What Age Do Dogs Calm Down? What You Need to Know

Believe it or not, “teenage” dogs can be just as rebellious and energetic as teenage humans! But there are ways you can help your dog manage their energy and curiosity.

We discuss when this phase tends to end, how to socialize and train your pup, and how a research-backed supplement can help promote relaxation even during stressful situations.

Key Takeaways

As puppies grow, they often become more energetic.
When dogs are "teenagers," high energy levels plus a rebellious streak can be challenging to manage.
It's important to properly socialize and train dogs using positive reinforcement.
That can help them maintain a normal, relaxed disposition, even when confronted by something potentially stressful or exciting.
CBD supplements, such as oils or Dog Treats, can also help promote relaxation in dogs.

See More: Do Hemp Treats Work for Dogs?

Canine Development and Energy Levels

Sean Zyer, founder of Earth Buddy, says:

"Puppies and adolescent dogs often have loads of energy, which needs to be directed into socialization and positive reinforcement training. They usually calm down when they hit adulthood, but CBD supplements can help promote relaxation."

Most dog owners know the struggle. At some point, that adorable, tiny puppy turned into a boisterous, high-energy teenage dog. Just like human teens, many dogs at this age will push boundaries and engage in undesirable behaviors.

With time, most dogs calm down. But that doesn't mean you should ignore any impending destructive behavior or issues.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can promote calm behavior at every stage of your dog's life.

Understanding Puppy Energy

As with many things, it's important to start from day one.

Newborn puppies spend most of their time sleeping. As the months go by, their naps will become less frequent and their energy levels will rise.

After a few months, puppies often become extremely energetic. Some might even seem hyperactive.

Like human kids, this process is entirely natural. It's not something you necessarily want to work against, either.

Think about it this way. Your pup's excited behavior is quite understandable because they are literally experiencing everything for the very first time. Life is a brand-new, wonderful experience for them.

Their seemingly boundless energy can also be a secret superpower. Let us explain.

Exposure

It's really important to expose your pup to the world. The first few months are absolutely crucial for this.

Socialization means introducing your puppy to the weird and wonderful things in our world. New people, places, animals, experiences, objects — it's important to help your puppy become acquainted with all of these things.

Why? Well, being exposed to something as a puppy will help your dog be comfortable with that thing as an adult. Research suggests that less socialization can lead to dogs that are more fearful and stressed.¹

Try to introduce your puppy to as many things as possible. Start inside the house, such as with different floor types or family members. Eventually, you'll be able to take the process outside.

However, don't overwhelm your pup. Try to introduce a few new things a day, but work in stages.² For example, you might start exposing your pup to something that you do yourself before letting a friend and then a stranger do the same thing.

Pay attention to your dog's behavior. If they start demonstrating signs of negativity, give them a break. Common signs include whimpering, shaking, looking away, and pulled-back ears.

Positive Reinforcement Training

Your pup's natural energy and curiosity should help this process. Most dogs naturally want to explore the world around them, so you can work with that natural urge to help them become comfortable with the sights, smells, and sounds around them.

Throughout the process, make sure to give your pup constant positive reinforcement. Remember, you want to convince your puppy that the world is a great place to be. You want them to be comfortable with stimuli, not scared or stressed.

The best way to do that is to constantly provide positive reinforcement. Offer plenty of praise and affection. A few treats now and then won't hurt, either.

In other words, you are adding something right after a behavior occurs to reinforce that behavior. The idea is to strengthen good behavior, rather than punish bad behavior.

Bonus: Signs Your Pet Has Pollen Allergies and What You Can Do

person training dog breeds dogs thrive puppy calm labrador retrievers

High-Energy Adolescents

After about six months, most dogs are considered teenagers. Their energy levels and curiosity may remain high, but they might start to push boundaries. They're working out their individual personality and independence.

Again, this is entirely natural. Research has shown that growing dogs undergo several biological changes, such as hormonal changes and rapid growth, that can result in excess energy and challenging behaviors.³

Of course, that doesn't mean you should let your dog run wild. Nor does it mean you should resort to punishments or negative reinforcement.

Instead, stick to consistent training and use positive reinforcement. Just like human teens, your dog might test your patience. But studies have shown that consistent, positive training and socialization during adolescence help dogs better cope with uncertainty during adulthood.⁴

We'll cover some expert tips on managing your boisterous teen dog in a moment. First, let's discuss what happens as our dogs keep aging.

When Dogs Start Showing Social Maturity

Puppies generally become adult dogs at one or two years of age, depending on the breed.⁵

One of the signs of adulthood is physical maturity. The other sign is emotional maturity.

Emotional maturity, in adult dogs, means impulse control. It means self-control around potentially exciting stimuli, like other dogs or animals. And, assuming you engaged in good training, it means listening and responding appropriately to your cues.

As your dog matures, it should naturally calm down a little. Just like humans, adult dogs are generally less inclined to test boundaries and experience boundless energy than teens.

dogs playing together small dogs house train chew toys realistic expectations unwanted behaviors underlying issues period marks

How to Help Your Dog Stay Calm

These are the basic developmental stages of a dog's life. These stages aren't always equal. They can actually vary quite widely.

For example, smaller breeds typically mature earlier than larger breeds. Working breeds, like border collies and German shepherds, usually have far more energy than other dogs.

