Living with a hyperactive dog can be exhausting — especially if they belong to a high-energy breed. Dogs like Border Collies, Belgian Malinois, Jack Russell Terriers, and Siberian Huskies are known for their boundless enthusiasm and stamina. While their energy is part of what makes them lovable, it can also lead to destructive or disruptive behavior if not managed properly.
In this article, you’ll learn how to calm down hyperactive dogs through practical strategies that consider their breed, temperament, and natural instincts — all while keeping them happy and mentally stimulated.
Why Some Breeds Are More Hyperactive Than Others
Certain breeds were developed to work — herding sheep, chasing prey, guarding property, or running for miles. These breeds need a job, and when they don’t have one, they create one. That job could be chewing your couch, barking non-stop, or pacing all day.
Examples of high-energy breeds include:
- Border Collies
- Australian Shepherds
- Belgian Malinois
- Jack Russell Terriers
- Vizslas
- Siberian Huskies
- Weimaraners
Their energy isn’t a behavior problem — it’s a breed trait. Trying to “calm” them without understanding their natural drive is like asking a fish not to swim.
Signs Your Dog Is Overstimulated
Hyperactivity isn’t just about energy — it’s about a lack of mental and physical balance. Common signs include:
- Constant barking or whining
- Pacing and inability to relax
- Destructive behavior (chewing furniture, digging)
- Jumping on people or furniture excessively
- Overreaction to small noises or movements
These are signals that your dog needs more structure, stimulation, or downtime — not just exercise.
Step 1: Establish a Consistent Daily Routine
Dogs thrive on routine. Predictability gives them a sense of control and reduces anxiety.
A good routine includes:
- Set wake-up and bedtime
- Fixed meal times
- Scheduled walks and training sessions
- Rest or nap times
Use alarms or reminders to stay consistent. Even 10 minutes off-schedule can trigger excitement in hyper dogs.
Step 2: Use Mental Stimulation — Not Just Physical Exercise
Many dog owners make the mistake of only increasing physical exercise for hyperactive dogs. While running helps, mental fatigue is often even more effective.
Try these activities:
- Puzzle toys: Force the dog to work for treats
- Scent games: Hide treats around the house
- Obedience training: Reinforce focus and structure
- Interactive feeders: Extend mealtime and engage the brain
A 20-minute training session can tire a dog more than a 1-hour walk.
Step 3: Offer Purposeful Exercise
High-energy dogs need specific kinds of physical activity that engage their instincts.
Ideas based on breed:
- Herders (Border Collies, Aussies): Frisbee, fetch, agility training
- Hounds (Beagles, Weimaraners): Long sniff walks or scent trails
- Terriers (Jack Russells): Digging zones, tug-of-war
- Working dogs (Malinois, Huskies): Weighted backpack walks, running, obstacle courses
Let the dog use its body and brain during play — don’t rely on aimless running in a backyard.
Step 4: Teach Calming Behaviors
You can train your dog to relax on command using simple cues and positive reinforcement.
Helpful commands:
- “Place” or “Mat”: Teach your dog to lie calmly on a mat
- “Settle”: Reward calm behavior without being asked
- “Look” or “Focus”: Redirect attention during overstimulation
Train during low-energy periods and gradually increase difficulty. Stay patient — this takes time but works wonders.
Step 5: Avoid Overstimulating Environments
Some hyperactive behavior is triggered by too much stimulation:
- Loud sounds (TV, doorbells, music)
- Multiple people or pets in the room
- Too many toys or distractions at once
Tips:
- Use white noise or calming music
- Limit access to busy areas when your dog is overexcited
- Rotate toys instead of leaving all available
Create a calm, predictable environment — especially during the evening wind-down hours.
Step 6: Use the Right Tools (Calm, Not Control)
There are tools and accessories that can help calm dogs, without punishment:
- ThunderShirts or calming wraps for anxiety
- Slow feeders to reduce meal-time excitement
- Snuffle mats to combine calming licking/sniffing with feeding
- Chew toys or frozen Kongs to soothe and occupy
Never rely on tools like shock collars or harsh corrections — these increase stress and can make hyperactivity worse.
Step 7: Monitor Your Own Energy
Dogs mirror our energy. If you’re frustrated, rushed, or constantly moving, your dog will reflect that.
- Practice calm body language
- Speak in a low, steady tone
- Avoid overexcitement during greetings and play
Set the tone for relaxation in your home — your dog is watching you closely.
Step 8: Schedule Downtime and Enforce Rest
Yes, high-energy dogs need rest too — they just don’t know it. You have to teach them to rest.
How?
- Create a dark, quiet space with no distractions
- Enforce nap times after play or meals
- Don’t allow constant stimulation (TV, toys, movement)
Use crates, pens, or quiet rooms to help them disconnect.
Step 9: Consider Professional Help if Needed
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, hyperactivity remains an issue. This could be due to:
- Underlying anxiety or trauma
- Inconsistent household rules
- Lack of early socialization
In these cases, hiring a certified dog trainer or behaviorist is a smart move. They’ll help create a structured plan that aligns with your dog’s breed and behavior.
Final Thoughts: Channel the Energy, Don’t Fight It
Hyperactive dogs aren’t “bad” dogs — they’re just misunderstood. With the right structure, engagement, and calm guidance, even the most energetic dogs can learn to relax.
It’s not about suppressing your dog’s spirit — it’s about giving it direction. When you meet your dog’s breed-specific needs and teach them how to self-regulate, your home becomes calmer, and your bond grows stronger.
