Is Your Puppy Overstimulated? Spot It and Stop It

Puppies. They’re fluffy, adorable, and full of energy. Sometimes too much energy. One second they’re your best buddy, the next, they’re sprinting in circles like they’ve got somewhere to be.

So, is this normal puppy behavior or something else? News flash: it’s probably overstimulation.

Yep, your puppy might be in overdrive, and trust me, it’s not their fault (but wow, it can be a lot). Here’s how to figure out what’s going on, calm things down, and keep your sanity intact 😉

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How to Tell If Your Puppy’s Overstimulated

First, have a look on this video!

Zoomies on steroids

You know the zoomies, right? That adorable (and mildly terrifying) moment when your pup sprints around like a caffeinated squirrel. Zoomies are normal, but if it seems like they’re stuck in overdrive and just won’t stop, it could mean they’re overstimulated. Take a breather, little one!

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Tiny teeth of terror

Puppies bite. It’s their thing. But when the nipping turns into a full-on shark attack—on your hands, furniture, or (ouch) your toes—it’s not just play. Overstimulation can make even the sweetest pup lose their chill and forget that biting is a no-go.

Reacting to every. single. thing.

The neighbor sneezes? Bark. A leaf blows across the yard? Bark. You blink? Bark. If your puppy’s freaking out over stuff that usually wouldn’t bother them, they might be overwhelmed. Everything feels too much when you’re overstimulated.

Crash and burn

Overstimulated puppies often hit a point where they just drop. One second, they’re running wild; the next, they’re face-down in the middle of your kitchen floor, out cold. Cute? Yes. A sign they’ve gone too far? Also yes.

Why Puppies Get Overstimulated

So, why does your puppy suddenly act like a hyper toddler at a birthday party? There are a few reasons (and no, it’s not because they’re trying to ruin your day).

  • Too much excitement: Puppies are new to… well, everything. It doesn’t take much to get them all hyped up, and they don’t have an “off” button.
  • Too many new things: Meeting a dozen new people in one day? Playing with five different dogs at the park? Your puppy’s brain is working overtime to process it all.
  • Not enough sleep: Surprise! Puppies need sleep—a LOT of it. Like, 18-20 hours a day. If they’re not napping enough, they’re basically tiny furry time bombs waiting to explode.
  • Too much energy, no outlet: If they’re not burning off their energy in healthy ways, all that pent-up excitement has to come out somehow. Spoiler: it’s usually not in a fun way.

How to Help Your Overstimulated Puppy

Create a chill zone

Think of it as your puppy’s personal spa retreat. A quiet, cozy spot where they can relax, away from all the noise and chaos. Toss in their favorite toy, a comfy bed, and maybe a blanket that smells like you. (Aww, right?) Bonus: if your pup’s crate-trained, this could be the perfect time for them to hang out in their safe space.

Nap time is non-negotiable

Puppies need sleep, but they don’t always know when to take a break. (Sound like anyone you know? 🤔) If your pup is acting wild, they might just be overtired. Guide them to their bed and help them wind down. Trust me, a well-rested puppy is a happy puppy.

Slow it down with socializing

Sure, you want your pup to meet new people and dogs, but overdoing it can backfire. Introduce new experiences gradually. It’s not a race—it’s about giving them time to feel safe and confident.

Work that brain

Overstimulation isn’t just physical; it can also be mental. Give their brain a workout with puzzle toys, training games, or sniffing activities. A tired brain is just as important as a tired body.

Stay chill yourself

Puppies feed off your energy. If you’re stressed, anxious, or shouting, they’ll mirror that. Take a deep breath (or three). You’re the leader of the pack, so show them how to stay calm.

What NOT to Do When Your Puppy’s Overstimulated

Let’s get one thing straight: there are a few things that won’t help. In fact, they’ll probably make things worse. (Oops.)

  • Don’t yell. Your puppy isn’t being wild to annoy you (even if it feels like it). Yelling just confuses them and might even hype them up more.
  • Don’t give attention to bad behavior. Whether it’s barking, biting, or jumping, don’t reward it with attention—even negative attention. Puppies are like, “Oh, you’re looking at me? I’ll keep doing it!”
  • Don’t expect perfection. Puppies are learning. They’re not going to get it right every time, and that’s okay. Be patient. (Deep breaths, remember?)

Preventing Overstimulation (Yes, It’s Possible)

Want to avoid the chaos altogether? Here are some tips to keep your puppy from hitting their overstimulation limit in the first place.

  • Stick to a schedule. Puppies thrive on routine. Keep mealtimes, playtimes, and nap times consistent so they know what to expect.
  • Short bursts of play. Don’t let playtime drag on forever. A few short, fun sessions are way better than one long one that leaves them frazzled.
  • Balance activity and rest. It’s not all about go-go-go. Your pup needs downtime to recharge.
  • Teach calming commands. Words like “settle” or “go to bed” can be lifesavers when your pup starts to get a little too excited.

Here’s an another good video to watch!

You’ve Got This!

Here’s the thing: raising a puppy isn’t easy. They’re cute, but they’re also a handful (understatement of the year?).

Overstimulation happens, but it’s just a phase. With a little patience, some smart strategies, and maybe a glass of wine (for you, not the puppy), you’ll get through it. And one day, that tiny whirlwind of energy will turn into a (mostly) calm, well-behaved dog.

Fingers crossed, right? 😊

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