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How to Calm Down Your Adolescent Dog: 5 Top Tips to Manage Arousal Levels

Adolescent dog running on a beach.

Struggling with your adolescent dog’s high arousal levels can be a daunting experience. 

The exuberance and energy of a teenage dog can often become overwhelming, making it challenging to enjoy calm and relaxed moments together. 

However, fret not!

In this blog post, I will share five top tips specifically tailored to help you manage your dog’s energy and nurture a peaceful bond.

Understanding the Struggle

Dealing with a teenage dog’s excessive energy and excitability is a common challenge many owners face.

Uncontrolled excitement during walks, excessive jumping and barking, difficulty focusing, and a general lack of calmness can hinder the development of a strong bond with your dog.

Luckily, with the right strategies, you can help your dog calm down and create a more harmonious living environment.

1. Provide Mental and Physical Stimulation

Ensuring your adolescent dog receives both mental and physical stimulation is vital for managing their energy levels.

While regular walks and playtime are essential, incorporating activities that engage their minds can make a significant difference.

Scentwork and trick training are excellent options, providing your dog with a job to do and encouraging mental focus.

These activities help redirect their energy, resulting in a calmer and more relaxed state.

2. Teach Settling and Switching Off

Teaching your dog to settle and switch off is a crucial skill when living with an adolescent dog.

Many owners underestimate the importance of relaxation training.

By helping your dog learn to relax and rest, you can effectively manage their energy levels.

Create a designated relaxation area with a comfortable bed or mat, and reward your dog for calmly settling down.

This will teach them to unwind and find peace amidst their youthful exuberance.

3. Enhance Focus and Impulse Control

Developing your dog’s focus and impulse control skills can significantly improve their behaviour.

Engaging in focus games helps your dog ignore distractions and stay attuned to your cues, strengthening your bond.

Additionally, impulse control exercises teach your dog self-control, enabling them to follow rules and boundaries more effectively.

This leads to a calmer demeanour and improved behaviour.

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4. Prioritise Adequate Sleep

Just like humans, dogs need sufficient sleep to process information, recharge, and maintain overall well-being.

Prioritising your adolescent dog’s sleep is crucial for managing their arousal levels.

While individual sleep requirements may vary, aiming for 14-16 hours of sleep per day is a good guideline.

Establish a consistent sleep routine, create a cosy sleeping space, and ensure your dog’s environment promotes relaxation.

Luckily, with the right strategies, you can help your dog calm down and create a more harmonious living environment.

5. Feed A Healthy Diet

Feeding your dog a balanced and nutritious diet is essential for their overall health and behaviour.

While preferences may differ, choosing unprocessed, fresh, and organic food whenever possible can make a significant difference.

Offering appropriate chewing opportunities can promote mental stimulation and satisfy their chewing instincts too.

A wholesome diet can positively impact your dog’s energy levels and behaviour.

In Conclusion

By implementing these five top tips, you can effectively manage your adolescent dog’s arousal levels and promote a calmer, more relaxed demeanour.

Consistency and patience are key when training your teenage dog.

If you’re ready to embark on this journey and witness a remarkable transformation in your dog’s behaviour, consider seeking professional guidance.

To learn more and book a session with me, visit my website here.

Let’s work together to set you and your dog on the path to a harmonious and happy relationship.

Dog trainer with her dog

This blog has been brought to you by Giulia, the owner of My Kinda Dog.

Giulia is a qualified and experienced dog and puppy trainer covering Bristol and surrounding areas. 

She offers private puppy training sessions, private dog training sessions, and scentwork classes.

Giulia is passionate about helping people understand, communicate, train and thrive with their dogs. 

You can see her here with Ruby, her beloved canine companion.

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