch for a 15-minute free discovery call. Email at tina@tinashappyhounds.dk or visit

Tina B. Kristensen

Cert. Dog Trainer

Cert. Separation Anxiety Pro Behaviour Consultant

tina@tinashappyhounds.dk