What To Do When Your Puppy Won’t Settle in the Evening
The evening ‘witching hour’ is a common thing and there is a solution…
If your puppy turns into a completely different dog in the evening… biting more, zooming around, barking, or just unable to relax… you’re not alone.
This is one of the most common challenges new puppy owners face, and it can feel frustrating, especially after a day where things seemed to be going well.
The good news is that this behaviour is very normal. It’s also something that can be improved with the right approach.
The behaviour most people don’t expect
Many owners expect a puppy to gradually wind down as the day goes on.
In reality, the opposite often happens.
Evenings can bring a sudden spike in energy, what’s often described as “zoomies”, along with increased biting, restlessness, and difficulty settling.
It can feel like your puppy is ignoring everything they’ve learned or pushing boundaries, but that’s not what’s happening.
Why it happens
In most cases, this evening behaviour comes down to a mix of:
Overtiredness
Puppies need a lot of sleep, often 16–20 hours a day. When they don’t get enough rest, they can become overstimulated and struggle to switch off, much like an overtired child.
Overstimulation
Busy households, visitors, noise, play, and training sessions all add up. By the evening, your puppy’s system can be overloaded.
Adrenaline build-up
Lots of excitement throughout the day, especially high-energy play, can keep your puppy in a heightened state rather than helping them relax.
Lack of clear wind-down time
If the day doesn’t have a clear shift into calm, your puppy may not know how or when to settle.
Signs your puppy is overtired
It’s not always obvious that tiredness is the issue.
Common signs include:
Increased biting or nipping
Zooming around the house
Barking or whining more than usual
Ignoring cues they normally respond to
Struggling to lie down or relax
At this point, trying to train or correct behaviour often makes things worse, as your puppy simply doesn’t have the capacity to focus.
Common mistakes owners make
It’s very natural to respond to this behaviour by trying to “tire the puppy out”.
This can include:
More walking
More play
More stimulation
Repeating cues or trying to regain control
While it feels logical, this often adds to the problem rather than solving it.
An overtired puppy doesn’t need more activity, they need help settling.
What actually helps
The goal in the evening isn’t to burn energy, it’s to guide your puppy into a calmer state.
A few simple adjustments can make a big difference.
Start the wind-down earlier
Rather than waiting for the behaviour to escalate, begin shifting things into a calmer rhythm before your puppy reaches that overtired point.
Build in structured rest during the day
A well-rested puppy is far more capable of settling in the evening. Regular naps throughout the day are key.
Lower the overall stimulation
Reduce noise, movement, and excitement in the environment. Softer lighting and a quieter space can help signal that it’s time to relax.
Use calm, low-energy activities
Instead of high-energy play, offer things like a chew, a lick mat, or simply time in a calm space.
Keep your own energy steady
Puppies are very responsive to our tone and movement. Staying calm and predictable helps them settle more easily.
Make the settling space clear
Whether it’s a bed, crate, or a quiet area of the room, having a consistent place for relaxation helps your puppy understand what’s expected.
What not to do
Avoid trying to “fix” the behaviour in the moment with increased intensity.
Repeating cues when your puppy isn’t responding
Raising your voice or showing frustration
Adding more exercise late in the day
Constantly engaging with the behaviour
These can all increase arousal and make settling harder.
When to get support
If your puppy is consistently struggling to settle, or the evenings feel overwhelming, it can really help to look at the full daily routine and environment.
Often, small changes in structure, rest, and timing can make a significant difference.
Every puppy is different, and having a plan tailored to your home and lifestyle can take a lot of the guesswork out of things.
Final thoughts
If you’re based in Richmond, Teddington or the surrounding areas, I offer private, in-home puppy training where we work through exactly these kinds of challenges in a calm, practical way helping you and your puppy build a routine that works for both of you.
Find out more here:
