When choosing a dog to adopt, many things must be considered. While many people believe that the dog’s breed matters the most, you must focus on your dog’s activity level. For the most part, raising a puppy on your own is a tremendous task that often requires patience and care.
While it is widespread for puppies to be highly active and hyper during their young years, they tend to calm down with age. Many factors come into play when managing a dog or an extremely active puppy. It can depend on the amount of stimulation provided to your dog, how many times they are taken out for a walk, or the amount of activity they can perform at home. If you are wondering when do puppies start to calm down, it is important to understand that it depends from one puppy to another. Still, on average, it is something that happens with age.
Do you have a specific question about when do puppies start to calm down? Then use the table of contents below to jump to the most relevant section. And you can always go back by clicking on the black arrow in the right bottom corner of the page. Also, please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. For more details, check the Disclosure section at the bottom of the page.
Here's what we'll cover:
At what age are puppies most hyper?
As a newborn, puppies are generally immobile and do not perform many activities. Puppies start to become very active and reach their most hyper state between 10 to 16 weeks after their birth. They are incredibly energetic and curious and can behave in many ways you cannot expect. It can be a little frustrating since they have a short attention span and do not understand rules as lucidly. Training should begin at the stage of establishing desired behaviors from the get-go. At the same time, this is also when they undergo teething, so you should keep all your belongings in safe places where they cannot be chewed on.
Are some puppies calm?
The energy level of puppies is generally high in comparison to adult dogs. While this is quite a universal truth, some puppies are a little calmer than others. Besides age, many other factors also affect the energy level of a puppy. The most common of these include the sex of the puppy, breed of the puppy, the social environment they are being brought up in, and many more. Most importantly, you can expect a general level of enhanced excitement in puppies. Still, in some cases, you will also find puppies who are calm to a considerable extent.
How long does puppy energy last?
Puppies are extremely excitable and curious. While most puppies, as they grow up into older dogs, start losing their hyperactive energy, some might also grow up to be excited dogs. But, for the most part, puppy energy can last a while. The only way you can ensure that they remain calm to a considerable extent is by providing them with adequate exercise.
Exercise can be provided to puppies in various forms, such as taking them out for a walk, letting them play at a dog park, expanding their social circle by introducing them to other puppies, efficient training exercises, and many more. While all the strategies can be implemented to ensure that your dog expends their energy more healthily, you should also train them to become calm. Using reinforcements such as treats is an excellent way of classically conditioning your dog to behave more appropriately. Dog training should start early to maximize good behavior in your dog.
Dog energy levels by age
If you are wondering will my puppy ever calm down, worry not. They will. Puppies, as they grow older, experience a difference in the amount of energy they possess. Here’s how:
- Birth to 10 weeks: As a newborn, just like a human child, puppies have energy but are relatively immobile after birth. Once they start growing, there is a massive spurt of energy which can often be categorized as too much energy. Puppies can be a little frustrating during this time as they are always running and chasing, trying to dispense their energy.
- 10 weeks to 16 weeks: This is one of the most challenging times you will spend with your puppy as they burst with energy but tend to forget rules and commands pointed in the direction. However, there is nothing to worry about as this is normal developmental behavior.
- 4 months to 6 months: This is a more social stage for the dogs where they like to dispense the energy being in company with other dogs.
- 6 to 12 months: At this stage, your dog starts looking like an adult dog, but it’s still a puppy. You will see a burst of energy from time to time, but with continued exercise and play, it is much easier to handle.
- 1 to 2 years: Not only does your dog start looking more mature, but they are also much calmer by 1 to 2 years. They are way more obedient if properly trained and learn how to dispense that energy in healthy ways.
You can watch this video to understand your puppy’s energy level.
What time of day are puppies most active?
Most puppies are active right after they have woken up from a nap. This means puppies show the most activity and curiosity in the morning and evening. This is the best time to take your puppy for a walk or engage them in play.
At what age do puppies calm down?
If you want to know when do puppies start to calm down, for the most part, it happens between 1 to 2 years of age. As a puppy conquers puppyhood, it starts becoming more mature and calms down. While it can also happen at 6 months for some breeds of dogs, for others, that can take up to 2 years for them to calm down.
Will my dog calm down with age?
If you are wondering when do puppies start behaving, it is all about how promptly you begin the training process. There is no doubt that puppies are becoming much calmer with age. Once they have emerged from their puppy years, the energy level falls down rather conveniently, making it less challenging for you to take care of your dog.
Signs your puppy is calming down
To understand fully when do dogs calm down, you need to be vigilant about the signs that your puppy is calming down. The most significant aspect here is at what age dogs calm down, which is around 1 to 2 years on average. After that, you will notice your dog following commands, responding well to training, and not throwing tantrums or running for no reason. You will also notice them becoming more mature and generally less frustrating.
When do old dogs stop acting like puppies?
While most dogs start to get calmer after their puppy years, the puppy energy levels can sometimes seep into their adult years as well. However, it is only a burst of puppy energy from time to time. In general, you can expect your puppy to start becoming mature at the end of 1 or 2 years after their birth.
No matter how frustrating it gets, patience is a virtue when bringing up a puppy. Remember to start training as early as possible to reap the benefits in the later years.
Thanks for the blog graphics: Canva.com
Thanks for the blog graphics: Canva.com
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