“My cavalier puppy is hyper. When do cavalier puppies calm down”?
This was me googling around when my pup was about six months old. If you have the same question, don’t worry, you are not alone.
In general, most Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies calm down between the age of 1 and 2. However, remember that every puppy is different, and the ‘calming period’ may vary from pup to pup. But don’t expect your dog to be calm before reaching the 1-year mark.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- Behavior stages from the dog’s birth to being an adult
- 3 Causes of Cavalier puppies being hyperactive
- Solutions on how to calm down your Cavalier puppy
Behavior Stages: When do Cavalier Puppies Calm Down?
0-6 months: Just like humans, baby Cavaliers are curious and inquisitive at the earliest stages of their life. In the first few months, the puppy doesn’t display too much hyperactivity, as it spends most of its time eating and sleeping. When the Cavvy is ~12 weeks old, expect to notice an increase in activity.
At this stage, the pup will begin to explore its surroundings by zooming around the room and chewing on everything in sight (including furniture, clothes, and your hands). Your Cavvy may be disobedient in this period, so it’s essential to be patient with training and provide lots of positive reinforcement.
6-12 months: Until the puppy reaches one year of age, it will probably have more extended periods of hyperactivity. Between 6 and 12 months, expect an energy increase, followed by more exploration.
At this stage, your pup is still very impressionable and trainable, so it’s important to practice discipline and socialization.
Make sure to remain consistent with training. Furthermore, this is a great time to gather information about your Cavvy’s energy levels and create a decent routine (walking, exercise, playtime, and diet). As the dog approaches its first birthday, it’s common to see a slight decrease in hyperactivity.
12-18 months: As they are small dogs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels’ growth stages happen faster than in larger breeds.
After about a year, your Cavvy pup is slowly becoming an adult! Luckily for you, that also means the most challenging period for owners is over.
At this stage, your dog should mostly be socialized, obedient, and mellow. As the teething phase is over, the Cavvy is no longer chewing on your stuff, instead choosing to gnaw on the dog toys you’ve provided. (My fluffy friend used to go crazy for this pack of dog toy items).
At this point, the pup should start embracing its new life and the routines that come with it.
18+ months: Congratulations, your baby Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is officially an adult!
This breed is incredibly loyal to its owners, and as a result, they tend to match their owners’ lifestyles. In other terms, if you prefer to chill on the couch with your pet cuddled up next to you, no problem. If you like to go on long walks with a beautiful dog by your side, the Cavvy is the way to go.
At this stage, your dog should be calm, content, and excited to spend the rest of its life with you!
Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Hyper Dogs?
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is not a particularly hyper dog. As mentioned, this breed tends to follow its owners’ suit. Naturally, it’s important to note that not all dogs are alike. Still, Cavaliers generally aren’t as hyperactive as other breeds (such as huskies and border collies).
To elaborate, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very attached to their owners. They are highly adaptable dogs, capable of living in apartments, houses, or even the backyard (provided that it is gated). As a result, this adorable toy breed quickly gets used to new environments – and new routines that follow.
Cavaliers are perfectly content with any routine that makes their owners happy. Whether that means staying inside in a warm, cozy apartment or spending hours on the street playing fetch is up to you. Consequently, it’s difficult to describe this breed as particularly hyper, especially since it’s a common pet of the elderly.
However, it’s important to note that just because Cavvies aren’t a high-maintenance breed doesn’t mean they don’t need a way to release excess energy. Depending on age, your pup may require a bit more than a lazy day on the couch. Keep reading to find out what steps you can take to ensure your Cavalier gets enough stimulation!
3 Causes of Cavalier Puppy Hyperactivity
Besides early ages, here are some additional common factors that may cause hyperactivity in Cavalier puppies. Keep in mind that It may be due to one reason, but it also could be a combination.
Lack of Exercise
Arguably the most common cause of hyperactivity in dogs is a lack of proper exercise. If your pup seems way too excited at home, it may be time to introduce an exercise routine.
Luckily, we’ve learned that Cavvies aren’t the most active dogs out there. As a result, it should be relatively easy to keep up with their physical needs.
A few short walks or one longer walk a day can be more than enough for this stunning breed. However, since puppies tend to be more energetic than adults, you can also set aside a few minutes every hour as playtime.
Lack of Mental Stimulation
The mind is just as important as the body when it comes to your puppy’s overall health. If your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel displays symptoms of hyperactivity, the underlying cause may be a lack of stimulation.
To combat this, make sure to train and socialize your pup every day. If you want to shake things up, consider using stimulating dog toys, such as puzzles.
Unfortunately, puppies can display a lack of obedience as a response to excessive energy. It’s crucial to be patient with your Cavalier as you try to inspire its little brain!
Inadequate Diet
You may be surprised to learn that an unadjusted diet can cause behavior changes in your dog! Make sure you’re feeding your pup properly, adjusted for age, breed, and energy levels.
Since Cavvies have small mouths, they benefit most from having multiple, smaller meals instead of one large meal a day. An inadequate diet may also affect your puppy’s mood.
In fact, studies have proven a direct correlation between nutrition and anxiety levels. This is critical to remember if you own a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, as they tend to suffer from separation anxiety.
To sum up, it’s important to keep your Cavalier’s bowl full of healthy and nutritious foods!
How to Calm Down your Cavalier Puppy?
As mentioned, it’s completely normal for a puppy to be a little ball of seemingly endless energy. However, it can be difficult for owners to keep up with all of that hyperactivity.
Sometimes, it’s best to take precautions to calm your pup down.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Keep calm! Cavaliers are intuitive about their owners’ feelings. If you get excited, your pup will be even more enthusiastic and hyperactive! If you feel like your pet is getting too excited for whatever reason, try to remain calm and composed. Sometimes that’s enough for a pup to calm down!
- Redirect its energy. If your pup is running around aimlessly or gnawing at the couch, a good trick is simply providing an alternative outlet. Dog toys will come in handy for this step!
- Reward good behavior. Although it’s not an instant fix, I can’t stress the importance of positive reinforcement enough if you wish to stay ahead of unwanted behavior.
- Provide enough stimulation. If your pup is fully vaccinated, consider taking it for a walk around the block for some exercise. Most likely, the pup will return worn out, calm, and ready for a nap!
- Be affectionate! Simply petting your Cavalier may result in a calmer mood, providing a healthy dose of serotonin for both of you.
- Consider contacting a professional if you fear your dog is suffering from anxiety, which may cause it to seem hyper.