Labradoodles can be incredibly energetic dogs. This is a lot of fun at times, as they seem to radiate joy and playfulness. But, when they reach a particularly hyperactive phase as they grow, it can become a little bit overwhelming. So, when do Labradoodles calm down? Let’s find out.
At What Age Do Labradoodles Calm Down?
If you are in the middle of this overly hyperactive phase of your Labradoodle’s development, do not fear. They do usually calm down.
The process is quite gradual but might start happening at around one year. Just how quickly your Labradoodle calms down depends on a variety of different factors. These include size, gender, and the environment it is brought up in. But, in general, it is safe to assume that your Labradoodle will have calmed down by two or three years old.
Keep in mind that there is a difference between an energetic dog and one that is experiencing an abnormal bout of hyperactivity. Labradoodles are energetic dogs by nature and they may never be as calm as some other dog breeds.
What Does a Hyper Labradoodle Look Like?
Labradoodles are very active dog breeds, and those unfamiliar with them might be unsure if their Labradoodle is overly energetic for the breed or if they have already calmed down as much as they are going to. You can look for some things that indicate they have not calmed down yet.
A Labradoodle, particularly a puppy, that is still going through an abnormally hyperactive phase may not be able to sit still for long periods of time. They may also bite and growl excessively and constantly want your attention. And when they don’t get it, they may become destructive. You may also notice that they do not interact well with other dogs and often must be corrected more than once.
Each Labradoodle is different, so if you are unsure, try to get in contact with other owners from the same litter, or ask your breeder.
Causes of Hyperactivity in Labradoodles
Although going through a particularly energetic phase is a natural part of your puppy growing and becoming curious and excited about the world around it, its hyperactivity may be exacerbated by other factors. Here are some things that you should consider.
Lack of Exercise
The most likely cause of hyperactivity in your Labradoodle is a lack of exercise. Exercise can be difficult when your puppy is young, and you are trying not to put too much pressure on their joints, but it is critical that they are given enough, otherwise, that excess energy will appear elsewhere.
You can read more about exercising your Labradoodle in our article: Labradoodle Exercise Requirements for Health and Happiness.
Boredom
Labradoodles are very clever dogs. Unfortunately, this means if your Labradoodle is not given enough challenges or attention, it may get bored.
This is where you may notice that they start to display the typical characteristics of hyperactivity, such as destructive behavior.
Separation Anxiety
Poodles, and by association, Labradoodles, are bred to work well with people. This means that they can become deeply attached to their owners and struggle with separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time.
In my experience, this anxiety can often translate to excessive energy when you arrive home and a lot of trouble while you are gone. This includes, but is not limited to, being excessively vocal or eating your furniture.
Health Issues
There are certain endocrine or hormonal issues that Labradoodles may struggle with, which may affect their energy levels. In many cases, these only present in older dogs but in some cases, issues may appear in puppyhood. One example is if a tumor is present in the adrenal gland in the kidneys.
Genetics
Labradoodles are just genetically set up to be energetic. Both the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle are working breeds and need a lot of attention and exercise to stay happy. The Labradoodle is no different.
If show line parents are used in breeding, you may have a far calmer Labradoodle. But if working line parents were used, you should be prepared for a far more energetic dog, even later in life.
Tips to Get Your Labradoodle to Calm Down
Whether your Labradoodle is just going through an energetic puppy phase or if something else is causing an increase in energy levels, you can do some things to help calm it down. Each tip can work on its own, but they are most effective when they are all combined and done regularly.
Be Calm Yourself
If you are super excited, this can rub off on your Labradoodle. A lot of people have issues, particularly when they arrive home or when guests enter their homes.
If you run around excitedly and give your Labradoodle a lot of attention every time you step through the front door, or if you allow guests to do the same, your Labradoodle will become a little more hyper the next time someone arrives home.
It can be difficult, but try to calm yourself and those around the Labradoodle.
Provide Enough Exercise
Labradoodles have varying exercise requirements, especially as puppies. Try to give them five minutes of exercise for every month they have been alive, though. And, if you notice that that is not quite tiring them out, try adding an additional activity that isn’t too hard on their joints.
My personal favorite is swimming. Puppies and senior dogs can do quite a lot of this without risking injury, and it tires them out.
Or why not set up a simple agility course with one of these kits or try this Flirt Pole Toy for a game of tug-a-war you can easily use in your backyard or indoors on a rainy day.
Mental Stimulation
How much has your Labradoodle had to think through recently? Is your puppy mentally drained? If not, try giving him some mentally stimulating activities. These are also great when you don’t think any more exercise is wise.
My dog likes puzzles like this one but figures them out very quickly. These can also be expensive for some people. If these don’t work, try playing mental games, such as hiding treats and toys throughout your house. You can even play hide and seek with your dog!
With working dogs especially, giving the dog a job is mentally fulfilling. Consider having your Labradoodle clean up its toys or carry an item for you. Mentally stimulating your Labradoodle doesn’t have to be expensive.
Socialization
Puppies can be very hyper around other dogs. Socializing with your Labraddole regularly will help teach him manners and take the edge off their excitement. Additionally, the energy that they expend when playing with another dog can really tire them out and mentally stimulate them all at once.
Then, there is socialization with other people and introducing them to new environments. If your dog is not used to all of this, it may act out and go a little bit crazy when it needs to go somewhere new or is surrounded by people it doesn’t know. Doing this regularly takes the novelty away and makes for a generally calmer Labradoodle in all situations.
Obedience Training
Along with exercise, obedience training is arguably one of the most effective things you can do to help your Labradoodle calm down.
If you do obedience training at home, your dog will learn to listen to you and follow commands. If you move on to an obedience school or even just training in a park, they will learn to listen to you even when they are very distracted and want nothing more than to run around like a hurricane.
Although it is important for your dog to learn commands, you will likely benefit the most from the relationship that you build with your Labradoodle through obedience training and the eager-to-please nature that your Labradoodle will quickly hone.
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