Puppies are full of energy, curiosity, and excitement — especially in the evening when you’re ready to wind down. While their zoomies and tail-wagging antics may be adorable during the day, a hyper puppy at bedtime can be exhausting. If you find yourself asking how to calm a hyper puppy before bedtime, you’re not alone. Many new puppy owners face this challenge.
Thankfully, with the right routine and gentle techniques, you can help your puppy settle into a peaceful nighttime rhythm. Here’s a guide to understanding your puppy’s energy and creating a calming bedtime routine that works.
Why Puppies Get Hyper at Night
Evening hyperactivity in puppies, also known as the “puppy witching hour,” is common. It often happens due to a mix of unspent energy, overstimulation, hunger, or inconsistent daily routines. Puppies are also adjusting to new environments, so nighttime might feel unfamiliar and a little scary.
Your goal is to help your puppy release that last burst of energy in a healthy way and ease into rest with calm, comforting habits.
Create a Predictable Evening Routine
Puppies thrive on structure. By setting a regular evening routine, your puppy will start to associate specific activities with winding down. Try to stick to the same schedule every night — dinner, bathroom break, gentle play, calm time, and bed.
Feeding should happen at least 1.5 to 2 hours before bedtime to avoid a full stomach or the need to potty during the night. A final bathroom break just before bed is a must to avoid accidents and disruptions.
Give Your Puppy Enough Exercise During the Day
One of the main reasons puppies are hyper at night is simply because they didn’t get enough physical and mental stimulation during the day. Take your puppy for short walks appropriate to their age and breed, play fetch, and give them interactive toys to keep their brain engaged. A tired puppy is usually a calm puppy.
However, avoid high-energy play right before bed. Jumping, running, or rough play may overstimulate your puppy instead of calming them.
Use Calm Play Before Bedtime
About 30 to 45 minutes before bedtime, start slowing things down. Choose low-energy activities like gentle tug, a soft chew toy, or a puzzle feeder. Licking and sniffing are calming behaviors for dogs, so offering a frozen Kong or a lick mat can help relax them.
Avoid loud toys, squeakers, or wild chase games during this time. Soft lighting and a calm tone of voice will also signal to your puppy that it’s time to wind down.
Create a Comfortable Sleep Environment
A calm, cozy space can do wonders to help your puppy sleep. Whether you use a crate, a puppy pen, or a dog bed, make it warm and inviting. Include a soft blanket, a familiar-smelling item, and a safe chew toy. Keep noise and lighting minimal at night to promote sleep.
Some puppies find comfort with calming music, a white noise machine, or even a ticking clock wrapped in a towel to mimic a heartbeat. These small touches can ease anxiety and reduce restlessness.
Use Calming Scents and Tools
There are puppy-safe calming sprays and diffusers available that use pheromones to reduce stress. These are especially helpful for nervous or overly energetic puppies. You can also try lavender-scented sprays, but make sure they are dog-safe and used in moderation.
Chew toys like soft rubber bones or calming chews (vet-approved) can also help soothe teething discomfort and settle your pup.
Practice Basic Training Before Bed
Engaging in short training sessions with basic commands like “sit,” “down,” or “stay” is a great way to mentally tire your puppy before bed. Use positive reinforcement with treats or praise and keep the session short and upbeat. Training provides focus and structure, which can help your puppy transition from playtime to rest.
Limit Distractions at Night
If your puppy sleeps in a room with a lot of foot traffic, bright lights, or noises, they may stay alert and restless. Consider moving their sleeping space to a quieter area of your home, especially during the first few months.
If your puppy whines or cries when alone, gradually build up their comfort with being in their sleep space without you. Avoid giving in to every whimper — consistency and reassurance are key.
Be Patient and Stay Consistent
Remember that your puppy is still learning. Just like babies, they need time to adjust to routines and understand when it’s time to sleep. Stick with your bedtime schedule, avoid punishing hyper behavior, and focus on redirecting their energy gently.
Within a few weeks, most puppies begin to settle into a routine and will start to understand when it’s time to sleep.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to calm a hyper puppy before bedtime is all about balance. Daily exercise, gentle evening routines, and a comforting sleep setup all play a role. With patience, structure, and love, your puppy will soon learn that bedtime is for resting, not zooming through the house.
If bedtime still feels like a struggle after consistent effort, consider consulting a professional trainer or vet to rule out underlying issues. But for most pups, it’s just a phase — and one that can be smoothed out with the right approach. Sweet dreams, little tail-wagger. 🐾💤 Petsdogpuppy