Ways to Calm a Dog

Start by working out why your dog is not calm

“Calm a dog” can mean several different things. A dog who is bouncing off the walls after a visitor arrives needs something different from a dog who is trembling during a storm, and different again from a dog who paces at night. Before choosing a method, it helps to ask three questions:

Is the dog excited, anxious, or tired? Over-excited dogs often mouth, jump, and zoom. Anxious dogs tend to pant, pace, hide, or cling. Overtired dogs can look wired rather than sleepy.
Did something change? A new home, a new baby, a different schedule, or a loud event can all unsettle a dog.
Could it be physical? Pain, an upset stomach, and other health problems can make a dog restless. A sudden change in behavior is a good reason to call your vet.

If you are not sure which applies, our guide on signs a dog is overstimulated can help you read the situation.

Quick ways to calm a dog right now

These are common first steps. None is guaranteed to work for every dog, and you may need to try a few.

Lower your own energy. Speak softly, move slowly, and avoid repeating commands in a louder voice. Dogs often pick up on the mood around them.
Remove or reduce the trigger. Walk the dog out of a busy room, close the curtains, or add distance from whatever is upsetting them.
Offer a quiet place. A crate, bed, or quiet room that the dog already likes can help. Do not force a dog into a space they dislike.
Mask sudden sounds. A fan, white noise, or soft background audio can take the edge off traffic or fireworks.
Give something to chew or lick. Chewing and licking are often soothing for dogs. Lick mats, stuffed food toys, and chews that suit your dog’s size and chewing style are common choices. Supervise, and choose items that are safe for your dog.
Take a short, easy walk. A slow sniffing walk can help some dogs settle, while a fast, exciting one can wind others up further.

Build calm into the daily routine

Most lasting calm comes from daily habits rather than emergency fixes.

Predictable routine. Regular times for meals, walks, and rest help many dogs feel more secure.
Enough exercise, matched to the dog. Age, breed, and health all affect how much a dog needs. Too little can leave energy with nowhere to go, but very intense, exciting play can also keep a dog keyed up.
Mental work. Sniffing games, food puzzles, and short training sessions tire a dog in a different way than running does.
Real rest. Many dogs need far more sleep than people expect, especially puppies. Giving a dog a quiet break between activities can prevent overload. See overtired dog symptoms for how a lack of rest shows up.

Teach a settle on a mat

Teaching a dog to relax on cue gives you a tool to use anywhere. Our full guide on how to teach a dog to settle goes into more detail. A simple approach:

Place a mat or bed on the floor and reward your dog for any interest in it.
Reward when they step on it, then when they lie down on it.
Gradually reward for staying a little longer, delivering treats calmly while they stay lying down.
Add a cue word only once they reliably lie down on it.
Practice in quiet places first, then slowly add mild distractions.

Keep sessions short and end on success. If your dog cannot settle at all in a given situation, move to an easier setting rather than pushing.

Tools people use

Several products are marketed for calming dogs. Experience and evidence vary, so treat them as possible aids rather than cures.

Pressure wraps: snug-fitting wraps are used by some owners for noise worries. Some dogs seem to like them and some dislike them.
Pheromone diffusers and collars: these are widely available. Results differ between dogs.
Calming music or white noise: low risk and easy to try.
Chews and enrichment toys: useful for redirecting energy.

Introduce any new item gradually and watch your dog’s reaction. If a dog looks more stressed, stop using it.

What can I give my dog for anxiety?

Be careful here. Over-the-counter supplements and “calming” treats vary in quality, and some ingredients can be unsuitable for certain dogs or interact with medications. Human medications can be dangerous to dogs. Please talk to your vet before giving your dog any supplement or medication for anxiety. If anxiety is significant, your vet can check for medical causes, discuss prescription options if appropriate, and refer you to a qualified behavior professional.

Why is my dog so hyper?

Common reasons include not enough physical or mental outlet, being overexcited or overtired, a lack of practice at settling, and age (adolescent dogs and puppies are often very energetic; some breeds more so, as in energetic dog breeds). Sometimes an underlying health issue plays a part. If you suspect food is involved, see our article on the hyperactive dog diet, which explains what is and is not well supported.

What is the 3-3-3 rule?

You may see the “3-3-3 rule” mentioned in searches about anxiety. It is generally used to describe how a newly adopted dog may adjust: roughly three days to decompress, three weeks to learn the routine, and three months to feel at home. It is a rough guide rather than a scientific rule, and dogs vary a great deal. It is not a treatment for anxiety, but it is a useful reminder to keep a new dog’s first weeks quiet and predictable. See helping a rescue dog adjust to a new home.

Puppies who cry when you leave the room

Crying is common in young puppies, especially in a new home. Practice short, calm separations: leave for a few seconds, return before the puppy gets upset, and slowly extend the time. Give the puppy something pleasant to do, such as a chew, and avoid making departures and returns dramatic. If distress is intense or does not improve, ask your vet or a trainer for help. For crying in the crate or at night, see crate training: stopping whining and barking and night training a puppy.

Specific situations

Some situations deserve their own approach:

Restless at night or unable to settle: see dog restless and pacing.
Chewing and wrecking things: see training destructive dogs.
Licking paws when stressed: see dog licking paws from anxiety.
A dog who cannot hear: see deaf dog anxiety.

When to talk to a vet or trainer

Contact your vet if your dog’s restlessness or anxiety starts suddenly, is getting worse, comes with other symptoms such as vomiting, a hard belly, or trouble breathing, or if the dog hurts themselves. A certified trainer or veterinary behaviorist can help with ongoing anxiety, separation problems, or aggression. Ask about methods that rely on rewards and avoid intimidation.