Did you get a new puppy? Already feeling overwhelmed by their boundless energy? If you’re wondering ‘Why is my puppy so hyper and aggressive?’, you’re not alone. Many people find themselves faced with a bouncing bundle of joy that never seems to tire.
But at what age do puppy crazies stop? How long will this phase last and what can you do to calm your pup down? Read on to find out.
At What Age Are Puppies Most Hyper?
The short answer is that the energy levels are at their peak throughout the first year of life. While the first six months are generally when they’re the most playful, active and mischievous, they can remain relatively high-energy until they reach 12 or even 18 months old.
You may notice intermittent periods of calm between waves of puppy energy, but they’re often followed by another outburst of craziness. This on-again, off-again cycle can be frustrating for owners, but once you understand why it’s happening, it can be easier to deal with.
Puppy Energy Levels by Age
To help you get a better understanding of your pet’s rollercoaster ride of energy levels, here’s a brief overview of what you can expect in the first couple of years of their life.
6 to 12 Weeks
At this age, puppies are just discovering the world around them which ultimately leads to a period of hyperactivity and increased curiosity. As they explore their surroundings, they’ll likely be getting into everything and anything they can get their paws on.
From jumping on furniture and barking at your guests to chewing on cords and shoes and crying at night, puppies will try to put just about anything in their mouths during this phase. Stopping them from getting into things can be a full-time job, but it’s important to stay patient and consistent with your training.
12 Weeks to 6 Months
As puppies reach social maturity around 12 weeks old, their energy levels will start to become more manageable. Sometimes called the ‘fear period’, this is when puppies become more aware of the potential dangers around them and can start to get scared or anxious.
While their hyperactivity may subside a bit during this phase, they’ll likely still be quite active and playful. They may also start testing boundaries more, so make sure you practice positive reinforcement training for obedience and good behaviour.
6 to 12 Months
This is generally when puppies reach physical maturity, with more adult-like proportions and behaviour. But even so, they may still remain quite active and lively, especially if they don’t have an outlet for their energy.
During this stage, it’s important to continue obedience training and include numerous opportunities for physical activity, like walks, runs, fetch and other games. This will help your pup burn off some of that excess energy and hopefully tire them out before bedtime.
12 to 24 Months
As puppies enter adolescence and approach adulthood, they’re not as easily excited as they were as a young pup. At this age, they should be calmer and more focused, but may still need regular physical activity to better control their energy levels.
If your puppy is still hyper and unruly, it may be indicative of other underlying issues like anxiety or boredom. In these cases, it’s best to consult with a professional trainer or behaviourist to help get to the root of the problem.
What Age Do Puppy Crazies Stop?
Truth be told, there’s no definite answer to the question of ‘How long are puppies crazy?’ since every dog is different. While some may mellow out by the time they reach 6 or 12 months old, others may still have bursts of energy that last well into their second year or even beyond.
In general, small breeds tend to mature faster than large ones and will likely calm down sooner. But even within breeds, there can be a lot of variation in how each individual dog develops.
The best thing you can do is to just wait it out and keep up with your pup’s training and exercise needs. With time, they’ll hopefully start to develop better self-control and become less destructive around the house.
So if you’re wondering ‘What age do puppy zoomies stop?’, the best answer is to just focus on your patience and keep up with their training and exercise needs. With time, your pup will eventually mellow out and become the calm, relaxed dog you always dreamed of.
How to Calm a Puppy Down?
While it may differ from one pooch to the next, there are a few general things you can do to help calm your puppy down when they’re feeling particularly rebellious.
Teach Them How to Play Fetch
Not only is fetch a great way to tire your pup out, but it’s also an excellent opportunity to teach them how to focus and remain relatively calm. Start by playing in short bursts and gradually increase the length of time as your puppy gets better at it.
Let Them Know Their Place
This command is useful for teaching your puppy that they don’t always need to be in the center of attention. Whenever they start to get too rowdy or jumpy, have them lie down in their designated spot and give them a treat. These limitations give you greater authority over their temperament and schedule.
Control Their Diet
Just like humans, what puppies eat can have a big impact on their energy levels. Make sure they’re getting plenty of protein and complex carbs while avoiding sugary snacks and empty calories. A healthy diet of canned foods with high nutritional values will help keep their energy levels more stable throughout the day.
Stick to a Routine
Having a set routine for your young pup is imperative. This will help them distinguish their play time from their relaxing time. In that sense, you can adjust your time to fit that of your pet, so that when you want to relax, the puppy will do the same.
Make Sure They Have Something to Play With
Think of your puppy as your baby. Whenever a small child is bored, we always give it a toy to play with. The same applies with young dogs. You need to pick the right toy for your puppy, so whenever it’s bored, it can just go and play with that, instead of playing with the furniture in your home.
Use a Calming Aid
There are various calming aids and toys available on the market that can help settle an anxious or hyperactive pup. These include things like pheromone-infused collars, thunder shirts and calming supplements. Consult with your veterinarian to see if any of these might be a good option for your particular breed.
When Does a Puppy Become a Dog?
This goes hand in hand with the question of ‘When do puppies calm down?’ since the answer is often the same. Reaching adulthood is inherently linked with a decrease in energy levels and an increased ability to focus and pay attention.
However, for most dogs the period of maturity is between one and two years of age. This is not to say that it happens suddenly when they reach this age. This is a process, and it can be different depends on your dog’s breed, size, temperament, etc.
Finishing Thoughts
As much as we love our furry friends, there’s no denying that puppies can be a handful. From zoomies and biting everything in sight to never-ending barks and endless energy, they can be tough to keep up sometimes.
If you needed an answer to ‘What age do puppy crazies stop?’, hopefully what you’ve read here will give you a better idea. And remember, nothing lasts forever and even the craziest of pups will eventually calm down as they reach maturity. So hang in there and enjoy the ride!
