09 Jun, 2025

When Do Puppies Finally Calm Down?

I
Irina Turcan
When Do Puppies Finally Calm Down?

Puppies are adorable bundles of fur with a playful nature and a seemingly endless source of energy. Sharing your home with one is fun, but it can have its challenges too! And after countless days of them racing around the house and chewing things they shouldn’t, you’d be forgiven for asking ‘when do puppies calm down?’. So that’s exactly what we're talking about today. We’ll cover the activity levels to expect from your pup at different ages, plus explain why they’re so energetic. We’ve also got top tips on how to encourage a bouncy pooch to chill out!

Why are puppies so hyperactive?

Before asking ‘when do dogs start calming down?’, let’s discuss why they have so much energy. While they might seem like little whirlwinds of chaos, there is some method to their madness!

Similar to human toddlers, everything is brand new to our canine friends at this age. That makes them very curious about their surroundings. Puppies need to explore and experiment to learn more about the world, figure out their boundaries, and develop their skills. And play is one of the primary ways for them to build their abilities as they grow. This includes social skills, cognitive faculties such as problem-solving, and physical abilities like coordination.

Because puppies haven’t yet learned to manage their energy levels, it’s easy for them to become over-excited. What’s more, young pups don’t have the capacity to regulate their emotions, so tend to express whatever they’re feeling. And as your dog gets older, you’ll probably notice that they start to test their boundaries – like a rebellious teenager! That might include becoming more independent, being less responsive to training, exhibiting destructive behaviours, and ignoring commands.(1)

All of this is a normal part of your pet’s development. And, rest assured, it’s temporary – even if it doesn’t feel like it right now! So, exactly when do puppies calm down?

At what age do dogs calm down?

There isn’t one simple answer to the question ‘when do puppies start to calm down?’. That’s because several factors play a role in your pooch’s energy levels, as we’ll talk about below. However, as a rough guide, this is what you can expect from your dog at different stages of their childhood:

Birth-10 weeks

Newborn pups spend a lot of time sleeping and developing basic skills. They tend to have short bursts of liveliness, and their energy levels gradually increase as they grow.

10-16 weeks old

Puppies are playful and mischievous at this age, and may begin to test their boundaries. They usually start teething between 12-16 weeks old, which can lead to a desire to chew everything!

4-6 months old

Dogs continue to exhibit lots of energy during this time. Your pup might also experience new emotions – like fear and aggression – so training, routine, and socialisation are key.

6-12 months old

Your pooch is now entering adolescence. While they may look fully grown physically, they’re still a puppy when it comes to mental maturity. They should begin to settle down, but teenage pups might also try pushing their boundaries and exhibit some destructive behaviours.

1-2 years old

This is when your dog transitions into adulthood. They’ll become calmer and more mature, especially if you’ve trained and socialised them well. Of course, they will still have periods of youthful playfulness, but they should be better at following your rules.

Factors that influence when a puppy calms down

When do puppies calm down? The short answer is between six months and two years old. The reason it’s such a broad window is that age isn’t the only thing that affects your dog’s energy levels. Lots of other factors play a part – some that are within your control, and some that aren’t. For example, like people, animals all have their own personalities, and some are naturally more boisterous and playful than others.

Here are some other things that influence how sprightly your pooch is and at what age they’ll calm down.

Breed and size differences

All young pups are full of energy, but their size and breed affect how much and how long for. If you’re a dog lover, you’ll already know that some breeds are more energetic than others. And those that are more active as adults are more likely to be lively as puppies too. These include Border Collies, Siberian Huskies, Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, and Jack Russell Terriers. When do puppies calm down if they’re from a naturally high-energy breed? It’s probably going to be closer to 2-4 years old – and they’ll still be bouncy as grown-ups!

The physical size of your pooch is relevant too. Large dog breeds take longer to reach adulthood, which means they spend more time in each developmental stage. That includes the energetic phases! So, while a Dachshund may become more mellow when they’re around a year old, a Bernese Mountain Dog might chill out closer to three years old.

It’s worth noting that not all large dog breeds are high-energy. In which case, even though they take longer to reach maturity, they could still be less active than a smaller dog of the same age. To determine your pooch’s energy levels at any age, you need to ask two questions. One is ‘when do dogs calm down?’; the other is ‘how energetic is a fully grown dog of this breed?’

Training, exercise, and routine

We mentioned above that training and routine are vital for growing puppies to manage their energy levels. There are a few reasons for this. First, training your pooch to obey commands like ‘wait’ and ‘sit’ teaches them self-control. What’s more, it’s a fantastic way to keep them engaged and channel their energy in a positive direction. This can all help them regulate their excitement and prevent feelings of boredom and anxiety. And, when you reward calm behaviour, it makes your pup more likely to exhibit it.

In terms of routine, having established times for meals, walks, bedtime and other activities means your pet knows what to expect from the day. This reduces uncertainty and anxiety, helping your mutt to feel calmer and more secure. Plus, they should learn to try and save their energy for playtime and walkies. And with any luck, the answer to ‘when do puppies calm down?’ will become ‘bedtime’!

