When Do Dogs Calm Down? A Guide to Canine Maturity - Canine Campus Dog Daycare & Boarding

As a dog owner, you’ve likely found yourself asking, “When do dogs calm down?” Whether you’ve got an energetic puppy or a young dog still bouncing off the walls, it can feel like the question of when your dog will settle down is always at the forefront of your mind. The good news is that most dogs eventually calm down as they mature, but the timing varies depending on factors like age, breed, and environment.

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the different stages of canine development, what to expect during these stages, and why understanding your dog’s mental maturation is important for your relationship and their well-being.

Overview of Canine Development

Dogs undergo significant changes throughout their lives, from the chaotic energy of puppyhood to the calmer, more settled behaviors of adulthood. Understanding these stages can help you recognize when your dog is starting to mature and calm down.

Puppyhood (0-6 months): In the first few months of life, puppies are busy exploring the world. They are highly energetic and have shorter attention spans. During this stage, their physical and cognitive growth is rapid, but their behavior can be chaotic and unpredictable.
Adolescence (6 months – 2 years): This is the stage where many owners start to wonder “When do dogs calm down?” Dogs in adolescence are still very much in the “puppy phase” mentally, even though they may be physically reaching adulthood. This is often the time when behavior problems such as chewing, jumping, and pulling on walks can be most prominent.
Adulthood (2+ years): By now, most dogs have physically matured, but mental maturation is still a work in progress. Dogs may start to calm down more significantly in both their behavior and emotional responses, but they might still have occasional bursts of energy.

Puppyhood to Adolescence (6 Months to 2 Years)

During the transition from puppyhood to adolescence, you may notice a shift in your dog’s behavior. Puppies are full of energy, constantly exploring, and testing their limits. As they approach adolescence, they may begin to show more independence, and their behavior might become more stubborn or challenging.

Teething: Puppies are in the process of losing their baby teeth and growing adult ones, which can cause discomfort and result in behaviors like chewing and biting.
Independence: Around 6 months, many dogs start to show signs of becoming less reliant on their owners. This independence can make them more challenging to train and control, which may make it seem like they’ll never calm down.
Increased Energy: During adolescence, dogs may experience a “teenage” phase, where they seem to have boundless energy. It’s common for them to act out as they navigate these emotional and physical changes.

So, when do dogs calm down during this phase? Expect the process to begin around the 12-18 month mark, but don’t be surprised if your dog still has bursts of puppy-like energy.

Mental Maturation Timeline

While many dogs start to calm down physically around 18 months to 2 years of age, their mental maturation typically takes longer. Dogs may continue to develop mentally until they’re 3 years old or even older, depending on the breed.

Physical Maturity: Dogs typically stop growing in height around 12-18 months. However, their bodies still change as they gain muscle and lose that “puppy” look.
Mental and Emotional Maturity: Mental maturation occurs more slowly. Your dog may not gain full emotional control or impulse control until they’re closer to 2-3 years old.

For many dog owners, when do dogs calm down in terms of mental and emotional maturity is a more important question. By 3 years old, many dogs have developed better focus, self-control, and less hyperactive behaviors.

Breed Differences and Their Role in Maturation

One of the biggest factors in determining when your dog will calm down is their breed. Larger breeds often take longer to mature both physically and mentally, while smaller breeds tend to mature earlier.

Large Breeds: Dogs like Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Great Danes may take longer to calm down. These dogs typically reach mental maturity around 3-4 years old, and even after that, they can have bursts of energy.
Small Breeds: Small dogs like Chihuahuas and Dachshunds often mature mentally faster, sometimes around 18-24 months. They may start to calm down sooner than larger breeds, though they can still exhibit bursts of energy.
Intelligent Breeds: Certain breeds, such as Border Collies or Poodles, tend to mature mentally quicker because of their intelligence and higher energy levels. These dogs may show signs of calmness earlier, but they will still require regular mental stimulation to maintain good behavior.

Understanding your dog’s breed can help you better anticipate when they will calm down and what you can do to aid their development.

Signs That Your Dog Is Calming Down

As your dog matures, you’ll start to notice changes in their behavior. Here are some key signs that your dog is reaching mental maturity:

Better Focus: Dogs that are mentally maturing will begin to pay attention more during training sessions and follow commands with more consistency.
Improved Impulse Control: They will have fewer accidents or outbursts of inappropriate behavior (like jumping on guests or stealing food from the counter).
Reduced Destructive Behavior: Dogs that were once chewers or diggers may stop these behaviors as they gain self-control.
Emotional Stability: Mentally mature dogs tend to become more emotionally stable and less reactive to stimuli, which means they may be less likely to become overexcited or anxious.

The Impact of Training and Socialization

Training and socialization play a significant role in helping dogs reach mental maturity. A well-trained dog that is exposed to various environments, people, and situations will likely calm down faster than one who hasn’t received the same level of socialization.

Consistent Training: Regular training not only helps improve obedience but also provides mental stimulation that can help your dog mature faster.
Mental Stimulation: Dogs need mental challenges to develop. Offering puzzle toys, engaging in new activities, and continuing training can all contribute to a calmer, well-adjusted dog.

Even after they’ve calmed down, it’s essential to keep your dog mentally stimulated for their overall well-being.

Why Understanding Mental Maturation Matters

Understanding when dogs calm down and how their mental maturation affects their behavior is crucial for setting realistic expectations as a pet owner. Dogs don’t mature on a set timeline, and every dog is different. Some will calm down at 18 months, while others may take until 3 years or older.

By knowing what to expect, you can avoid frustration and foster a better relationship with your dog. When you understand the stages of development, you can better support your dog’s growth, encourage healthy behaviors, and adjust your expectations accordingly.

Conclusion

So, when do dogs calm down? The short answer is that it varies, but most dogs start to show signs of calming down around 18 months to 2 years, with full mental maturity often taking until 3 years or more. Understanding your dog’s development can help you manage their energy and guide them through their growth stages.

What was the moment when you noticed your dog started to calm down? Was it sudden or a gradual process? We’d love to hear your experience!