How to Calm a High‑Energy Dog—Vet Guide 2025 🐾

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Brimming with Zoomies and barking at every leaf? High-energy dogs are a joy, but without the right outlet, that energy can become trouble. In 2025, veterinarians and behaviorists emphasize a three‑pillar approach: burn energy, challenge the mind, and build relaxation skills. Let’s explore how to help your dog flourish—without draining your patience.

1. Burn Off Physical Energy 🏃

Before calming your pup, exhaust their kinetic energy:

• 🚶♂️Long walks + sniff breaks—treat walks like workouts, especially for breeds like Border Collies and Labradors.
• 🎾 Play fetch or tug with rules—these games exercise body and brain.
• 🐕 Rein in high-drive dogs? Try dog sports (agility, lure-coursing) or controlled dog park meetups.
• 🛋️ Use long-line play in open fields or stair fetch indoors on rainy days.

2. Tap Into Mental Power 🧠

Physical tiredness doesn’t equal mental tiredness. Challenge your dog’s brain with:

• Puzzle feeders & snuffle mats—stimulating and food rewarding.
• Shaping games & nose work—creative problem-solving improves focus.
• Short training sessions—learn tricks or reinforce obedience with calm markers.
• Frozen treats—fun, cooling stimulation for hot days.

3. Teach Relaxation on Cue 🧘

Active dogs can still learn to be calm:

• Coaching Calm game: Sit with your dog, cue them to settle on a mat, and reward periodically.
• Relaxation training: Condition calmness linked to a specific mat or blanket, like mindfulness training for pets.
• Massage therapy: Gentle strokes can reduce arousal and cortisol, supervised by your vet for best results.

4. Enrichment & Routine Enhancers 🧩

Calm dogs are structured dogs:

• Set daily routines: Consistent exercise, training, meals, and rest times help regulate energy.
• Pheromones & Thundershirts: Adaptil and compression gear ease tension.
• Grooming time: Brushing releases endorphins and fosters calm interaction.

5. Bonus Buffers & Support 🛡️

• Calming supplements like Zylkene (α‑casozepine) support focus during stress or change.
• Behaviorist guidance can tailor strategies, essential for severe restlessness or coexisting anxiety.
• Avoid stimulant misuse—hyperactivity is rarely neurological; consult your vet first.

6. Owner Energy & Behavior Influence 🪞

Dogs mirror us:

• Stay calm—use a calm-assertive presence as Cesar Millan recommends.
• Reward calm moments—notice them lying quietly after exercise.

📋 Practical 2025 Action Plan

1. 📅 Map out 2–3 physical exercise sessions + 1 mental challenge daily.
2. 🛋️ Begin relaxation training—use mat, calm rewards.
3. 🧩 Rotate enrichment toys and puzzle apps.
4. 🌿 Plan a grooming or calming massage weekly.
5. 💊 Add supplements/vet guidance if needed.
6. 🤳 Track progress via Ask A Vet—log energy, calm episodes, triggers.

FAQs 💬

• My dog never settles—help?

Adjust exercise/training routine. Add calm cue training, and rule out anxiety or OCD with your vet.

• Without a yard, can we do this?

Absolutely—indoor games, puzzle toys, stair fetch, enrichment routines, and long walks work well.

• Should I use medication?

Only with vet advice. Supplements or pheromones support training, not substitutes for structure or training.

• How long to see change?

With consistency, many dogs calm noticeably in weeks; full change may take months as new routines become habits.

Conclusion ❤️

High-energy dogs thrive when their energy is respected and shaped. In 2025, the most effective path blends movement, mental challenge, calm conditioning, and supportive tools. With patience, structure, and veterinary-backed strategies, you can guide your pup from hyper to harmonious. Tools like Ask A Vet, Woopf, and Purrz add support every step of the way. 🐕

Need help crafting your pup’s routine? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app for tailored advice anytime.