Pet parents often wonder how to tackle with their puppy witching hour …Are you one of them?
Anyone who has ever welcomed a new puppy into their home knows the sheer joy and boundless love they bring.
But along with those fuzzy cuddles and wet nose kisses comes a phenomenon that can leave even the most patient pet owner questioning their sanity: the puppy witching hour.
If you’ve found yourself wondering why your sweet, sleepy pup transforms into a whirlwind of energy and mischief at seemingly random times, you’re not alone.
In this guide, we’ll explore what exactly the puppy witching hour is, why it happens, and most importantly, how to survive it with your sanity intact.
Puppy Witching Hour:
Every pet parent knows the feeling: it’s late at night, and suddenly, your once docile and sleepy puppy transforms into a whirlwind of energy, racing around the house, barking, and seemingly possessed by a mischievous spirit. This is what puppy-watching hour is.
The puppy witching hour typically occurs in the late afternoon or early evening, usually between 6 pm and 9 pm. It is the time when your puppy’s energy levels spike, and they become unusually hyperactive, playful, and sometimes mischievous.
You may notice behaviors such as zooming around the house, incessant barking or whining, biting or nipping, and a sudden desire to explore every nook and cranny of their surroundings.
Why Does Puppy Witching Hour Happen?
Several factors contribute to the puppy witching hour, and understanding them can help you navigate this chaotic time with a bit more grace. Firstly, puppies are naturally energetic creatures with boundless curiosity about the world around them. Combine that with their developing motor skills and teething tendencies, and you have a recipe for nighttime shenanigans.
Additionally, puppies are creatures of habit, and their internal clocks may still be adjusting to their new home and schedule. It can lead to bursts of energy at times when they would typically be resting, such as early morning or late evening.
1. Energy Release:
Like human children, puppies have boundless energy that needs to be expended. After a day of napping and occasional play, they’re ready to unleash their pent-up energy, and the evening hours provide the perfect opportunity to do so.
2. Biological Rhythms:
Like humans, dogs have natural circadian rhythms that influence their behavior and activity levels throughout the day. The witching hour may coincide with a peak in your puppy’s energy levels as their internal clock signals playtime.
3. Mimicking Natural Instincts:
In the wild, dusk is a time when animals become more active, either for hunting or socializing. While domesticated dogs may not be hunting for prey, their instincts still prompt them to engage in activities that mimic their wild counterparts’ behaviors.
4. Attention Seeking:
Puppies are social creatures that crave interaction and attention from their human companions. During the witching hour, they may resort to playful antics and attention-seeking behaviors to engage you in their world.
Tackling With the Puppy Witching Hour:
While the puppy witching hour may seem overwhelming at times, there are several strategies you can employ to manage this period and ensure a harmonious coexistence with your furry friend:
1. Establish a Routine:
Dogs thrive on routine, so establish a consistent schedule for feeding, playtime, and rest. By providing structure to their day, you can help regulate their energy levels and minimize the intensity of the witching hour.
2. Engage in Physical Activity:
Before the witching hour begins, engage your puppy in vigorous physical activity to tire them out. Take them for a brisk walk, engage in a game of fetch, or let them romp around in the backyard. A tired puppy is a well-behaved puppy.
3. Enrichment Activities:
Keep your puppy mentally stimulated by providing plenty of enrichment activities such as puzzle toys, interactive games, and training sessions. Engaging your puppy’s mind can help tire them out and prevent boredom-induced mischief during the witching hour.
4. Mental Stimulation:
In addition to physical exercise, provide your puppy with plenty of mental stimulation to keep their minds engaged. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and training sessions are excellent ways to challenge their intellect and constructively channel their energy.
5. Enforce Nap Time:
Just like toddlers, puppies need adequate rest to recharge their batteries. Encourage your puppy to take short naps throughout the day, especially leading up to the witching hour. A brief period of downtime can help prevent overstimulation and reduce the likelihood of hyperactive behavior later on.
6. Positive Reinforcement:
When your puppy exhibits desirable behavior, such as calmness or obedience, be sure to reward them with praise, treats, or affection. Positive reinforcement reinforces good behavior and strengthens the bond between you and your puppy.
