When Do Beagles Calm Down? 4 Main Factors

Anyone who has brought a Beagle into their family will at some point probably ask themselves, “When is this dog going to calm down?” Beagles are wonderful pets, but their energy level can be intense. They are curious explorers and love to play and romp and roll. Sometimes their activity level can seem endless and cause their human packmates to wonder if there is ever going to be a time they like to just chill.

When can I expect my Beagle puppy to calm down?

You can expect your Beagle to calm down around the time they turn one. Beagles are high-energy level dogs, but with age, proper activity levels, the right environmental factors, and neutering or spaying when the time is right, your Beagle will calm down as they start their second year of life.

Puppies are one of the best things to bring into your home, and Beagle pups are no exception. But sometimes their energy level can be exhausting. They are active, happy creatures and will need certain things from their people in order to help them use that vitality in ways that are positive for everyone and make owning one of these precious pets enjoyable and not overwhelming.

I’ve had a Beagle and believe me, she was a handful. One of the best (of many!) dogs my family has had, but she took a lot of work, patience, and persistence to become the family member she eventually was. Below I have shared with you what I learned from my experience with my Beagle buddy.

When Do Beagles Calm Down?

Beagles were bred to be hunting dogs. That cute little bundle is all about seeking, finding, running, and catching things. 

Don’t let those sweet puppy dog eyes fool you. The Beagle is all about the hunt and it is in her blood to be an athlete. That said, some things will help her become the family pet you know she is capable of being.

Age

By far, age is going to be the biggest reason your sweet Beagle will begin to calm down. By 8 months, most Beagles have finished growing, physically that is. 

After they turn one, most Beagles will begin to show obvious signs of settling down and settling into their personalities. By the time she reaches her second birthday, your Beagle will be starting to end her adolescent period and will be well on her way to being much calmer than before.

Though Beagles will always be more hyper than some breeds, age plays a big factor in their excitability and need for constant entertainment. 

Another important milestone for your Beagle pup is around two and a half years when her mental growth really catches up to her physical one and her demeanor will start to settle even more.

Proper Activity Levels

Though you can’t speed up the aging process (and probably don’t want to, because your puppy is awfully cute!) there are steps you can take that will help her inner wild child be directed in healthy ways and will make sure any extra energy is spent doing things that aren’t destructive to everything in her path.

Probably the best suggestion here is to make sure your Beagle is getting lots of exercise, whether it’s outside in the yard (supervised of course), on long hikes or walks, playing with other dogs, or with focused family playtime. 

Having a variety of toys for her to gnaw and chew on is also a good idea, especially when she’s going through the teething stage and needs a way to keep those jaws occupied!

Toys don’t need to be expensive and activities don’t have to be complicated. A twenty-minute game of chase in the backyard, a rousing game of tug-of-war, or a long, relaxing walk through the woods that allows her to sniff and socialize – all these can be adequate forms of activity that will release some of her energy and be a bonding experience for her and the human that engages with her.

Environmental Factors

Does your Beagle spend a lot of time at home alone, maybe sitting in a crate? Is she expected to stay in a laundry room or mudroom for long periods of time, because no one can keep an eye on her throughout the day? 

Imagine spending your day cooped up, isolated and lonely? It would be understandable that your energy level would be sky high once you had a chance to be free! Dogs are no different, and they can’t communicate to us how they are feeling with words, only with actions.

Young Beagles are not made to sit idle. They, like any toddler, have lots to explore, learn and do! Though it can be frustrating and even exhausting at times to keep up with a puppy, remembering that their activity level is normal will help you have realistic expectations for your Beagle and will remind you that she’s not being spazzy to annoy you. 

If your environment is one that won’t allow for someone to spend a decent amount of time with your new Beagle, especially in those first twelve months of her life, this may not be the right pet for you. 

Sadly, many Beagles end up tied up outside, left in a crate all day, or dropped off at an animal shelter because good-intentioned people didn’t realize the amount of work they were going to take and the time commitment they would need in order to be a good family pet. Do yourself and your future pet a favor and make sure your environment is the right one for a Beagle.

Neutering (or Spaying) Your Pet 

Neutering your male Beagle or spaying your female Beagle will not only help them calm down, but it also has a whole host of other benefits as well. We are all aware of the exploding pet population in the United States and the need to do our part to help control it. 

But there are also many benefits to neutering or spaying your Beagle just for your own sanity and your pet’s overall health.

Around six to eight months of age, Beagles start to show signs of sexual maturity. Though they are getting older, they may also get wilder, if they are allowed to enter their full sexual maturity. Male Beagles will become more aggressive; female Beagles may seem more discontent. 

Both may have the need to wander and will whine and pace, wanting to spend more time outdoors. 

These behavioral changes can be really frustrating, especially if you have started to see progress in your Beagle’s behavior. Right about the time their teething has ceased and they are learning to take more commands from you, suddenly puberty starts, and boy oh boy, can it be rough on everyone!

Consulting with your veterinarian about the proper time to spay or neuter your Beagle is your best course of action. 

It is a bad idea to do it too early, but waiting can also pose problems later. Having a good vet is always a smart idea in canine care, and they can advise you as to when neutering or spaying is best for your pup. Remember, the more ways you can ensure your new four-legged friend’s safety and health, the happier you both will be.