How To Calm A Hyper Dog At Night: A Complete Guide 10 Tips

Does your dog seem full of energy when you’re ready to wind down for the night? If your dog becomes restless, hyperactive, or struggles to settle in the evening, you’re not alone. Many dog owners face this problem and wonder how to calm their hyper dog at night.

In this article, we’ll explore practical ways to calm your energetic dog and create a peaceful nighttime routine for both you and your furry friend. Whether your dog is bouncing around, barking excessively, or just won’t relax, these tips will help you manage their energy levels and promote calm behavior at night.

1. Understand Why Your Dog is Hyper at Night

Before we dive into solutions, it’s important to understand why your dog might be extra hyper at night. Several reasons could cause this behavior:

Lack of Physical Exercise: Dogs are naturally active animals. If your dog hasn’t had enough exercise throughout the day, they may have too much built-up energy when it’s time to sleep.
Mental Stimulation: Just like humans, dogs need mental stimulation. If their brains aren’t challenged during the day, they might become restless and hyper in the evening.
Excitement or Anxiety: Dogs might get excited or anxious before bedtime due to changes in routine, unfamiliar noises, or the anticipation of something exciting (like you coming home after work).
Diet: Some types of dog food contain high amounts of sugar or carbohydrates, which can lead to hyperactive behavior, especially at night.

Identifying the cause of your dog’s hyper behavior will help you tailor the right solution to calm them.

2. Establish a Consistent Routine

One of the best ways to calm a hyper dog at night is to establish a consistent daily routine. Dogs thrive on routine because it helps them feel secure and know what to expect. If your dog is hyper at night, they might not have a clear understanding of when it’s time to wind down.

Tips for establishing a routine:

Set consistent mealtimes: Feeding your dog at the same time every day helps regulate their energy levels.
Exercise at the same time daily: Schedule walks or playtime at consistent times to help burn off their energy.
Create a bedtime routine: Dogs benefit from a calm, structured bedtime routine, much like children do. For example, give your dog a short walk, some quiet playtime, and then lead them to their bed.

3. Increase Physical Activity During the Day

One of the most effective ways to calm a hyper dog at night is to increase their physical activity during the day. Many dogs are hyper in the evening simply because they have excess energy.

Ideas for increasing your dog’s exercise:

Take longer walks: Add an extra 15–30 minutes to your dog’s daily walks.
Play fetch: A few rounds of fetch in the backyard or at the park can be a great way to tire them out.
Use interactive toys: Toys that encourage running, jumping, or chasing are great for burning energy.
Go to a dog park: Letting your dog socialize with other dogs can help tire them out both physically and mentally.

4. Provide Mental Stimulation

Mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise. A bored dog can become restless and hyper, especially at night. Keeping your dog’s brain engaged during the day can help reduce hyperactivity.

Ways to provide mental stimulation:

Puzzle toys: These toys challenge your dog to think and problem-solve, which tires them out mentally.
Training sessions: Teaching your dog new tricks or reinforcing old commands engages their mind and helps them focus.
Interactive feeding: Use a slow-feeding bowl or treat-dispensing toy to make mealtimes more mentally engaging.
Hide and seek: Hide treats around the house and let your dog find them. This game taps into their natural hunting instincts and keeps them entertained.

5. Create a Calming Environment

If your dog is hyper at night, it might be because their environment isn’t conducive to relaxation. Just like humans, dogs can be affected by their surroundings, and creating a calm space can make a big difference.

Steps to create a calming environment:

Reduce noise: If your dog is sensitive to noises like traffic or other animals, try playing soft music or using a white noise machine to block out disruptive sounds.
Dim the lights: Bright lights can keep your dog alert. Lowering the lights in the evening can signal that it’s time to wind down.
Provide a comfortable bed: Ensure your dog has a comfortable bed in a quiet, peaceful spot where they can relax.
Use calming scents: Some scents, like lavender, can have a calming effect on dogs. You can use dog-safe calming sprays or diffusers designed for pets.

6. Consider Calming Supplements or Products

If your dog struggles to calm down at night despite exercise and routine, you might consider using calming supplements or products designed for pets.

Common calming aids for dogs:

Calming chews: Many pet stores sell calming treats made with natural ingredients like chamomile or melatonin, which can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
Calming collars: These collars are infused with calming pheromones that mimic the ones mother dogs produce to comfort their puppies.
Weighted blankets: Some dogs find comfort in the gentle pressure of a weighted blanket, which can help them feel secure and calm.
Calming sprays: These sprays often contain pheromones or essential oils that can help reduce anxiety when sprayed on your dog’s bed or in the room.

Always consult your vet before introducing any new supplements or products to ensure they’re safe for your dog.

7. Practice Calm Behavior Training

Training your dog to understand the concept of “calm” can be a powerful tool for managing hyper behavior at night. This training reinforces that certain behaviors, like lying quietly, are rewarded, while hyper behavior is not.

Tips for calm behavior training:

Use positive reinforcement: Reward your dog when they are calm and relaxed. You can do this with treats, petting, or praise.
Ignore hyper behavior: If your dog becomes too excited, avoid rewarding the behavior. For example, don’t give them attention or treats when they’re overly energetic.
Teach a “calm” command: Train your dog to associate a command like “calm” or “settle” with lying down quietly. Start by using the command when your dog is already calm, then gradually use it when they’re a bit more energetic.
Be patient: This type of training can take time, but with consistency, your dog will learn that calm behavior leads to positive outcomes.

8. Address Anxiety or Fear

Sometimes a dog’s hyper behavior at night is linked to anxiety or fear. If your dog seems nervous, anxious, or on edge, they might need help managing their emotions.

Ways to reduce anxiety in dogs:

Stick to a routine: Dogs with anxiety do better when they have a predictable schedule.
Avoid overstimulation: Keep things calm and quiet in the evening to prevent overwhelming your dog.
Give them a safe space: Some dogs benefit from having a crate or designated area where they feel safe.
Consider a vet visit: If your dog’s anxiety seems severe, a veterinarian can help determine if further steps, like medication or behavior therapy, are necessary.

9. Give Your Dog Time to Wind Down

Just like humans, dogs need time to wind down before bed. Rushing your dog straight from playtime to bedtime can cause them to be too energized to sleep.

How to help your dog wind down:

Start winding down 30 minutes before bedtime: Slow down playtime, reduce noise, and start guiding your dog toward their bedtime routine.
Give them time to relax: Allow your dog to settle into their bed without rushing them. Sit with them, give them gentle pets, and let them unwind.

10. Be Patient and Consistent

It’s important to remember that calming a hyper dog at night can take time. Some dogs may adjust quickly, while others might take longer to settle into a new routine.

Tips for success:

Be patient: Don’t expect immediate results. Consistency is key to helping your dog learn how to calm down.
Stick to the plan: Follow through with the strategies you choose, whether it’s exercise, training, or calming aids.
Monitor progress: Pay attention to what works and what doesn’t. Every dog is different, and it may take a bit of trial and error to find the best approach for your pet.

To wrap up, calming a hyper dog at night takes patience and consistency, but with the right tools, you can make bedtime a peaceful experience for both you and your pet. For added help, try the Benebone Wishbone Toy, which provides hours of chewing fun and helps reduce anxiety. You might also consider Pets Know Best’s HuggiePup, a comforting plush toy that mimics real-life heartbeat sounds to soothe your dog.

For more calming solutions, explore additional products handpicked by the Pets Gear Lab to find the perfect fit for your furry friend! Explore Now