Puppies and the Wild Hour: "Why Does My Puppy Go Nuts at Night?"
As a professional dog trainer, I’ve seen this happen over and over again. There comes a point in the evening - usually after dinner - when the puppy just LOSES. IT. His energy level seems to go through the roof and biting is out of control.
Just because it’s a predictable Thing, doesn’t mean you’re at your puppy’s mercy.
Here’s how I handle it.
Check Stimulation
First off, has the puppy received appropriate and adequate stimulation during the day?
Several 10-15 minute play sessions?
Several 5-10 training sessions?
At least one 20-30 minute chew session?
If not, puppy is likely under-stimulated coming into the Wild Hour which will make things worse.
Appropriate and adequate stimulation earlier in the day won’t eliminate the Wild Hour, but it’ll keep your pup from carrying a deficit into that period.
Plan Ahead for Hands Off Entertainment
One of the difficulties with the Wild Hour is that puppies tend to have a burst of energy, but can’t successfully interact with humans. For this reason, I have two or three hands-off entertainment options ready to go to keep them occupied and my skin intact.
Make Dinner a Multi-Course Affair
Puppy Luna works a stuffed and frozen Toppl to keep her occupied during the Witching Hour
Stuff a puzzle toy (like a Toppl) with a portion of the pup’s dinner and give it slightly before he tends to go nuts. Make the activity last even longer by freezing the stuffed toy.
Provide a Pacifier
The Wild Hour is an ideal time for a chew your pup is meant to consume over several sessions. I like No-Hides, Braided Bully sticks, or jumbo beef tendons.
Check the Nap Schedule
If you work 9-5, be careful about keeping puppy up for too long when you get home. If she stays awake from the time you get home until you go to bed, you’re probably going to experience some nasty behavior and a real bad Wild Hour because she’s too tired.
Try spending 60 minutes with pup when you arrive home then crate her for an hour while you make dinner, etc.
Consider a Sniffari
Leelah watches activity at the park during her Sniffair
If your pup is old enough (or you have access to private land) a long-line Sniffari before the Wild Hour* provides physical and mental stimulation so she’s prepared to rest.
Use the crate when you get home, if needed, to guide her to resting instead of going nuts. All that sniffing will help her relax!
*This assumes temperatures are safe for prolonged outdoor activity.
Is She Teething?
Puppies who don’t feel well, have a hard time doing well. Be prepared for your pup to be a little extra nuts if she’s losing her teeth. Have your chews ready and definitely make use of frozen toys!