Why Is My Beagle So Hyper? [TIPS FOR CALIMG DOWN]
Beagles have a lot of energy and enjoy space to run and play. They were bred as hunting hounds. This means they are built for chasing, catching, and other athletic activities.
Beagles have a signature look, with adorable eyes, floppy ears, and soft facial features. Well, all this cuteness comes with a personality to match.
Beagles are friendly, smart, and very affectionate! They love lazing about and spending time with owners only when their desire for activity is being fully satisfied.
Beagles especially are known for being a more “hyper” breed. Owning a Beagle can be great fun as they love to play and get up to mischief. When your Beagle is getting restless, chances are it’s not getting enough physical and mental stimulation.
The good news is that there are many things that you can do to calm down your Beagle.
Related Reading: What Size Crate For A Beagle?
Signs Your Beagle Is Hyper
Beagles can grow restless and hyper without exercise, companionship, and adventure. It can be frustrating to have a hyper Beagle with far too much energy.
The outward signs of a hyper and restless Beagle include:
- They will ignore your commands
- They become inattentive and unable to pay attention
- They show erratic and destructive behavior
- They bark excessively
- They show wild energy
- They can even be a liability near kids
By knowing the signs, you can take the proper measures to regulate your Beagle’s behavior.
Are Beagle Puppies Hyper?
Beagle pups seem to have boundless supplies of energy. It is perfectly normal for Beagle puppies to be exceptionally hyper. They are always in motion, always moving getting into trouble.
Beagles are designed to explore everything that they see. Their endless exploration and high level of curiosity leave nothing behind to explore. Their curiosity encourages them to make discoveries each day.
Just like with any kid, a Beagle pup’s attention span is quite short. They tend to lose focus very quickly. It’s important to keep your Beagle training sessions short and to end them on a positive note.
During the first months, in a new home, it’s common for Beagle pups to explode with high energy and then crash to take a nap.
When Do Beagles Calm Down?
A Beagle’s hyperactivity will vary dramatically depending on its age. Their hard-wiring tells them that they should remain active and alert you to every little thing.
The good news is that beagles begin to calm down with time. You will see a slight difference after the age of 6 months.
When a Beagle reaches the age of one year, expect them to calm down a lot. They will likely reach a good baseline level of energy and become calm by the time they are one and a half to two years old.
A Beagle may continue to be hyper after two years, it will never be to the same extent as in their puppyhood. Again, this is a generalization.
What Causes Hyperactivity in Beagles?
The causes for hyperactivity in Beagles are usually a mix of genetic makeup, their environment, training, and the natural growth process. So, there can be many factors at play. Let’s have a look at some of the causes of hyperactivity in Beagles:
- Lack of appropriate and ample physical and mental stimulation can make your Beagle hyper. They need to get exercise, play with toys, and learn new tricks.
- Beagles that suffer from boredom might become hyperactive. When their instinct is denied, they become frustrated and become hyperactive.
- Your Beagle needs more training. Your dog may be hyper because it just doesn’t get your command. You need to train them to obey you and stay calm.
- A Beagle who is anxious may become hyper and act destructively.
During the first few months, socialization, proper training, and positive reinforcement are key to a well-rounded and calm Beagle dog. Thus, it’s certainly crucial to take extra care of your Beagle during the puppy years to prevent hyperactive behavior.
Tips For Dealing With Hyper Beagle
Beagles like to be active. Being a scent hound, they are naturally wired to be super alert. Beagles love to run, play, and jump. They are known for being a more “hyper” breed than many others.
You need to use your Beagle’s natural energy in positive ways. Providing plenty of consistent exercise and attention is the best way to deal with a hyperbeagle. You should create an environment that is both nurturing and safe for your Beagle.
Here are some simple tips you can try to calm your hyperactive Beagle:
Ignore the Hyper Dog Behavior
Beagles seek attention from you. By paying attention to the hyper Beagle, you’re reinforcing this behavior. Try to ignore your dog if jumps at you in an overexcited way. You might be surprised how quickly the dog settles down.
Give plenty of exercise and playtime
Beagles need exercise and playtime to release their pent-up energy otherwise they may develop behavior issues. Provide sufficient exercise and playtime to your Beagle. This will reduce their hyper behavior.
A walk to the dog park or around the neighborhood is a good start for Beagle pups. Here are some things you can do together to calm down a Beagle in safe ways:
- Going for long walks
- Trying running and jogging
- Playing tug of war
- Fetch games
- Swimming
- Frisbee toss
- Agility exercise
Once you’ve burned that extra energy away, your Beagle should be pleasantly exhausted and too tuckered out to jump and nip.
Establish a positive reinforcement protocol
Rewards like treats, playtime, and chew toys are the motivators for your Beagle. You can reward your dog for showing some calmness and settling down. Do not forget to leave interactive toys for your Beagle before leaving it alone. Remember that punishment is not the answer. Never punish your furry pal for undesirable behavior.
Give your Beagle a job
Having a task to focus on can help reduce hyperactivity in Beagles. By giving your Beagle a job to do, you are removing its hyperactive behavior and redirecting its energy elsewhere. This will help to calm down your dog.
Provide mental stimulation
Give your Beagle chew toys and other fun and interactive activities. This will distract them and keep them calm. Physical and mental stimulation through exercise and training will help constructively channel your dog’s energy. Puzzle toys and treats are an excellent way to stimulate them.
Be patient and consistent
You need to be consistently firm and patient with your Beagle. Training and behavioral modification of your Beagle take time and effort.
Take your time, lower your expectations, and allow your furry pal to move at its own pace. With patience and consistency, the result will be worth it.
Work on responses to simple commands
Make your dog learn some basic commands like sit, stay, and quiet. The mental strength required to focus on these tasks will help your Beagle stay calm in the long run. Whenever your Beagle becomes hyper, make it respond to these simple commands. Once the dog complies, you should immediately fulfill its needs.
Check Your Energy
Watch your behavior and emotions around your Beagle. Any energy you project, your dog will reflect. Try to stay in a calm assertive state of mind and project yourself as a confident pack leader.
Your Beagle cannot be calm if you aren’t, so you need to check your energy. Your excitement and overreaction will only provoke them to become more hyper.
Seek professional help
If all else fails, seek help from a professional dog trainer or professional dog behaviorist. You can take your dog to a training class or hire a professional trainer for one-on-one training. If you continue to have problems, consider hiring a professional dog behaviorist to help.
Final Thoughts
Beagles offer tons of fun and affection to their owners. You should provide them with a stimulating, loving, and energizing environment. This will keep them calm, healthy, and happy.
You can give your Beagle a great life by initiating training early and keeping them on a regular schedule of fun and exercise. If your dog seems hyper, or overly excited, the problem likely stems from boredom and a lack of stimulation.
Family Dog Expert Author
Hi there! I’m Stuart, a devoted dog lover and family dog expert with over a decade of experience working with our furry companions. My passion for dogs drives me to share my knowledge and expertise, helping families build strong, loving bonds with their four-legged friends. When I’m not writing for SirDoggie, you’ll find me hiking, playing with my beautiful dog, or studying music.