Does it seem like your dog gets a case of the zoomies every night? You’re settled in getting ready to enjoy a relaxing evening, and all of a sudden, your Pug starts running all over the house like they’re trying to get rid of this pent-up energy? If so, you’ve probably wondered, “why is my Pug so hyper at night?” I have no idea where she got all of her energy that late at night.
Why Is My Pug So Hyper At Night?
If your Pug is hyper at night, the most common reasons are: she didn’t get enough exercise throughout the day, she’s being fed the wrong food and too late, sleepy tantrum, she’s still a puppy and not used to sleeping on her own, and finally, you’ve encouraged the behavior without knowing it.
It can all be confusing, so we’ll take a closer look at each reason closer and what to do about it.
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5 Reasons Your Dog Is Hyper At Night
Pug puppies can be overly energetic. The great thing is they eventually grow out of it. However, it would help if you still had your sleep. So what’s causing your Pug to become overly excited at night when you’re ready to chill with a glass of wine or go to bed?
Don’t worry; there are several actions you can take right now to calm your dog down at night, and we’ll share what those things are.
#1 Your Pug Isn’t Getting Enough Exercise
According to the American Kennel Club, pugs need at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. Some pet owners think Pugs are lazy dogs that don’t require any exercise. Then they wonder why their young Pug is so hyper at night.
This breed doesn’t need as much exercise as larger dogs. Taking your Pug for a walk can help tire them out and help them calm down at night. Ensure you’re walking your dog in the early morning or evening, so they aren’t exercising in the extreme heat.
Consider taking your dog for a walk when you get home from work.
Instead of sitting in front of the television, put on your walking shoes and go for a quick walk. It’s a good habit to get into for both you and your pup!
If your Pug is getting 30 minutes of exercise and they are still terrorizing you at night. I’d recommend increasing the amount you’re walking your dog.
For instance, if you’re walking your Pug for 30 minutes at a normal walking pace. Consider increasing your speed (slowly at first) to a faster pace. If your pup can keep up without breathing too heavily, continue at that pace.
I’d walk Mindy (my Pug) 2 miles every day when she was young. It took a while to build up her endurance, but she enjoyed it, and we never had any issues with the zoomies at night.
Monitor your dog’s behavior while you’re walking. Your pup will let you know when they’re tired, you’re walking too fast, or she needs a break.
Eventually, your dog will be your exercise buddy, and you won’t have to worry about those hyper spells at night.
If you don’t have time to take your dog for a walk every day, consider investing in some toys that keep your dog busy. A dog not only needs exercise, but their minds need stimulation to prevent boredom.
Consider investing in some puzzle toys for Pugs. They can help tire our dog out when you can’t. Just remember, interactive toys are great to keep your dog busy while you’re away. They shouldn’t replace the value of interactive playtime with your dog.
Pugs are companion dogs and do best when they get the proper amount of attention from their owners.
#2 She’s Eating The Wrong Food or Too Late
Like humans, dogs require a well-balanced diet that provides them with essential vitamins and nutrients. We’ve written articles on the best dog food for Pugs that will ensure your dog is eating high-quality dog food.
It’s crucial to maintain a proper feeding schedule that doesn’t interfere with your dog’s sleeping habits. Dogs require at least three hours in between eating and bedtime, so make sure you’re allowing enough time for your dog’s food to digest before bedtime.
Also, ensure you’re taking your dog outside before bedtime. Dogs will usually poop about 30 minutes after eating.
However, both puppies and dogs need to urinate before bedtime. Otherwise, your sleep will be interrupted.
#3 You’re Experiencing a Sleepy Tantrum
If you have children, you’ve likely experienced temper tantrums at bedtime. When bedtime comes, no one wants to go to bed because they’re watching their favorite television show, playing video games, etc.
Dogs can also have tantrums at bedtime. If your dog is running, barking, they are having a bedtime tantrum.
When kids throw a temper tantrum before bedtime, it’s usually because they are overly exhausted, which is why dogs do it too.
In this case, it’s essential to be patient. Avoid raising your voice as this will stimulate your dog and cause the tantrum to become worse. Pugs do best with routine. Make sure you’re putting them to bed at the same time every night.
Eventually, their bedtime will become engrained, and they will start going to bed on their own.
And just your toddler, you never want to give in to your dog’s tantrum.
Tantrums are particularly common in Pug puppies less than a year old.
#4 She’s Still A Puppy And Isn’t Used to Sleeping At Night
If you’ve adopted, bought, or rescued a Pug puppy, she’s likely not used to sleeping without her mother and siblings. It takes time to get a young puppy used to sleeping alone without crying all night long.
However, with time and patience, your puppy will learn. Now’s also the best time to train your puppy to sleep in its crate if you don’t want them sleeping with you.
Read this article to find how to crate train a Pug puppy the right way.
#5 You Encouraged The Behavior
Believe it or not, but your Pug might be acting out because you’ve encouraged the behavior. This breed loves attention, and its primary goal is to make you happy.
If in the past, you’ve given your dog affection or treats whenever they throw their tantrums, they’ve learned the behavior gets them attention.
For example, if your dog becomes rowdy, do you find yourself rubbing, petting, or playing with them? If so, then you’re telling your dog that you approve of the behavior so they continue doing it. Maybe you’ve raised your voice and yelled at her to stop?
Regardless of what type of attention you’ve given your dog during their hyperactive spell, you’ve acknowledged the behavior.
The next time your dog becomes overly energetic at night, ignore them. It sounds harsh, but your puppy will learn that it’s not playtime.
Your dog will eventually grow out of it, as long as you’re not encouraging the behavior.
Conclusion
Pug puppies are like toddlers and may fight you on going to bed at night. If your dog is experiencing zoomies at night, it’s essential to keep calm.
Getting overly excited will make the problem worse. Once you’ve determined what’s causing the behavior, you’ll know what to do.
Remember that saying, “a tired dog is a happy dog.” Ensure your pup is receiving a healthy balance of physical and mental stimulation. Opt for a high-quality dog food that provides your pup with the essential vitamins and minerals their bodies require.
Dogs are creatures of habit. Start going to bed at the same time, feeding them on schedule, and exercising them at the same time every day.
As your dog ages, they will learn their routine and what to expect. With a little training, your Pug will be happy and well adjusted, and you’ll be sleeping like a baby at night with fewer tantrums!
If you’re still having trouble or your dog just doesn’t seem to be picking up on the training you’re giving them. Consider investing in BrainTraining4Dogs. This program will help develop your dog’s “hidden intelligence” so you can eliminate bad behavior.
It’s never too late or early to create a well-behaved puppy.
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