How to Calm a Hyper Puppy

As a professional dog trainer, I have never been asked to help make a puppy more hyper, but almost every new puppy owner requests some training on how to make their puppy more calm. 

To achieve the goal of puppy calmness, it’s mostly about trimming the fat…or eliminating things you are doing that overstimulate the puppy. In addition, most new puppy owners unconsciously create and reinforce the unwanted hyper puppy behavior.  Calming hyper behavior in your puppy is about down less, not more. 

Here are 3 tips to help make your puppy calm

1. Stop talking to them so much with commands they don’t know in a high-pitched voice. It’s gibberish to them, similar to Charlie Brown’s school teacher. The puppy has no idea what you say, and your voice is a form of affection that will get your puppy more hyper. “Talk low, talk slow, and don’t say much.” John Wayne.
2. Stop touching them so much when they are hyper - this will only reinforce the unwanted behavior. Save affection as a life reward when your puppy is calm and tired.
3. Ensure your puppy gets enough sleep, exercise, mental stimulation, and leash training and is on a strict schedule for discipline. 

Purchase "The Business of Dog Training" on Amazon

RESOURCES:
Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com
Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com
Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan