How to Calm an Agitated Dog or Soothe an Anxious Puppy

It often happens, when we own a dog, that we have to deal with a somewhat over-the-top temperament — too exuberant or even hyperactive. Sometimes we are not prepared, and it is not easy to manage behaviour that is, shall we say, beyond the pale; but there are things we can do. Let's explore together how to calm an agitated dog or soothe an excitable puppy…

How to recognise an agitated or hyperactive dog

An agitated dog or hyperactive dog displays behaviours that are easy to identify, closely linked to its emotional state and therefore often beyond its own control. In the case of a hyperactive dog, the signals our dog sends us are many, but it is important to know how to read them. A hyperactive dog is in constant motion, always seeming to be looking for something or needing to do something. It frequently scratches at doors as if wanting to go out, and compulsively eats anything it can find — whether edible or not — putting its own health at risk.

A dog affected by hyperactivity races around the house for no reason, barks frantically and jumps up at people; it wants to play non-stop and refuses to accept the lead, sometimes becoming completely out of control. Hyperactivity is often confused with normal exuberance; it is worth bearing in mind that it can be considered a genuine condition, and should be treated as such.

Why is my dog agitated?

First of all, the dog's age must be taken into account. If we are dealing with a puppy or a very young dog, a degree of hyperactivity or a state of constant excitement is fairly normal; this is an expression of the euphoria that comes from continuously discovering the world around it, and it will settle down as the dog gets older and receives proper training. In the case of an adult dog, however, this should not be the case.

A dog's agitation is a sign of distress that the dog itself is experiencing, and it is important to find a solution. It is clear, in fact, that the problem of hyperactivity — or excessive restlessness in general — can in some way disrupt the social life of both the dog and the owner who struggles to manage it. Not least in importance, the need to address our dog's over-the-top behaviour is closely tied to its health.

How to calm an agitated dog

Very often, a dog's constant agitation stems from a problem experienced in early life, such as premature separation from its natural mother. It may also be the result of an irregular lifestyle, in a home with too little stimulation or one that is excessively chaotic. Calming an agitated dog may sometimes require the involvement of a vet or an experienced trainer; in some cases this may even be accompanied by medication. More often, however, less drastic solutions can be used. We are already aware, for example, of the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies and even Bach flower essences, which are very useful for managing the emotional state of both people and animals.

Even before that, though, we can work on ourselves, and begin teaching our dog some fundamental rules. Feeding at a set time is an excellent starting point, and the same applies to walks and to behaviour on the lead. A dog without rules channels its confusion into agitation, and the longer we wait to intervene, the harder recovery becomes.

Games suited to a hyperactive dog

Play, as we know, is essential for our dog at any age. If our dog is agitated, the first thing to do is help it understand that it cannot play non-stop and that it must respect rules in this area too; offer it a game not when it is pestering us insistently, but when we decide the time is right. Choose interactive games for dogs that are designed to develop patience and reasoning, and avoid those filled with jingles and overly bright colours, so as not to over-stimulate the dog.

How to keep a lively dog under control when guests visit

A hyperactive dog tends to bark incessantly and may sometimes nip our guests in fits of excitement. It can interrupt conversations and sometimes even force us to turn down invitations. To prevent this from happening, try to keep the dog by our side when guests are present, stroking it calmly but firmly, so that it recognises the physical contact it needs. When speaking with our friends, explain that it is necessary — even if difficult — for them to ignore the dog during its outbursts and give it attention only when it is calm; in this way it will learn what the right behaviour is in order to receive attention. One final tip: always avoid making eye contact with an agitated or hyperactive dog, as for the dog this is an overwhelming provocation.

We have seen that the involvement of people who know more than we do is sometimes necessary, and in some cases medication may even be required; for this reason it is always a good idea to seek advice from our vet. But the first step towards calming an agitated dog must come from within ourselves. At home, it is important that everyone works together, adopting an orderly approach guided by consistent rules. It is not difficult, but persistence and consistency are essential. We must remember that restlessness in an adult dog is a symptom of deep-seated distress that cannot be ignored under any circumstances. By doing this, we will be able to soothe our dog not just in that particular moment but at a deeper level, ultimately restoring a sense of calm and wellbeing both in the home and in the dog itself.