Losing that puppy energy can be a relief for both dogs and their owners. Typically, dogs start to lose their puppy energy around 6-12 months of age.
As they mature, their energy levels begin to stabilize. This is because their growth plates close, and they no longer need to spend as much energy on growth and development.
Most dogs reach their adult size by around 12-18 months, which is also when their energy levels tend to settle down.
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Factors Affecting Puppy Energy
Your puppy's energy level can be affected by several things, including the breed, sex, and whether you have other pets in the household.
Training can be slower or faster depending on the individual dog.
The amount of exercise you provide your puppy on a regular basis also plays a significant role in determining its energy level.
Puppy energy can vary depending on the dog's sex, with some breeds being more energetic than others.
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Here are some common signs that your puppy has excess energy:
- Problem barking: Excess barking is a common sign of under-stimulation.
- Pulling on its leash: Pulling on the leash is a sign your dog has too much pent-up energy.
- Destructive behavior: Chewing on things it shouldn’t and destroying furniture or toys is a sign of excess energy.
- Physically tiring quickly: If your doodle seems to cycle through zoomies and passing out, it’s a sign that it’s not getting enough exercise.
Some breeds, like Bernedoodles, tend to calm down by the time they reach two years of age, but this can vary depending on the individual dog and the amount of exercise it receives.
Puppyhood and Development
Puppyhood is a time of rapid growth and development, and it's essential to understand what to expect during this stage. Puppies between four and six months old are still energetic, but their attention span is longer, making training easier with consistency.
This age can also be challenging, as many puppies begin experiencing aggression and anxiety, which can manifest as resource or people guarding, or even separation anxiety. These behaviors need to be addressed promptly through training.
Puppies between 10 to 16 weeks are known as "puppy adolescence", a time of mischief and boundary-pushing. Teething also starts during this period, making it harder for puppies to be calm.
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Here are some key milestones to keep in mind:
- Most puppies start to calm down around 12 months, but larger breeds may take between 18 months and 2 years.
- Puppies typically mature between 10 to 16 weeks, but no puppy is fully mature at this age.
As you navigate puppyhood, remember to be patient and consistent in your training. By doing so, you can help your energetic puppy grow into a calm and loving companion.
Animal Presence
Having other pets in the home can actually help calm down your puppy faster than if they were an only pet. This is because dogs are pack animals and instinctually want to fit in with their family.
Dogs are creatures of habit and prefer their routines to be maintained. Mature dogs don't want their routines usurped by a rambunctious puppy.
If your puppy gets too unruly, a senior dog may put them back in their place, teaching them to calm down. This is a natural way for dogs to establish order and maintain their social hierarchy.
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Infant Development (4-6 months)
At four to six months old, puppies are still bursting with energy, but their attention span is finally starting to lengthen, making training a bit easier.
Puppies at this age may begin to calm down if you're consistent with training.
However, this is also a time when puppies can start experiencing aggression and anxiety, which can manifest as guarding resources or people, or even separation anxiety.
These behaviors need to be addressed promptly, as they won't resolve on their own without training.
If you notice any of these signs, don't worry, it's not uncommon, but it does require some extra attention and training to help your puppy feel calm and secure.
Puppyhood: 10-16 Weeks
Puppyhood from 10 to 16 weeks is a time of mischief for puppies, with many authorities considering this age puppy adolescence. They may start testing boundaries and pushing limits.
At this age, teething starts, and it can last quite a while. This can make it hard for puppies to be calm, especially when their mouth and gums are uncomfortable.
Puppies during this age may start to develop personality traits and breed characteristics. However, no puppy matures this young, so be patient and generous with their development.
Here are some tips to help manage your puppy's energy during this age:
- Build a routine to eliminate boredom and misbehaviors.
- Channel their energy through positive outlets, such as play sessions with chew toys or squeaky toys.
- Hide treats around the house to keep their minds racing.
- Enrol in a puppy training class once your pup has had their last vaccine.
- Be patient and approach puppyhood with a calm and positive attitude.
Remember, consistency and patience are key during this age. With the right approach, your puppy will develop into a calm and loving companion.
When to Down?
Puppies can be a handful, especially when they're too young to go outside yet. Most veterinarians advise against taking unvaccinated puppies out in public to prevent diseases like Parvo.
You can wear out a new pup by engaging in indoor activities with them. This includes playing fetch, hide-and-seek, and tug-of-war in your house and backyard.
Puppies start to calm down as they approach their maturity age, which is usually around 12 months. For larger breeds, this can occur between 18 months and 2 years.