And just like humans, individual dogs have their own personalities.

Still, there are plenty of ways you can help manage your pup's energy, no matter how energetic they are.

Physical Exercise

Exercise is absolutely vital for your dog's health. It supports both physical and mental health.

How much exercise a dog needs varies based on factors like size, breed, and age.

It's important to consider your capabilities and lifestyle when choosing your canine companion. If you're really active, don't get a tiny toy poodle and expect them to be able to keep up. If you're less active, don't get a working breed and expect it to be OK with a more sedentary lifestyle.

Puppies generally do best with short, frequent bouts of gentle exercise. That lets them expend energy while protecting their developing bodies from too much strain.

Adult dogs usually need at least one walk per day. Some prefer multiple, while others might be fine with a single stroll.

Other physical activities dogs often love include hiking, swimming, and games like fetch. Certain games that involve obedience, like retrieving, can give dogs both mental and physical exercise.

The most important thing is to pay attention to your pup. If they always seem to have excess energy, they probably need more exercise. If they seem to grow tired or uncomfortable while exercising, you might be hitting their limit.

Mental Stimulation

Mental stimulation is also extremely important for a dog's health. Exercises that provide mental stimulation are sometimes called enrichment. Enrichment can help your dog burn off energy and maintain a normal disposition.⁶

Dogs will naturally get mental stimulation from some types of physical exercise. For example, you'll likely notice how your dog loves to sniff while walking around the neighborhood. All that sniffing is an excellent source of mental stimulation.

There are ways you can provide enrichment at home, too. Puzzle toys and puzzle feeders are one popular option. They make your pup work their brain to get a reward.

Training

We've already discussed the importance of training. But it's worth noting that good training can also Help Your Dog Stay Calm.

For example, you can provide positive reinforcement when your dog shows calm behaviors.⁷ That should help them realize that you want them to behave normally, rather than going wild.

Another example of training is crate training. By making their crate a safe space, you give your dog somewhere to go where they can self-regulate. This can help them stay calm during stressful situations, such as when you leave.⁸

CBD

Supplements are also a great way to promote relaxation. Research shows that CBD Can Help dogs maintain a normal, relaxed disposition.

For example, in one 2024 study, dogs were given CBD before a stressful car ride. Dogs given CBD demonstrated fewer indicators of stress.⁹ A study from the year before similarly found that dogs given CBD before a stressful event had "significantly lower cortisol levels" and "were in a more relaxed emotional state" than dogs given a placebo.¹⁰

CBD is "really important in keeping the body's own endocannabinoids engaged," explains Dr. Casara Andre, in conversation with Earth Buddy founder Sean Zyer. "The molecules that I'm making right now, that your dog is making, that are essential for them balancing their natural body systems— they can literally be used up.… The CBD molecule is really powerful at slowing down the degradation of these endocannabinoids.… That's a really safe and natural way to support what the body's already trying to do."

If you want to give your dog CBD, it's important to pick a supplement designed for pets. Human CBD products often contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs.

It's also important to look for high-quality supplements. Earth Buddy's CBD supplements are tested by a third-party laboratory for potency and safety. You can check the certificate of analysis from this test by scanning the QR code included with each product.

One great option is a calming chew. Earth Buddy's Blueberry Hemp Hearts and Pumpkin Hemp Hearts each contain 4mg of CBD. For something a little stronger, our Extra Strength Hemp Hearts each contain 8mg of CBD.

If you prefer a treat without grains, consider Earth Buddy's Beef & Pumpkin calming chews, which each contain 10mg of CBD, or our Duck & Apple calming chews, which each contain 5mg of CBD.

dog sitting outside short answer anxiety two year mark dog trainer years old non negotiable environment dogs reach different situations

Conclusion

When dogs are puppies and teenagers, they naturally have loads of energy. It's important to direct that energy in positive ways, with socialization, stimulation, and consistent training with positive reinforcement.

All that should help your dog maintain a normal disposition. As they age into adulthood, they should naturally calm down a little.

CBD is also a great way to promote relaxation in dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Hardest Age for a Dog?

Different stages in a dog's life bring different challenges, but adolescence is usually considered the most challenging. Teenage dogs often have high energy levels and a rebellious streak, which can be a struggle to manage. It's important to stay consistent with training and positive reinforcement through this period.

What Is the 3-3-3 Rule for Dogs?

The 3-3-3 rule is a helpful guideline for helping an adopted dog adjust to their new home. It refers to the fact that dogs often take three days to decompress from the stress of adoption, three weeks to learn your routine, and three months to truly build trust and feel at home with you.

What Is "I Love You" In Dog Language?

Dogs demonstrate their love in different ways to humans. They might show it by seeking physical affection, which you can reciprocate. Responding to your dog's excitement at seeing you with your own excitement is another great way to show them you love them.

Keep Reading: How Often Should You Walk Your Dog for Joint Health?

–

Sources

–

Earth Buddy is an environmentally conscious and family-owned company dedicated to providing natural solutions for pets. From our CBD oils to our colostrum supplements, our products are designed to promote calmness and encourage relaxation for our furry friends. To learn more and stay connected, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Pinterest.

What Age Do Dogs Calm Down? What You Need to Know

Key Takeaways

Canine Development and Energy Levels