Help! Why Is My Dog So Hyper?

If you’ve found yourself wondering why your dog seems to have boundless energy, you are not alone. Dogs, like us, are living beings: They have good days when they feel calm and bad days when they can be restless. 

There are times when high-energy levels are normal, but it’s important to remember that prolonged hyperactivity can be a sign of an underlying issue. Reasons for excessive energy in dogs vary. Below, we explore the signs that determine when extra energy is a problem, its potential causes, and guidance on how to remedy the problem. 

(Remember: If you feel overwhelmed, your veterinarian or a dog behavior training professional is just a call away, ready to provide the guidance you need.)

Signs of a hyperactive dog

Dogs experience different life stages, so they will go through phases when we can expect them to be more rambunctious than others. Some signs of a hyperactive dog include:

• Excessive panting

• Whining and whimpering

• Pacing or circling

• Excessive running

• Excessive jumping

• Repetitive behaviors

But there are several factors, including age, that determine what qualifies as too much energy. To help you understand if your dog’s energy level is typical, below are a few examples grouped by life stage. If you are uncertain if your dog’s energy level is consistent with their age or are concerned it might be a symptom of a larger health or behavior problem, contact a veterinarian or a behavior consultant.

The Puppy Stage (2 to 6 months)

As puppies grow, they tend to have bursts of energy during the day. It’s normal for them to experience fluctuations in energy levels as they learn and explore. They may also have a sudden surge of energy in the evening, known as the “zoomies,” a natural way to release energy before settling for bed. This behavior is part of their healthy development and should not cause concern.

Activities such as taking a long walk, playing fetch, feeding them later, playing relaxing music, or using pheromone therapy or aromatherapy may help puppies settle down faster. As a puppy learns your routine and adapts, they will begin to wake up and fall asleep around your schedule.

The Adolescent Stage (6 months to 2 years)

Think puppies are hyper? Wait until they hit their “teen” years, when they are known for their high energy levels, which can sometimes make adopters feel frazzled. This is a time when their brains and bodies are still developing. Hormonal changes occur, and their sense of smell becomes even more acute as they enter this new phase. Besides the boundless energy that comes with being an adolescent, other factors can make it difficult for them to settle down, including fear. 

As they grow, they may become sensitive and exhibit enthusiastic behavior when happy — or hold onto their fears longer when afraid (sometimes called a puppy fear period). They may demonstrate behaviors like fidgeting or seeking reassurance, which can appear as an inability to settle down, excessive walking, running, jumping, or playing catch-me-if-you-can. This could be a stress response or a way for them to test their environments. As with human teenagers, expect to see fluctuations in their behavior. 

Maintaining routines, taking things slowly, and revisiting basic training skills from their puppy days can help them through this phase and reduce stress-related behaviors. A combination of strategies (such as playing relaxing music, hormone therapy, and aromatherapy) may assist in calming them down. 

The Adulthood Stage (2 to 7 years)

As a dog matures into adulthood, they tend to exhibit increased stability and longer periods of relaxation. While adult dogs still have bursts of energy and enthusiasm, excessive pacing, fidgeting, and constant seeking of attention are often signs of stress. Exhibiting restless behaviors may indicate that something is unsettling or distressing, and they may struggle to cope. In these cases, seek the help of a veterinarian to ensure there aren’t any medical problems, before reaching out to a behavior consultant. 

The Senior Stage (7+ years)

In the senior stage of life, dogs may exhibit bursts of energy, especially when it’s time for a meal or to go for a walk. However, they will spend more time sleeping. 

Understanding and accommodating the above energy levels is vital to responsible dog care. By recognizing and respecting your dog’s energy levels, you can ensure they lead a happy and healthy life.

Causes of hyperactivity in dogs

When a dog seems hyper, it’s usually because their basic needs aren’t being met. They may be hungry or thirsty, need to relieve themselves outside, are bored, or require more exercise and mental stimulation. For older dogs, the excessive energy may be an indication of pain, including stress or anxiety. 

Below are some common causes of canine hyperactivity.

Breed

Sometimes canine hyperactivity comes down to genetics. Certain dogs need a job more than others, and training is essential to guide their behavior (and all that extra energy) toward a positive, desired direction. 

From a 30,000-foot view, dogs are a species that have co-evolved with us for thousands of years. During that time, people bred dogs for specific purposes such as hunting, protection, or even companionship. Most of that was outdoors. Since those skills don’t always translate well to modern life, they are still adapting to living with us in confined areas, such as homes.

For example, someone living in a high-rise apartment may adopt a German or Australian Shepherd dog breed who is bred to herd animals. Without an outlet to perform this job, some dogs may end up herding anything that moves, including people, children, cars, and other animals. Without an outlet, some of these dogs may also develop neurosis, pacing back and forth when they’re in small areas for extended periods. 

Age

Throughout a dog’s life, regardless of personality, energy levels are expected to fluctuate as the dog develops and grows naturally through different stages of life. If we were to track this trend visually, we would see a rising line from puppyhood to adulthood, with levels flattening in the later stages of adulthood through to the senior stage. 

However, depending on a dog’s exposure and early life experience, some pups are more resilient to stressful, uncertain circumstances. In contrast, others seemingly hold on to stress for longer durations of time and are unable to dissipate that energy, displaying more frenetic behaviors such as running, jumping, and an inability to settle.

Lack of mental and physical stimulation

Another reason for a dog’s excessive energy may be boredom resulting from a lack of stimulation. When dogs are mentally and physically stagnant, which can be distressing for all ages and all breeds, it’s like a champagne bottle that’s been shaken and about to pop. Being confined in a small area for extended periods with limited outdoor exposure can exacerbate this, as can canine ADHD (see below), which can impact up to 20 percent of dogs. It’s crucial to remember that, just like us, dogs need a balance of mental and physical stimulation — outdoor exposure is a key part of this. 