It's essential to get training for your puppy right from the start to help them become calm and happy adults. This is especially true for breeds like goldendoodles, which tend to calm down significantly once they reach adulthood.
Ensure Adequate Exercise
Dogs need regular exercise to burn off excess energy, and the right amount varies depending on their age and breed. For most doodles, daily exercise split into two walks around your local area or a dog park is ideal.
You'll want to make sure your pup is getting the right amount of exercise for their age. For example, goldendoodles need 15-30 minutes of exercise, twice a day, depending on their stage of development.
Playing fetch and other games is a great way to exercise your dog's different muscles and ensure they stay healthy and maintain a healthy weight. Incorporating a visit to a dog park at the same time can also provide opportunities for socialization and training.
To increase exercise time for your Bernedoodle, try taking them on long walks and incorporating playtime with interactive toys like a Kong or snuffle mat.
Here's a rough guide to the exercise needs of doodles at different ages:
- Up to three months: 15 minutes, twice per day
- Up to five months: 20 minutes, twice per day
- Up to six months: 25 minutes, twice per day
- Eight months and upwards: 30 minutes, twice per day
Remember, getting the right amount of exercise for your dog's needs is crucial for promoting good behavior and ensuring they live a longer, healthier life.
Bernedoodle and Goldendoodle Energy
Bernedoodles usually calm down by the time they reach two years of age, but there's no guarantee, and it all depends on the individual dog and exercise provided.
Most puppies start to calm down as they approach their maturity age, which is usually around 12 months, but for larger breeds it can be more likely to occur between 18 months and 2 years.
Signs that your dog has pent-up energy include problem barking, pulling on the leash, destructive behavior, and physically tiring quickly. These behaviors can be addressed by increasing exercise and playtime.
If your doodle seems to cycle through zoomies and passing out, it's a sign that it's not getting enough exercise. Regular exercise, such as long walks and playtime at a dog park, can help reduce hyperactivity.
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Breed of Dog
Getting to know your dog's breed is a great way to understand their energy levels. Dog breeds are about more than just coat colors and body type.
Many breeds emerged for specific purposes, like hunting or retrieving prey. This means that some breeds are naturally more energetic than others.
If you're considering getting a puppy, spend some time at a dog park to get a sense of which breeds are high-energy and which are more laid-back. You'll get a sense of what your puppy will be like when they finally calm down.
Some breeds with notably high energy levels, even in adulthood, include Dachshunds, Terriers, and Greyhounds.
Goldendoodle Energy Levels
Goldendoodles are naturally energetic dogs with boundless enthusiasm and zest for life. Most puppies start to calm down as they approach their maturity age, which is usually around 12 months, but for larger breeds it can be more likely to occur between 18 months and 2 years.
A good rule of thumb is to provide your goldendoodle with daily exercise split into two walks around your local area or a dog park. This is ideal for most doodles, and dog parks provide opportunities for socialization and training.
Exercise is paramount for a goldendoodle, and the amount varies depending on the dog's stage of development. Here's a rough guide to get you started:
Playing fetch and other games is also a great way to exercise different muscles and ensure your pet stays healthy and maintains a healthy weight. Regular exercise can help reduce mischievous behaviors and promote a calm demeanor.
As your goldendoodle grows, you may notice its energy levels decrease, but this can take time. Generally speaking, doodles are most hyper during the early stage of life, then become a little more docile at three years old and calm down a lot by the time they reach 10.
Managing High-Energy Dogs
Managing high-energy dogs requires a consistent daily routine that includes plenty of physical and mental stimulation.
You can help manage your puppy's excess energy by doing things like providing regular exercise and playtime.
Goldendoodles are a great example of a high-energy breed that thrives on a balanced daily routine.
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To calm a hyper doodle, you'll want to establish a predictable evening routine that includes activities like gentle exercise and soothing play.
A health-promoting daily routine is essential for bringing out the best in your pet, and includes things like regular feeding times and a consistent sleep schedule.
There are many things you can do to help your high-energy dog relax and unwind, such as providing a calm and comfortable environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age are puppies the most hyper?
Puppies are typically most hyper between 10-16 weeks old, a stage of rapid growth and development. This energetic period is a normal part of their growth journey.
Sources
- When Do Puppies Calm Down? At What Age? - Wild Earth (wildearth.com)
- energy levels (purina.com)
- When Do Bernedoodles Calm Down? (centralillinoisdoodles.com)
- Goldendoodle Energy Levels: Will My Hyper ... (prideandprejudoodles.com)
- Tips and Tricks for Tiring Out Your High Energy Pup (atlaspetcompany.com)
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