Calming a Hyperactive Dog Through Massage

Last week, I explained how to massage your dog. Immediately, several readers asked, “How and could you massage a hyperactive dog or puppy?” Of course! Each and every dog will benefit from massage, especially hyperactive and easily excited dogs. One of the best benefits of calming a hyperactive dog through massage is she learns how to self-settle in the process. 🙂

Here’s how to give your hyper or excited dog a massage.

Give Your Dog Something Else to Do

In the beginning, I recommend pairing something yummy with massage. This not only teaches your dog that massages make fun things happen, but it also keeps a wiggly dog calmly busy until she learns to relax. Dog treats should last several minutes, so I recommend filling and freezing a toy with yummy food or making a peanut butter plate.

Find a comfortable seating spot, such as the floor with a pillow under your bum. The moment you sit on the floor, your dog will bounce right up to you. Place the food stuffed toy or peanut butter plate on the ground and start slowly massaging your dog.

Start Massaging the Less Wiggly Part

As your dog enjoys her treat, start massaging your dog’s back or rear end. It’s a bit tough massaging her ears while she’s licking away at food, but you can certainly give it a try. If your dog bounces with excitement when you touch her, lightly place your hand on her chest or back, and hold it there for a few seconds. Now, move your hand slowly toward your dog’s rear end.

If your dog starts bouncing around again, remove your hand and wait until your dog settles down with her toy before trying again. Sometimes, slow petting can be too much for easily excited dogs, which is completely fine. Start and move slowly in the beginning.

Of course, if your dog is uncomfortable with you approaching or touching her with food around, I wouldn’t recommend a food stuffed toy. If this happens, check out this resource guarding article.

Take It Slow

For hyper dogs, massaging them slowly is key. For example, one massage stroke should last one second. Count “one Mississippi” silently as you’re gliding your massage hand across your dog’s shoulder, chest, neck or hind legs. For smaller dogs and smaller body areas, that means slowing down even more. Slow is good.

Rhythmic sounds and beats are calming, and that pertains to massage too. After completing a one-second massage glide, continue to silently count for another second as you lift up your hand and place it back down on your dog. Better yet, use your breath to count. As you exhale, massage your dog. When you inhale, pick up and reposition your hand. Slow rhythmic massage will calm hyper dogs. 

If your dog raises her head, sits up or stands, that means your hands were moving too fast. Or it could simply mean your dog has had enough. She will probably find a nice comfy spot to relax post massage, and that’s a good thing! Keep massage sessions short at first, and soon your dog will become a massage junkie.

Set the Mood

Play calming music for dogs in the background like falling rain or soft classical music. Remember, slow rhythmic music is best. In a pinch, “Riders on the Storm” by The Doors works great. 🙂 Music will calm you too. If you’re calm and relaxed, your dog will follow suit.

Take a deep breath, especially when your hyper dog gets amped. You might be surprised at her calm reaction! Keep practicing. 🙂