7. Supervise and Redirect:
During the witching hour, closely supervise your puppy’s activities and intervene if they engage in undesirable behavior, such as chewing on furniture or jumping on guests. Redirect their attention to more appropriate outlets, such as chew toys or interactive games.
8. Don’t Punish:
When your pup inevitably gets into mischief during the witching hour, please resist the urge to scold or punish them. Instead, gently redirect their attention to more appropriate activities like playing with a toy or practicing basic obedience commands.
9. Be Patient:
Above all, remember to be patient with your pup during this challenging stage. It won’t last forever, and with time and consistency, you’ll both emerge from the puppy witching hour unscathed.
Pro Tips for Managing Puppy Witching Hour:
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Stock Up on Distraction Tactics:
Visit the pet store or browse online to acquire a variety of delectable high-value bones or toys, ensuring you have them readily available to divert your puppy’s attention when they become excessively nippy, particularly during the notorious Witching Hour.
You’ll likely find yourself swapping out these distractions every 20 seconds or so, continuously rotating them to keep your furry friend engaged.
Despite their repeated attempts to return to your hands, persist in offering them something new each time, a routine that may repeat itself countless times within a mere 10-minute span.
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Chill Out Solutions for Teething Troubles:
Keep a fleece braided rope or a squeaky toy handy for your puppy’s soft-chewing inclinations. Additionally, maintain a frozen Kong or Toppl in the freezer as a go-to remedy for extreme bitey behavior.
Ensure the puzzle toy is generously filled with enticing treats—ditch the dry options and opt for peanut butter, Easy Cheese, or wet canned puppy food smeared inside, garnished with cheese bits or small hot dog chunks.
This chilly concoction will provide a soothing relief akin to a frozen popsicle, comforting your puppy’s stands and onto a more appropriate target, simultaneously encouraging movement and diversion of teething discomfort.
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Frozen Treats for Soothing Relief:
Consider introducing a LickMat smeared with Greek yogurt and liver treats or a Feeder Tray adorned with wet food and sprinkled with blueberries or treats before freezing.
If your puppy becomes excessively nippy, cease all play immediately. For severe cases, entice your pup into their crate with a few treats for a brief 5-minute time-out.
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Monitoring Hunger Levels and Meal Times:
Avoid using your hands to initiate play, as this may inadvertently encourage biting behavior. Monitor your puppy’s hunger levels, as even when not experiencing a growth spurt, they may act out due to hunger.
Consider offering a heartier dinner or a snack around 7 pm to ensure they’re adequately satiated and less inclined to nibble on everything in sight.
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Creating a Calm Environment During the Witching Hour:
Minimize chaotic energy during the Witching Hour by ensuring a calm environment, mainly if there are unruly children in the household.
Both puppies and kids experience heightened energy levels during this time, so it’s advisable to schedule interactions between them during quieter periods. Save the boisterous play sessions for later, once the puppy’s biting tendencies have subsided.
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Impulse Control Techniques Through Controlled Play:
Engage in controlled tug-of-war sessions for brief intervals to work on impulse control. Prompt your puppy to release the toy with a command like “Drop It,” offering a smelly treat as a reward when they comply.
Avoid overly stimulating tug-of-war games that elevate excitement levels, as this contradicts the goal of promoting calm behavior. Utilize a Flirt Pole to redirect your puppy’s focus away from your h
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Utilizing Fetch and Retrieve Games for Distraction and Training:
Incorporate fetch or retrieve games using a ball to draw your puppy away from you. Roll multiple balls across the floor to keep them occupied and engaged in chasing, with the JW Hol-ee Roller ball being a popular choice.
Focus on teaching commands like “Off!” instead of using “No,” and practice “Leave It” preemptively to discourage unwanted behaviors.
Utilize training sessions to reinforce these commands, utilizing enticing treats as incentives and practicing with objects your puppy is inclined to mouth, such as a bunched-up sock.
Conclusion:
The puppy witching hour may be a challenging time for pet owners, but it’s also a natural and temporary stage of puppyhood. By understanding why it happens and implementing strategies to manage it effectively, you can navigate this chaotic time with patience and grace. So, embrace the madness, cherish the cuddles, and know that brighter, quieter nights are just around the corner.