Regular exercise – both mental and physical – is also crucial for managing your pooch’s energy levels. Taking them out to run around and explore enables them to work their muscles and tire themselves out. This prevents them from becoming hyperactive and restless. Playing games like fetch is a wonderful way for you to bond with your dog too. And it reduces boredom, making it less likely your furry friend will get up to mischief!

Socialisation and environment

Just like us, the place your pet lives in influences their mood and energy levels. When do puppies settle down? When they’re in a calm and relaxing environment. Loud noises, bright lights, and lots of activity can make your mutt more excitable and active. Conversely, being in a quiet space with a soft and snuggly bed encourages them to chill out. And don’t forget that animals pick up on our moods. If you’re bursting with energy, your dog probably will be too!

It's not just human socialisation that affects your pooch’s personality either. When do puppies calm down if they live with other dogs? It depends on the group dynamics. For instance, having playmates can help a puppy burn more energy and stop them from getting bored. Alternatively, bringing a new puppy into the house could raise the energy levels of your existing pets.

Dogs are pack animals, so your puppy should learn social cues and behaviours from their housemates. Ideally, this will make them more responsive to training and help teach them impulse control. If you have calm adult mutts in your home, there’s a good chance your puppy will try to mimic them. And if they get too boisterous, the older pooches might even rebuke them for you!

Neutering

Gender also plays a small role in determining when do dogs start to calm down. Female pups tend to mature a bit earlier than males, which can mean they settle down quicker too. This is largely due to hormonal differences. Speaking of hormones, some people believe that spaying or castrating a dog calms them down. However, the current scientific research findings on this are unclear.(2) While it could reduce hormone-driven behaviours like roaming and marking of territory, this isn’t guaranteed. And results regarding the effects of the procedure on aggression and energy are mixed.

There are many good reasons to get your dog neutered, but calming them down probably isn’t one of them. The procedure is not a magic fix to improve your pet’s behaviour. Instead, it’s better to focus on training, socialisation, environment, and similar factors.

Tips to help calm a high-energy puppy

That mostly covers the question of when do puppies calm down. But what can you do to settle your furry friend if they’re overly energetic? Here are our top tips for managing your pooch’s energy levels:

  • Set aside time every day to play with and walk your dog to help them burn off excess energy. Check with a vet if you’re unsure how much exercise your pup needs.

  • Make the most of your pet’s curiosity by training them. Not only will it stave off boredom, but it should also teach them calm behaviours and impulse control.

  • Use puzzle feeders and other mentally stimulating toys to keep your canine companion entertained and build their focus. Mental challenges are tiring too!

  • Ensure your pet has a quiet spot in the house that encourages relaxation.

  • Establish a routine for your pup’s meals, walks, and bedtime so they know what to expect each day.

  • Use a calm tone of voice when speaking to your pooch, and act in a relaxed way around them. Hopefully, they’ll mirror your behaviour.

  • Set a peaceful bedtime routine for your dog to discourage energetic activity at night.

  • Consider using a pheromone diffuser.

  • Reward calm behaviour with treats and attention.

  • Avoid cheap dog food. Some studies suggest artificial additives and filler ingredients can raise the risk of hyperactivity.(3)

  • Although not suitable for puppies, adaptogenic functional foods could help to calm fully grown dogs. For example, our organic reishi mushroom powder and organic ashwagandha powder may lessen stress and anxiety in adult pups.(4)

So… When will my puppy calm down?

Several factors influence how energetic your dog is and until what age they exhibit puppy hyperactivity. When do puppies calm down? Usually between six months and two years old. You can help manage your pooch’s energy levels through training, a set routine, and regular walks and playtime. If you think your mutt is unusually hyperactive, it might be worth speaking to a vet for personalised advice. But remember, having bundles of energy is completely normal for puppies, and all part of the fun of sharing your life with them!

Frequently asked questions about puppy energy

Do puppies calm down after teething?

Yes, puppies do usually calm down a bit after the teething phase is over. Or at least they shouldn’t chew everything in sight anymore! Teething normally happens at around 12-16 weeks of age, depending on your pooch’s breed. However, it’s not until they reach maturity that dogs fully settle down (approximately six months to two years old).

Will neutering my puppy calm him down?

No, neutering your puppy is not a guaranteed way to calm them down. Research findings on the effects of neutering on canine behaviour are mixed. While it can reduce hormone-driven behaviours like roaming and marking territory, the influence on energy and aggression is less clear. Training, regular mental and physical exercise, and a consistent routine are more effective at keeping dogs calm.

Are certain breeds calm even as puppies?

All puppies exhibit high energy levels, but some breeds are calmer than others. These include Pugs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Basset Hounds. However, remember that breed is only one factor that influences the question of when do puppies calm down. Individual personality plays a role, as does socialisation, environment, exercise, training and routine.

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