How to Calm an Australian Shepherd (Simple Tips That Work)

If you are wondering how to calm an Australian Shepherd, you are not alone. Aussies are high-energy, intelligent dogs that can easily become overstimulated or restless without the right balance of exercise and mental activity.

The good news is that with the right approach, you can help your Australian Shepherd relax and behave calmly at home.

Why Australian Shepherds Can Be So Hyper

Australian Shepherds were bred to herd livestock, which means they are naturally active and alert. Without enough physical and mental stimulation, they often release that energy in ways that can feel overwhelming.

Common reasons your Aussie may seem hyper include:

• not enough exercise
• lack of mental stimulation
• inconsistent training
• boredom
• excess excitement

Understanding the cause is the first step to calming your dog.

Make Sure Your Australian Shepherd Gets Enough Exercise

One of the most effective ways to calm an Australian Shepherd is to meet their daily exercise needs. A tired dog is much easier to manage than one with pent-up energy.

Most adult Australian Shepherds need at least 1 to 2 hours of daily activity. This can include walks, running, fetch, or playtime.

If your dog still seems restless, you may need to increase both physical and mental stimulation. Learn more about Australian Shepherd exercise needs in our complete guide.

Use Mental Stimulation to Reduce Hyper Behavior

Physical exercise alone is not enough for this breed. Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent and need activities that challenge their minds.

Try:

• puzzle toys
• training sessions
• hide and seek games
• teaching new commands

Mental stimulation can tire your dog just as much as physical exercise.

Establish a Consistent Routine

Dogs thrive on routine. Feeding, walking, training, and playtime should happen at similar times each day.

A consistent schedule helps your Australian Shepherd feel secure and reduces anxiety and hyperactivity.

Train Calm Behavior

Teaching your dog how to relax is just as important as teaching commands like sit or stay.

You can:

• reward calm behavior
• practice “place” or “settle” commands
• avoid rewarding jumping or overexcitement

If you are still working on training basics, check out our Australian Shepherd puppy training guide for step-by-step help.

Avoid Overstimulation

Too much activity without breaks can actually make your dog more hyper, not less. It is important to balance activity with rest.

Make sure your dog has:

• a quiet space to relax
• downtime after play
• consistent sleep

Use the Right Toys to Burn Energy

The right toys can help channel your dog’s energy in a positive way. Interactive toys, chew toys, and fetch toys can all help reduce hyper behavior.

You can explore some of the best toys for Australian Shepherds to keep your dog engaged and satisfied.

Support Calm Behavior with Proper Nutrition

Diet can also play a role in your dog’s energy levels. Feeding a balanced, high-quality diet helps support overall health and stable energy.

Learn more about feeding your dog properly in our Australian Shepherd diet guide.

When to Be Concerned

If your Australian Shepherd cannot settle down even with proper exercise, training, and routine, it may be worth consulting a veterinarian or professional trainer.

In some cases, excessive hyperactivity can be linked to anxiety or other underlying issues.

Quick Daily Routine to Calm an Australian Shepherd

Creating a simple daily routine can make a huge difference in your dog’s behavior. Here is an example of a balanced day:

• Morning: 30–45 minutes of exercise such as a walk or fetch
• Midday: mental stimulation with a puzzle toy or short training session
• Afternoon: rest and quiet time
• Evening: another play session or walk
• Night: calm environment and consistent bedtime

This type of structure helps your Australian Shepherd release energy at the right times and learn when it is time to relax.

Final Thoughts on How to Calm an Australian Shepherd

Learning how to calm an Australian Shepherd takes consistency and patience. By combining proper exercise, mental stimulation, training, and routine, you can help your dog become more relaxed and well-behaved.

With the right approach, your Aussie can be both energetic and calm at the right times.