ADHD in Dogs

Hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD, can cause excessive energy in dogs. But diagnosing this condition is complex. A dog experiencing clinical hyperactivity disorder will behave similarly to a young adolescent or a distressed dog due to PTSD who may not feel safe: They cannot settle, lack impulse control, jump, and pace. 

Many dogs with ADHD have poor resiliency to stress, because they have experienced trauma in their lives due to inadequate early stimulation, insecurity, and/or instability. Dogs with this condition typically demonstrate incredibly high energy levels, are unable to settle, are sensitive to noise, are easily distracted and have difficulty focusing on tasks, are impulsive, and may exhibit needy and destructive behaviors.

With the right humane training approach, significant improvement is possible. An experienced animal behavioralist with solid knowledge of learning theory can help, and if necessary, the temporary use of medication prescribed by your veterinarian can be lifesaving. 

Hundreds of dogs suffer from ADHD, and many behaviors resolve with guidance. When necessary, seek the advice of an experienced veterinarian, board-certified veterinary behaviorist, or behavior consultant. Working with these professionals can help you and your dog lead a happier, more balanced life.

How to manage your dog’s high energy

1. Determine your dog’s individual needs and personality

Consider your dog’s age and life stage, then observe the dog’s behavior and energy patterns. When do they have bouts of excess energy? Are they exhibiting other behavioral signs? Look at your dog’s breed (or breed mix) to gauge typical energy levels. It’s important to take all of the above into consideration so you can create a personalized plan to satisfy your dog’s energy levels. It’s important to take all of the above into consideration so you can create a personalized plan to satisfy your dog’s energy levels.

Experts can also help you determine what normal activity levels should be for your dog, and how to manage, and healthily expend, that energy.

• Consult with a veterinarian for a health assessment

• Enroll in positive reinforcement training classes for expert guidance.

• Seek a canine behavior consultant or board-certified behaviorist for specialized advice. 

2. Provide mental and physical enrichment

Your responsibility when you care for your pet includes providing your pup with opportunities to exercise their brains and bodies. If you aren’t mobile for medical or other reasons, ask a responsible family member, friend, or dog-walking professional for help. Ideas for enrichment include the following.

Physical exercise

• Daily walks or runs

• Interactive playtime (fetch, tug-of-war)

• Playtime with other dogs

• Practice training skills

• Agility sports 

Mental stimulation

• Training sessions to improve behavior management and communication

• Food puzzles and interactive toys

• Nose work and scent games

• Structured games such as fetch

When inside, play calming bioacoustic music or frequency sounds on a low volume as you give them a game to preoccupy their interests. Also, keep in mind that even the tiniest change in a dog’s daily routine creates novelty. Whether a new toy or even a short walk outside, these activities can help release their pent-up energy. 

3. Establish a routine and keep it consistent

Dogs thrive on routines. Sticking to a predictable schedule keeps them calm. This includes activities such as feeding, walking, daily play, and rest times. Consider using Dr. Overall’s biofeedback protocol to teach your dog to rest and relax as you’re working. 

Feeling overwhelmed? Get help from a pro.

If your dog has been excessively hyperactive for a long period, and this behavior is causing significant issues, consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical problems. Often, your vet will collaborate with qualified training professionals and provide a list of behavior-modification training specialists who use humane, ethical methods to improve your dog’s behavior.

If you’ve exhausted all resources and your dog isn’t improving (or is under a lot of stress), your lifestyle and/or home might not be the best fit for them. Rehoming a dog is one of the most challenging decisions you can make, but sometimes, it can be the kindest, most responsible thing you can do for them. 

If you’re considering finding a new family for your dog, check out Adopt a Pet’s Rehome program. It helps adopters safely help their pet find a new, loving home (without entering a shelter).

Commonly asked questions

Why is my dog hyper at night? 

Many factors can contribute to excess energy in dogs at night, such as inconsistent sleep patterns, changes in routine, boredom, lack of physical and mental stimulation, distress, or an unmet basic need. Excessive energy in young and early adolescent dogs is expected, since they tend to wind themselves up to fall asleep. For older dogs, excessive energy may be an indication of pain, including suffering from stress or anxiety.

When will my hyperactive puppy calm down?

Puppies generally become calmer when they reach late adolescence and early adulthood. Until then, is normal for puppies and young dogs to be active. In fact, it would be concerning if a dog this age were not active. Ensure that your puppy receives the right amount of mental and physical exercise (both inside and outside your home) to reduce boredom, minimize excessive energy, and help set them up for a restful sleep.

Should I get another dog for my high-energy dog?

No, you should not get another dog for your high-energy dog, if your goal is to reduce the existing dog’s energy level. Adding a new canine to the household may turn into a bigger problem if the new dog is equally rambunctious. Instead, take time to consider the underlying reasons for your dog’s current behavior to find the right solutions. You can also consult with a veterinarian or canine behavior specialist to resolve challenging behaviors before adding another dog to the family.

References

ADHD-Like Behaviors in Dogs: Breed Characteristic or Disorder?

Canine Hyperactivity, Impulsivity, and Inattention Share Similar Demographic Risk Factors and Behavioural Comorbidities With Human ADHD

How to Calm Down Your Anxious, Stressed, or Hyperactive Dog

Is Your Puppy Too Hyper? Tips and Tricks On How To Calm Your Hyperactive Puppy

Serotonin and Dopamine Blood Levels in ADHD-Like Dogs