What can you give a hyper dog to calm it down?

Watching your dog zoom around the living room at 8 PM, knocking over cushions and ignoring your calls, can leave you feeling frustrated—especially when you just want to wind down. Hyperactivity in dogs often stems from pent-up energy or boredom, not “bad behavior,” so the key is finding safe, effective ways to calm them. Plus, in places like France or parts of the US, unmanaged hyper dogs that jump on strangers or bolt in public could violate local leash laws, so getting this right keeps everyone safe.

First, burn off physical energy with structured play—think 20 minutes of fetch in the yard or a brisk walk with training stops (like practicing “sit” at crosswalks). For high-energy breeds like Huskies or Dalmatians, adding mental stimulation works even better: hide treats in a puzzle toy or set up a sniffing trail around the house. This taps into their natural foraging instincts, and a tired dog is a calm dog—no “quick fix” product needed. Many trainers in the UK swear by this “tire the mind first” approach for curbing hyperactivity.

If you need extra help, vet-approved calming supplements can work. Look for options with L-theanine or chamomile—these are gentle and won’t make your dog drowsy. Avoid over-the-counter products with unknown ingredients; in the EU, pet supplements must meet strict safety standards, so check for a CE mark before buying. Never give your dog human meds like Xanax or Benadryl without a vet’s OK—they can be toxic and could land you in trouble with animal welfare laws.

Creating a calm environment helps too. Dim the lights in the evening, play soft classical music (many dogs respond to slow tempos), and give them a cozy spot with a weighted blanket. For dogs stressed by loud noises (like fireworks or thunder), a “safe room” with closed curtains and a white noise machine can lower their anxiety. This is rooted in canine behavior science—dogs feel secure in quiet, predictable spaces, which eases hyperactivity triggered by stress.

Training techniques like “capture calm” work wonders. Whenever your dog lies down quietly, reward them with a tiny treat and quiet praise. This teaches them that calm behavior gets attention, not zoomies. If they start to get hyper, redirect them to a toy instead of scolding—scolding can amp up their energy more. In cities like New York or Berlin, where close living means noisy neighbors, this training also prevents complaints about barking or disruptive behavior.

By combining exercise, mental stimulation, and safe calming tools, you’ll help your hyper dog settle into a calmer rhythm. Always check with your vet before trying new supplements, and stay mindful of local laws—keeping your dog under control in public isn’t just polite, it’s often required. With patience, you’ll both enjoy more peaceful evenings (and fewer knocked-over cushions).