Just like you, dogs go through periods of high energy and times when they just need a nap. If your dog never seems to calm down, though, there may be something you can do to help. Other times, all you can do is be patient.
Work It Out
Dogs need exercise or they won't calm down. Imagine if you never did anything except lie around the house, eat and look at squirrels out the window. Lame, right? And you would get a little stir crazy. When you exercise your dog, you help him work out all that pent-up energy, which makes it easier for him to calm down and relax. If your dog is always bounding around the house, don't try to stop him from playing -- just redirect it.
The Old Snipperoo
There's one simple, common procedure that is almost guaranteed to calm down your dog, and it goes "snip, snip." Getting your dog neutered is a sure way to help him calm down, as he won't be motivated by hormones and the desire to procreate. He won't care that you did it, either, so you don't have to feel bad. Spaying works almost as well on lady dogs, too, so get your furry friend fixed and she'll calm right down.
Importance of Training
Your dog may have trouble calming down because you give him too much freedom. Like strict schoolmarms, dogs have kind of a thing for rules, consistency, order and rapping children on the knuckles with rulers. If you don't impose any order on your dog, he's going to run wild -- literally. Training your dog to follow commands, as well as governing his expectations and maintaining a strict schedule, keeps his mood and energy levels in check.
Growing Up
Kind of like kids and adult humans, puppies have lots of energy. That youthful vigor may make it seem like your pup never calms down, but the truth is, he just has extra energy in his system. As he physically matures, grows older, puts on weight and stops growing, he'll also calm down. That may mean that you're stuck playing the waiting game while he sows his wild oats, so you may as well cherish the experience of watching him grow.
Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vet’s opinion.
References
Writer Bio
Tom Ryan is a freelance writer, editor and English tutor. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in English writing, and has also worked as an arts and entertainment reporter with "The Pitt News" and a public relations and advertising copywriter with the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.