How to Calm Down a Hyper Dog

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In this post you’ll learn how to calm down a hyper dog!

If you’re reading this post, chances are you’re probably the proud owner of a super cute and adorable, yet overly energetic and hyper dog. I totally know the feeling, as I too had a very hyper dog. Luckily, I recently discovered something that totally transformed my dog’s behavior, and completely calmed her down!

Do You Have a Hyper Dog?

Are any of these statements true for you?

Does your dog act crazy and wild in the house?
Is your dog constantly hyper, or constantly jumping at the door?
Does your dog always want to be let out?
Do you have to make special trips home or rely on other people to let your dog outside?
Does your dog stay outside or crated when you are not home and then act wild and hyper when let inside?
Does your dog wake you up early in the morning or late at night to be let outside?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then keep reading, because I have a secret that could change everything for you!

But first, you probably want to meet my dog, right? So, here she is, my sweet German Shorthaired Pointer.

If you’re interested in seeing more photos of her and learning more about her personality, check out this post: 20 Things You NEED to know about German Shorthaired Pointers. (of course I have an entire post just about her 😉)

So, let’s get to the part that you’re here for. How I was able to calm down my hyper dog!

I made this life-changing discovery when I moved into a new home that had a doggy door. At first, I thought, “cool, a doggy door, that will be nice.” I recognized that it would be nice to not have to let the dog out all the time. Other than that, I didn’t give it much more thought. I certainly didn’t think that a simple doggy door would be such a game changer for both me and my dog.

So, that’s it! The big secret to how to calm down a hyper dog. Get a doggy door. Seriously, that’s it.

It seems crazy, but when you stop and think about it, it actually makes a lot of sense. Here are all the reasons that I believe a doggy door is the secret to calming down hyper dogs.

Reasons a Doggy Door Will Calm Down a Hyper Dog

Relieves Dog Anxiety

I believe that simply having a doggy door tremendously relieves a dog’s anxiety, and in turn, allows them to be more at ease and calm. Many dogs get wound up while waiting to be let out, or let in. They spin circles in anticipation, they jump on the door, they whine, etc. In these moments, the dog is feeling anxious and uneasy. They must wait for someone to notice them and fulfill their need. The time they spend waiting can be very stressful.

A doggy door eliminates any stress your dog may have about when they can go outside to potty, or when they can go outside to play. They can come inside at any time as well, so they no longer must sit outside or jump on the door and wait to be let in.

By removing the “excitement’ and/or anxiety around going outside or being let into the house, the dog will actually calm down. For the dog, it’s no longer a big deal to come and go, and so they will feel more at ease and won’t get over excited about going inside or outside. It really allows the dog to calm down so much.

Dog Freedom

With a doggy door, your dog has freedom that, by nature, they inherently need. They can go outside whenever they want and come back inside whenever they want. Honestly, it was exhausting letting my dog in and out constantly, as she always wanted out (she has Lupus and takes meds that increase urination). However, many times it wasn’t even that she wanted out to go potty. She really just wanted to go “check things out.” She wants to explore, hunt rabbits, and just see what’s going on. Having a doggy door gives her the freedom to go explore, or be a lazy bum on the couch, if she chooses.

It really all comes down to eliminating the excitement or anticipation around the act of “going outside” or “getting let inside”. There’s no reason for the dog to get super excited for one or the other, since they can come and go as they please.

Other Benefits of Doggy Doors

While doggy doors really seem to calm down a dog, there are also a few other super important benefits that I need to point out.

Convenience

If your dog wakes you up early to go outside, or possibly even during the middle of the night, you’ll gain some precious sleep back if you install a doggy door. It’s also just so much more convenient. As I mentioned earlier, my dog has Lupus and is on medication that makes her urinate more often. So, as you can imagine, she was constantly needing to go out, and really couldn’t’ go for very long periods of time without going outside. Having a doggy door was a total life saver!

Save Money

Do you hire someone to come let your dogs out when you are away from home? I know many people that have crated dogs and have to hire dog sitters to come over multiple times a day to tend to the dog. A doggy door could make it much easier to leave your pet at home!

Behavior Changes

I really feel that having a doggy door completely changed my dog’s overall behavior. She is much more calm, and seems just more relaxed overall. Except when it is time for a walk, then she goes back to being nuts 😉. I have had multiple family members and friends comment about how much my dog has changed and they just can’t believe it. I truly believe the doggy door is what made the difference!

What is the Best Doggy Door?

So, if you’ve decided a doggy door is something you want to try, check out these great options you can get on Amazon:

Single Flap Option – PetSafe Never Rust Large Doggy Door – https://amzn.to/3J7LFxt

Insulated Flap Option – PetSafe Extreme Weather Energy Efficient Pet Door for Cats and Dogs – Insulated Flap System – Large – https://amzn.to/3vybCmS

Baboni Pet Door for Wall, Steel Frame and Telescoping Tunnel – https://amzn.to/4anEsVU

Baboni 3-Flaps Pet Door for Interior and Exterior Doors, Steel Frame and Telescoping Tunnel – https://amzn.to/4cMKdOM

How to Install a Doggy Door

Thinking about getting a doggy door, but worried about installation? Most doggy doors say they are easy to install, and DIY. They come with good instructions including cutting templates, etc. However, it’s a good idea to review the installation details prior to purchasing, to make sure you have the tools and resources you will need to complete the install. If the installation looks too far out of your skillset, it shouldn’t be too costly to hire someone to install your doggy door.

So, I think it’s obvious… You NEED a Doggy Door!

I truly believe that the doggy door was the one thing that calmed my dog down and really changed her behavior. My family and friends can’t believe the difference in her demeanor and overall behavior, and often comment that they can’t believe she is the same dog.

*Disclaimer: The content of this post is based solely on personal experience and does not serve as a guarantee that installing a doggy door will have the same calming effect on every dog. While it worked effectively for me and my dog, individual results may vary.