Best Training Methods For Hyperactive Puppies
Puppies are naturally energetic, but some? They’re on another level. If your pup is bouncing off the walls, nipping at everything, and never seems to calm down, you’re dealing with a hyperactive puppy.
Let’s get one thing straight—this isn’t just a “phase” that they’ll grow out of. If you don’t train them properly now, you’ll have an out-of-control, destructive adult dog on your hands. As a veterinarian with ten years of experience and someone who runs a sanctuary for stray dogs and cats, I’ve seen plenty of dogs end up in shelters simply because their owners couldn’t handle their energy. That’s avoidable—if you train them right.
Hyperactivity doesn’t mean your puppy is bad—it just means they need proper guidance, structure, and a way to channel their energy. Here’s how to do it.
1. Set a Routine—Structure Reduces Chaos
Hyperactive puppies thrive on structure. If they don’t have a clear schedule, they get anxious, restless, and act out. A solid routine teaches them self-control and helps them anticipate what’s next, which reduces overexcitement.
👉 How to do it:
- Feed them at the same times every day—no free-feeding.
- Set a consistent wake-up, potty, training, and bedtime schedule.
- Stick to scheduled play and training sessions—don’t just let them run wild.
💡 Pro tip: A tired, well-structured puppy is a calmer puppy.
2. Train in Short, Focused Sessions
Hyperactive puppies can’t focus for long periods, so dragging training out doesn’t work. Keep sessions short, exciting, and full of rewards.
👉 How to do it:
- Train in 5-10 minute bursts—anything longer, and they lose interest.
- Use high-value treats to hold their attention.
- Keep commands clear, simple, and consistent—too much talking confuses them.
💡 Pro tip: End each session on a positive note—always finish with a command they already know, so they feel successful.
3. Reward Calm Behavior—Don’t Hype Them Up More
Most people accidentally encourage hyperactivity by rewarding excitement instead of calmness. If you only give attention when your puppy is jumping, barking, or spinning in circles, guess what? They’ll keep doing it.
👉 How to do it:
- Ignore overexcited behavior—don’t talk to them, don’t pet them, don’t engage.
- When they’re calm, reward them with treats, affection, or play.
- Teach a “settle” command—reward them when they lie down quietly.
💡 Pro tip: If your puppy is constantly hyped up, lower your own energy—speak calmly, move slowly, and don’t add to the chaos.
4. Exercise the Right Way—Don’t Just Tire Them Out
A hyperactive puppy needs daily exercise, but here’s the mistake most people make: They only focus on physical exercise and ignore mental stimulation.
👉 How to do it:
- Take them for structured walks—let them sniff, explore, and engage their brain.
- Use interactive toys and puzzles—mental work is just as tiring as physical play.
- Play impulse control games (like “wait” or “stay”) to teach patience.
💡 Pro tip: If you only focus on physical exercise, you’re just building an athlete. They’ll need more and more to feel satisfied. Balance it out with brain work.
5. Teach “Off Switch” Commands (Because They Won’t Calm Down on Their Own)
A hyperactive puppy doesn’t know how to settle—you have to teach them. If you don’t, they’ll keep going until they crash (and then start up again).
👉 How to do it:
- Teach “place”—train them to lie down in a specific spot when told.
- Use crate training—this gives them a “reset” space to calm down.
- Practice “wait” before meals, walks, and playtime to reinforce patience.
💡 Pro tip: Don’t wait for them to get wild before using these commands. Teach calmness when they’re already relaxed.
6. Manage the Zoomies—Don’t Chase Them
Every hyperactive puppy gets the zoomies—that crazy, full-speed sprinting around the house. Chasing them or trying to grab them just fuels the excitement.
👉 How to handle it:
- Let them zoom in a safe space where they can’t knock things over.
- When it’s over, guide them into a calm activity (like a puzzle toy).
- If zoomies happen too often, they might need more structured exercise.
💡 Pro tip: Zoomies are normal, but if they happen constantly, your puppy might be overtired, overstimulated, or lacking structure.
7. Use Enrichment Toys to Keep Their Brain Busy
A hyperactive puppy needs something to do at all times—otherwise, they’ll find their own (usually destructive) entertainment.
👉 Best toys for hyperactive puppies:
- Puzzle feeders (make them work for their food)
- Frozen Kongs (soothe teething and keep them busy)
- Snuffle mats (let them “hunt” for treats)
- Chew toys (give them a proper outlet for their energy)
💡 Pro tip: Rotate toys every few days to keep things exciting.
8. Stay Consistent—They’re Always Testing You
Hyperactive puppies are always pushing boundaries. If you’re inconsistent, they’ll take advantage of it.
👉 How to do it:
- Always enforce the same rules—don’t let them jump one day and scold them the next.
- Keep training commands simple and consistent—don’t change the wording.
- Make sure everyone in the house follows the same rules—no mixed signals.
💡 Pro tip: If your puppy seems to forget commands, it’s usually because they were never fully trained in the first place. Keep practicing.
Final Thoughts
A hyperactive puppy isn’t a bad puppy—they just need the right training and structure. If you handle it properly now, you’ll have a well-behaved, calm, and balanced adult dog. If you don’t? You’ll be dealing with an unruly, anxious, and destructive mess.
✅ Stick to a structured routine—puppies need predictability.
✅ Train in short, engaging sessions—keep it fun and rewarding.
✅ Reward calm behavior, not overexcitement—don’t reinforce chaos.
✅ Balance physical exercise with mental stimulation—both are equally important.
✅ Teach “off switch” commands—they need to learn how to settle.
✅ Manage the zoomies properly—don’t chase them, redirect their energy.
✅ Use puzzle toys and enrichment—keep their brains engaged.
✅ Stay consistent—if you let them test the rules, they will.
Put in the effort now, and you’ll have a well-trained, well-adjusted dog for life. Ignore the problem, and you’ll have a never-ending whirlwind of destruction and frustration.
Train them right—or be ready to live with the consequences.
